LYNN — The city is beginning the process of installing new green infrastructure along Boston Street with the input of its residents.
This project, along with additional green investments, is funded through a $199,090 grant award from the commonwealth’s Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Action Grant program, which provides technical and financial support for projects that reduce the effects of climate change.
“We want to develop a nature-based solution for the roadway that captures and cleans stormwater, mitigates flooding, and which in some cases reduces the heat island effect,” said City Planner Aaron Clausen.
The first pilot projects will be installed along the Boston Street corridor and will include two solutions — bioswales and tree box filters.
Bioswales, special channels in the roadway designed to concentrate and convey stormwater runoff while removing debris and pollution, can also be beneficial in recharging groundwater.
Tree box filters, according to Clausen, would “capture tree water as the natural environment normally would, and have it infiltrate into the ground to recharge the watershed naturally.”
The region was identified as a location that suffers from frequent flooding and heat island effect (increased temperatures in areas with limited shade and many asphalt surfaces), according to Clausen.
“The first step is to give residents a quick update on the project,” said Clausen. “Where people can get a better sense of what these solutions are.”
The city has been reaching out to residents, explaining the investments through a short video, and have encouraged residents to participate in a survey before January 31 to share what improvements they’d like to see along Boston Street.
“We could look at ways to reduce traffic swelling, the opportunity to gain space in the public realm and possibly use public art in this space,” said Clausen.
Survey respondents will be eligible to win a $25 gift card as a thank you for feedback. Residents can visit the project website for more information.
After the period of community input, Clausen plans to put the bid up to contract.
He expects the bid will be released by early-to-mid spring, and the project will be completed by June.
This is part of a larger effort to make Lynn a greener city.
The city is also designing a future green installation at Barry Park/G.E.A.A. Field, which might include bioswales, tree box filters and installing porous paving material for parking, according to Clausen.
Residents with questions about these projects are asked to email Aaron Clausen, City Planner ([email protected]), or Weston and Sampson, the Town’s MVP Certified Provider, at [email protected].
Guthrie Scrimgeour can be reached at [email protected].
