Vote Medford 2005

Q1: Medford Square Revitalization

The revitalization of Medford Square is still in the planning stages.  If you were walking through Medford Square and along the Mystic River ten years from now, what would you like to see there?

How would you as a councilor try to implement that vision?

Burke: Q1 - Medford Square Revitalization

I would envision a walkway/bikeway with shops and small restaurants culminating with a public space where artwork from local artists could be displayed. I would also welcome a farmers market to the area. The city council has taken the first step by endorsing the concepts in the Master Plan and are eagerly awaiting responses to the Request for Information (RFI) to determine what interests the private sector have in leveraging this revitalization.

Camuso: Q1 - Medford Square Revitalization

A vital Square needs to have places that people want to use as part of their regular activity. There must be stores that provide unique services and goods. These stores should be different than the mall stores and capture the theme of a city that values community interaction. There should be ample parking. Restaurants and cafes would add an important dimension and attract individuals both during the day and the evening. Nice places to sit and gather could be strategically placed throughout the area. We should try and incorporate the river into the scene as well. Pedestrian walkways should be carefully planned so that there will not be a clash between cars and people on foot. Nice greenery and landscaping is a must. As a member of the Council I will continue to encourage ideas that can make our square both a nice place to visit and a functional commercial district. We are very close to Boston and with the right setup we could attract tourists who would help our downtown prosper and add value to our revenue streams.

Carr: Q1 - Medford Square Revitalization

I see a revived Medford Square that is the crossroads of the City, a center of activity, a destination place where people come together to eat, socialize and shop. In ten years, Medford Square will be a bustling shopping district where citizens can attend a local theater production at the restored Chevalier Auditorium or a performance at the Springstep Center and have dinner before or after at one of the many restaurants built along the revitalized Mystic River Park and Boardwalk.

In ten years, the Mystic River will have a continuous walking and bike path that stretches from Wellington past the Meadow Glen Mall and the new Schools at Hormel through Medford Square all the way to the Mystic Lakes. The Mystic River will regain its original use as a natural highway that links the city together. The River will give people a refuge from the noise and traffic of the city, a place where people meet, walk their kids to school and shop.

In ten years, I see Medford's rich history rediscovered with galleries which depict its legacy: ship building, Paul Revere, Amelia Earhart and the priceless Civil War photographs displayed in a vibrant new Medford Historical Society Center. Visitors will flock to the Center as part of a Medford History Tour, a popular day trip destination that starts and ends in Medford Square and links by car or foot the Tufts House, the Royall House, the Brooks Estate, and the dozens of significant houses from four centuries of Medford's history. I believe this vision is already in the works. Medford has many city-owned parcels of land in the Square which it can use to leverage new development and pay for the investments needed to make the vision a reality.

Dello Russo: Q1 - Medford Square Revitalization

Medford Square is moving in the right direction and I hope to be part of the developing master plan. Prospering locally owned small businesses, a renewed traffic flow and parking plan, an elimination of the ring road, a better incorporation of one our greatest treasures: the Mystic River are what I envision. Medford Square should once again be a destination point for people and not an inconvenient stop. A positive process that will continue to build on the strengths of Medford and draw from the talented people who live and work here is what we need to be successful.

Doherty: Q1 - Medford Square Revitalization

Ms. Doherty combined questions one through three and formed a single response to them.  Please refer to that response, which appears below under question three.

Lungo: Q1 - Medford Square Revitalization

I would like to be able to park easily and walk or cycle through a thriving square. I want to go through the square and say to myself, "this is a square that people want to come to, not a square that people have to come to." I want to see the riverfront developed with riverfront access, outdoor restaurants, and wider sidewalks for seating. I want to see a safe place where people can live, work, shop and dine all within the revitalized area. I want to see a great deal of foot traffic within improved bicycle and walking trails; people going to and from all of the businesses, new and old, to and from the Chevalier auditorium, the Royal House, Springstep, City Hall, the Medford Public Library, and the Boys and Girls Club. I hope to see a diverse square with a number of assets including cultural, housing, retail, and offices. I know that with all of this development and hard work, the real estate values will increase within our whole community.

In the short term, I hope that a number of different developers respond to the Request for Proposals. I hope that they are all interested and excited to become part of the wonderful project. I also hope that the Mayor and the City Council can look into the possibility of hiring someone to assist Lauren DiLorenzo, the Office of Community Development Director, and the Medford Square Committee, who have all worked tirelessly on the project. With all the hard work and determination, I believe that we will start to see the Master plan taking shape in the very near future.

Maher: Q1 - Medford Square Revitalization

Mr. Maher declined to take part in this questionnaire.

Maiocco: Q1 - Medford Square Revitalization

A vibrant, attractive and easily accessible area containing a desirable mix of retail stores, eating places and service oriented businesses. Landscaped Mystic River banks on both sides of the Cradock Bridge enhancing the entire area. Good traffic control assuring safety and sufficient parking bringing in new business. A Medford Square groceria is especially serving the needs of citizens living in the adjacent senior housing complexes. As a councilor I will continue to encourage desired revitalization, work for it and give support to actions that require City Council approval.

Marks: Q1 - Medford Square Revitalization

My vision for Medford Square would include a gathering place for arts and entertainment coupled with eateries, shopping and housing. As a city councilor my role would be to explore all options and make sure that the entire community has input because we all have a vested interest in the success of Medford Square and all our other business districts.