First Public Meeting
First Public Meeting | Photo Credit: Khalil Kaba
Date: October 21, 2019, 6:30PM
Location: Malden Senior Center
Attendees: 90
Goal: To establish the values and priorities of Malden residents for this project and the riverfront overall.
Agenda: Invited guest speaker Alexie Torres, co-founder of the Bronx River Alliance, kicked off the meeting with an inspiring and empowering story of community-led change in her own home, the Bronx. Marie Law Adams followed with a presentation explaining the context for the project and the meeting objectives. After the presentations, facilitators led small group discussions with up to 10 attendees each. The meeting ended with a report back from each group, and a brief statement of next steps from the project team.
Survey: Meeting attendees were asked to fill out a short survey, offered in various languages, that asked how folks used the river, what mode of transportation they used to get there, and what kinds of activities they would like to see along the river. The survey was also available online after the meeting, and yielded over 450 responses that were incorporated into materials for the second public meeting.
What We Heard
Small Group Discussion Questions
Mark what you like or would like to see improve about the Malden River
What are some words you would use to describe the Malden River?
What aspects (physical, natural, social, cultural) of the Malden River today would you like to see preserved or enhanced and why?
What aspects of the Malden River today would you like to see change and why?
Results
The most recurrent ideas in the notes taken during the small group discussions were a desire for a cleaner river and better access to the river. There was a strong interest in cleaning up historic contamination from industrial uses, as well as trash that flows into the river today. It was also pointed out that access to the river is limited in that there is no nearby public transportation or public amenities along the river, and it is perceived as unsafe. In terms of access, people also want to spread awareness that the river even exists, and would like to see more parking and restrooms.
Ideas for improvements varied between programming for community events like regattas to individual activities like jogging, boating, and fishing as well as just being able to sit and relax at the waterfront.
There was widespread excitement about the potential of the river; interest in preserving wildlife and the natural ecosystem of the river and providing spaces for relaxation, and riverfront or river-based recreation such as canoing or kayaking. Additionally, multiple people indicated an interest in beautification of the river so it could be used for wedding/quince photography. Lastly, there was also mention of facilities for performances and community events.
Survey results indicated that most people get to the site by driving, and they usually come to walk along the river. Trails and nature were the top two things respondents would like to see more of, followed by public art and space for relaxation. Lowest on the list of priorities were sports and outdoor gym facilities.
Project Development
Based on the feedback received from this public meeting and additional interviews with people at the DPW on current usage and needs of their yard, the design team developed a concept plan for reorganizing the yard functions for climate resilience and to make room for a waterfront park.
Additionally, the team developed three design options that each prioritized a different theme expressed by residents in the meeting and surveys: flexible space, nature, and viewing the river.