The project, focused on improving safety for students and staff at Ellis Elementary School, Higginson Elementary, Troder Elementary, Boston Latin Academy, and Bridge Charter School, involves comprehensive changes. These include raised intersections, curb extensions, and the addition of rain gardens at various junctions along Walnut Avenue and adjacent streets. Notable intersections targeted for improvements are Walnut Avenue and Raven Street, Walnut and Westminster, and Walnut and Cobden. These intersections will see the installation of raised designs and curb extensions.

The project team highlighted recent modifications, such as the inclusion of a city-standard tree planting detail per the Parks Department’s request. Approval for necessary eminent domain takings, essential for the project’s execution, had already been secured from the Public Facilities Commission, a prerequisite for federally funded ventures. Further coordination between the Public Facilities and Public Works departments is anticipated to ensure that permanent easements are integrated into the sidewalk right-of-way. The commission discussed each widening action individually, with unanimous approval granted for the joint petition concerning Walnut Avenue.

Another development involved the approval of 635 High Park AB LLC’s petitions for a new mixed-use building in West Roxbury. The proposed four-story building on High Park Avenue and Canterbury Street will feature 27 residential units, retail space, and 14 below-grade parking spaces. The project includes the expansion of sidewalks by approximately 10 feet, adding planters and resetting curbs along Canterbury Street to improve drainage and pedestrian accessibility. The commission approved the pedestrian easement and specific repairs petitions, contingent on obtaining necessary variances due to increased sidewalk slope from curbing adjustments. This project highlights the city’s ongoing efforts to integrate residential and retail spaces while enhancing infrastructure.

Additionally, the commission addressed numerous other petitions concerning infrastructure improvements across Boston. The estate of Carol Silva and the Boston Transportation Department’s proposal for widening and relocating right-of-way lines on Walnut Avenue in Roxbury was presented, with expectations for further elaboration by the project team. This initiative is part of a broader effort to align infrastructure projects with community needs, promoting safety and accessibility.

The commission also approved a petition to install updated electrical infrastructure on Hanover Street, submitted by the St. Agrapina Society of Boston. This update is vital for supporting local festivals, with assurances that the new cabinets will be privately owned and maintained, accompanied by all necessary legal agreements. This petition reflects the city’s support for community events through infrastructure enhancements.

Among the various petitions discussed, the commission approved a proposal from CB Equities for specific repairs on Saratoga Street in East Boston. The plan includes comprehensive improvements such as sidewalk reconstruction, new pedestrian ramps, specialty pavements, street lighting, storm drain infrastructure, and green stormwater installations. These upgrades are part of a larger citywide effort to modernize infrastructure and improve public spaces.