Project Benefits - Improve Public Safety - Our intersections have been graded "F" (failed) for safety and efficiency. There have been 4 pedestrian accidents in an 18 month period. Shorter crosswalks, improved signaling and bumpouts will protect our families, children and seniors. Handicapped accessibility also will finally be brought up to code.
- No Tax Increase - This project has been successfully planned within the Town's annual operating budget, fulfilling the Town's goal not to raise taxes
- Show Our Community Pride - Dedham has one of the original downtowns in our country. In the past five decades, many of the towns which were once part of Dedham, have re-invested in their downtowns, celebrating their historic New England heritage. This project allows us to do the same.
- A Long Time Comin' - The last time any major infrastructure improvements were done was in the late 1920's. More than 80 years have passed since any comprehensive improvements have been made to the Square.
- Stimulates Dedham's Economy - Improvements to downtown districts retain and attract businesses which strengthen a community. More than .60 of every $1 earned by local businesses is re-invested back into the local economy. This is in addition to the $200,000 Dedham Square businesses donate annually to our schools, sports teams, PTO's and community organizations.
- Paving the Way - We'll repeat the model. A successful implementation of the Dedham Square Improvement Project will increase the chances of additional improvements in other areas of town such as East Dedham and Oakdale.
- .Won't Stop Other Capital Projects - Thanks to efficient town management and adoption of the local hotel/motel/meals tax, we now have the Major Capital Projects Fund, which gives Dedham access to $15 million in capital by 2015 for continued town-wide capital improvement projects such as a public-safety building and a Senior/Community Center.
- Lower Construction Costs If Done Now - As the economy continues to rebound, this is the opportune time to take advantage of lower construction costs. Now is the time to make long-overdue improvements. Costs will only increase in the future.
- Minimize Legacy's Impact - As Town-issued studies predicted, the Square has seen a drop in business - almost 40%, according to some merchants. Replicating Legacy Place's award-winning formula will preserve and sustain our community's "legacy" - Dedham Square.
To download a copy of the Dedham Square Improvement Project FAQ's click here. Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this project necessary? - Dedham Square’s infrastructure has not seen significant re-investment in over 50 years, a condition which is negatively impacting the Square’s ability to attract new merchants and to encourage investment by commercial property owners.
- As evidenced by recent traffic accidents and near-misses, the current road configuration and traffic patterns are unsafe for both pedestrians and drivers; traffic patterns are confusing and dangerous; sidewalks are narrow; traffic signalization is inadequate; and the crosswalks are too long, poorly marked, and out of code.
- Reconstruction and reconfiguration of the Square will increase pedestrian and recreational use of the Square, provide an incentive for the redevelopment of underutilized commercial properties, encourage additional investment in existing businesses, bring new jobs to Dedham and preserve existing jobs.
How will this project benefit Dedham?
- An improved Dedham Square will benefit everyone who resides or owns property in Dedham:
- It will help to sustain or increase property values.
- Public investment helps to spur private investment in a community.
- Providing a safer, more “walkable” and more enjoyable experience in the Square will naturally attract more people who will support the local businesses. These businesses employ hundreds of local people and support dozens of community organizations. When people support local businesses everyone benefits as 68% of the money spent at independently owned businesses is recirculated into the local economy.
How much does the entire project cost?
The project will have total cost of $6.1 million. Of the $6.1 million, the Town will be reimbursed for $1.7 million through a state economic development grant. The Town’s share will be $4.8 million. This is a comprehensive project aimed at improving safety, traffic flow and the streetscape. The new streetlamps are LED/energy efficient which will be a cost savings over the long-term as they last longer and consume less energy.
What is the project scope/geographic area covered by this project?
The project area begins on High Street just before the Route 1 bridge and extends down High Street to the intersection of Court and Ames Streets. It also covers Washington Street from Harris Street down to just before the intersection of Bryant Street. Additionally, Eastern Avenue from its intersection with High Street down to Bryant Street. How will this impact the Keystone Lot?
After resurfacing the lot, the traffic flow will be greatly improved and the current level of parking will be maintained until the Town considers its future development.
What are the design plans for the project? Is there an opportunity for public input? - The project is at 100% design, resulting from years of community input and public hearings, facilitated by The Town, engineering firm, Beta Group, Inc., and in collaboration with Dedham Square Circle.
- The public has already participated in a total of 3 public input meetings held on this project, two in 2008 and one in 2010, to solicit input and ideas from residents and to address any concerns or questions related to the project.
- Presentations and updates on the project have been given at 7 meetings of the Board of Selectmen between October 2008 and January 2011.
- With this input, the project design is now 100% complete, and so the public commentary period has now ended.
- The project’s design plans can be viewed on the town’s website www.dedham-ma.gov under the Engineering Dept. and on the Dedham Square Circle’s website www.dedhamsquarecircle.org.
When will the construction start and how long will it last?
Construction is expected to begin in Spring 2012 and expedited over only two construction seasons. Estimated completion date is Fall 2013. Construction will likely be halted for a few months during winter November 2012 to March or April 2013. Unlike the recent bridge projects in Dedham managed by the state, this project will be managed by the Town.
Who will hire the contractors? Will the project be put out to bid and what is that process?
The Town’s Engineering Dept. will handle the bidding process and hire the contractors, working to ensure the highest quality work with the most efficient use of funding and in accordance to all existing protocol and requirements.
Who will manage this project?
The Town’s Engineering Dept. will manage the project and will work in cooperation with other town departments including DPW, Police, Fire and Planning. The Town has assembled a “Project Working Group” comprised of the Directors Engineering, Economic Development, Planning, DPW, and Finance as well as the Dedham Square Circle. A full-time Resident Engineer (i.e. project manager) will be hired to oversee daily operations on site during construction to ensure the project is being completed to specification, on-schedule and on-time. The Dedham Square Circle will work closely with the Town and the Resident Engineer to help facilitate communications to Square businesses and residents to keep them informed on construction schedule, road closures, etc.
What are the major design elements of the project?
- Enhanced and shorter crosswalks. The length of the crosswalks in the Square will be substantially reduced to make them safer. The crosswalk on Eastern Avenue, which runs between Mocha Java and the Keystone Lot (town parking lot), is currently 75 feet. It will be shortened to 48 feet , allowing pedestrians to spend less time crossing the street. “Bump-outs” will improve pedestrian visibility. A new crosswalk will be added between the Keystone Lot and Ron’s Ice Cream.
- New traffic signals and flow. The “lollipop” light at High and Washington St. intersection will be replaced with new traffic and pedestrian signals. A new light will be installed at High St. and Eastern Ave. with a dedicated turn lane on High Street to turn on to Eastern Ave.
- Wider sidewalks. The sidewalks will be widened and will be brick-lined, to match the brick banding already in place in the “Dedham Square Crossing” area (the area of High Street past the bridge and new clock tower).
- Improved aesthetics. New sidewalks will be lined in brick and granite, attractive street lights resembling historic gas lamps, will be installed and new tree plantings and landscaping will be placed throughout the Square.
How will the Square become safer?
- Traffic patterns will be improved, outdated traffic signals will be replaced and crosswalks will be shortened.
- A new crosswalk will be installed on High Street between the Keystone Lot and Ron’s Ice Cream.
- The new traffic signal at the intersection of Eastern Ave. and High St. will allow pedestrians to safely cross the street and will improve traffic flow.
- New “bump-outs” and other traffic calming measures will be installed to help improve pedestrian visibility.
- New curb cuts to allow for handicap accessibility. At present, the Square is an extremely challenging place to navigate for people with physical disabilities.
Will the traffic patterns change?
Yes. A highly sophisticated traffic pattern plan has been designed to ensure safety for both pedestrians and drivers. This was done after an exhaustive study and analysis of the current traffic configurations in Dedham Square. New signalization will be installed at the Eastern Avenue/High Street intersection and at the High Street/Washington Street intersection. Overall traffic flow will also improve, reducing backups.
Will the brick materials cause difficulties for those with physical disabilities?
All materials used in the sidewalks and crosswalks will be ADA compliant. There will also be several curb cuts throughout the Square to allow for critical improvements in access by those with disabilities – furthering the Town and Dedham Square Circle’s deep commitment to making the Square a welcoming place for ALL of our residents and visitors.
Isn’t this a bad time to do this because of the recession? Wouldn’t it hurt merchants who are already struggling if their customers can’t get to them? - If left untouched, the Square will be at a tremendous disadvantage with attracting customers and visitors to support the local businesses. Reports from two independent consultants for the Town cited that Legacy Place will have an adverse impact on Dedham Square unless efforts are made to mitigate those negative impacts.
- The Square must be improved to make it more accessible, appealing and safe for residents and visitors to bring the economic ecosystem back into a healthy balance and vibrant coexistence.
- The intent of this project is to help Dedham Square businesses, not hurt them. The Dedham Square Circle will be serving as an advocate for the Square businesses to help navigate any possible challenges caused by the construction. DSC and the Town will solicit ongoing input from merchants and property owners related to the construction schedule, and will be in regular communication with them to keep them apprised of the schedule.
- DSC, in partnership with the Town’s Economic Development Department, will also launch an aggressive public relations campaign to let people know that the Square businesses will be open during construction and plan even more special promotions and activities to continue to bring people to the Square. Signage will also be placed throughout the Square to inform the public that businesses are open during construction.
How will this help Square merchants and business owners?
By creating a safer and more attractive Square, people will naturally be drawn to it - to enjoy, shop, eat and explore – increasing time and dollars spent. More people visiting the Square means more customers for Dedham Square’s small, independently owned businesses. If this is also being done to try and bring back some court business, where is the study that proves it?
Dedham Square has been repeatedly identified in studies and plans as a major concern and priority for the Town for years. A clear negative impact was felt by businesses in the area with the departure of some of the Court functions. Whether the Court business returns or not, continuing the pattern of disinvestment in the Square will further hurt the remaining businesses.
The Dedham Square Specific Area Plan in 1999- “developed under the leadership of a Planning Board sponsored Committee that included representatives from the Board of Selectmen, Town Administrator, DPW Commissioner and Town Planner” identified the need for “improved traffic flow and pedestrian circulation, streetscape improvements in Dedham Square.” – - 2004 Dedham Community Development Plan funded by a grant from the Dept. of Housing & Community Development names a Revitalized Dedham Square as the top Economic Development Goal for the community
- 2007 Dedham Square Planning and Redevelopment Study
- 2007-08 DSC launches “Engineering the Future” Campaign and raises $25,000 in private funding to hire a landscape/engineering firm for this Project. With Town holds two public hearings in February 2008 and June 2008 to solicit community input and discuss scope of PWED application/project.
According to the 2009 Dedham Master Plan, which reviewed the above past plans and studies, the Square is frequently identified as a priority:
“The Town needs to invest in Dedham Square by implementing the recommendations in the 1996 Master Plan, the 2004 Community Development Plan, and this Master Plan”.
The project has also been endorsed as consistent with the regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) by the MAPC.
What other towns have done a project similar to this and what happened?
- Other Eastern Massachusetts towns that have improved their downtowns with a project similar to Dedham’s are Norwood, Canton, Stoughton, Westwood (Islington and Route 109) and Reading. In addition, Randolph, Abington, Braintree and Weymouth are also in the process of major streetscape improvements in their downtowns
- Downtown Streetscape Projects like ours in other communities have provided a boost to their local economies with increased foot traffic and increased sales, the ability to attract new businesses and developers, and an increase in property values. It also spurred private investment by local downtown businesses which made physical improvements to their own properties. [Source: National Trust for Historic Preservation, Main Street Program]
- The major differences between our project and other towns’ projects:
- Most of these communities did not have a private group like the Dedham Square Circle to advocate on behalf of the businesses to help implement mitigation measures to minimize impact.
- Involvement from several of our Town departments including Engineering, DPW, Economic Development and Planning as well as Town Administrator, Bill Keegan. Additionally, State Rep. Paul McMurtry, Selectmen Sarah MacDonald and Mike Butler and Dedham Square Circle Executive Director, Amy Haelsen, have been meeting with this working group since last fall to plan for this project.
- Dedham will utilize lessons learned and best practices from other communities on the Square project.
How will the Dedham Square Circle be involved in this project? - DSC will serve several important roles before and during the project such as:
- Organizing meetings with Square merchants to address questions and concerns and solicit their input on plans for construction schedule.
- Coordinating communication between merchants, property owners, residents, and the Town.
- Launching a massive, sustained PR campaign to bring people to the Square during construction.
- Collaborating with the Town to ensure the project runs smoothly.
To receive email updates on the status of the project, click here.
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