Purpose

East Dedham Square was once a walkable village center where people gathered. After World War II, the needs of automobiles were given priority over the needs of pedestrians. This project will work to transform the streets and sidewalks of East Dedham Square to prioritize people.

History

Many buildings East Dedham Square were demolished during Urban Renewal in the 1960s, streets were widened, and parking lots paved over where the buildings once stood. For more information, please see the timeline on East Dedham's History page. 

Project Area

Project area is centered on East Dedham Square, the four-way intersection of High, Bussey, and Milton streets with Sawmill Lane. The area extends north and east to the two crossings of the Mother Brook, west to the Mother Brook Arts & Community Center, and south to the light industrial area at Four Corners.

Goals

• To try to make East Dedham Center a more walkable village center with improved public spaces and a Complete Streets approach.
  
  
• To support commercial uses by increasing the amount of on-street public parking.

Funding

Spring Annual Town Meeting in May 2017 voted to approve $15,000 for this project.

Process

The Town will issue a request for proposals (RFP) in Fiscal Year 2018, which starts July 1, 2017. The initiative will include community meetings, a process facilitation working group, a review of history and existing conditions, a framework and storyboard of streetscape improvements, and final documents.

Contact

For more information, please contact Economic Development Director John Sisson, (781) 751-9175, jsisson@dedham-ma.gov.