Great first step to improve Nonantum Road

5 May 2005

Thanks to the leadership of State Representative Kay Khan the House approved a $40,000 for a study on Nonantum Road. This effort of traffic calming and widening the pathway along the water's edge came out of the master planning effort in the late 90s. And more recently Newton Aldermen Scott Lennon and Christine Samuelson spearheaded this effort and a resolution was passed by the full board, although the land and road in question is on state land. But this support from the city has been crucial.

The Charles River Conservancy, a non-profit that works to "make the parklands more attractive and active and accessible to all" has been an active advocate for this parkland improvement. Nonantum Road was intended as a parkway, but it has become a high speed highway. The sidewalk /bike path is too narrow for two bicycles to cross easily, and because of the proximity to traffic it is hardly a pleasant experience for pedestrians and joggers. Yet this pathway right on the water's edge has the potential for being an attractive recreational path and a route for bike commuters. All these improvements, together with improved storm water catch basins, will be addressed in the study.

Thanks to a Conservancy intern from BU Law School, David Segraves, is was possible to work with DCR to have the project included in the House budget. Soon the Senate will have to approve the same budget item. It would greatly strengthen Senator Cynthia Creem's case if we can give her stories of accidents on Nonantum Road. Please e-mail to crc@thecharles.org.

Click on this link to view the masterplan for Nonantum Road. Thank you to for helping to make Nonantum Road safer and more beautiful.

Renata von Tscharner
Eldredge Street, Newton