Maplewood Square Community Visioning Process Will Begin February 4th with the Assistance of Boston University’s Metrobridge Program

The Committee on the Future of Maplewood Square led by Ward 6 City Councillor Stephen Winslow will hold a series of community forums beginning in February that seek to build a consensus vision for Maplewood Square.  The first community forum will be held on Saturday February 4, 2023 starting at the Salemwood School cafeteria. The forum will begin with a 10 AM site walk to Maplewood Square that will be followed with an 11 AM community discussion in the Salemwood Cafeteria.

The forums will seek community suggestions for actions to: (1) support small businesses, (2) attract more customers, (3) preserve and enhance the historic, walkable character of the Square, (4) improve the transportation infrastructure to ease congestion and move buses more efficiently, (5) address parking needs, (6) keep and/or provide affordable housing in and around Maplewood Square and (7) enhance public space in the Square.  Residents first raised many of these action areas during a community forum held in July of 2021.

The Future of Maplewood Square Committee has recruited the Boston University Metrobridge Program to assist with the community visioning forums. MetroBridge enlists BU students and faculty as allies in addressing real-world urban issues that municipalities and community organizations face. MetroBridge provides a win-win solution by providing tailored expertise and research support to under-resourced communities, while simultaneously providing real-world learning experiences to students from various disciplines to prepare them for their future careers. MetroBridge students and faculty will help run each forum, collect additional information and conduct research helpful to guide the visioning process and will ultimately present the results of their study to the community. MetroBridge has successfully worked with cities through out Eastern Massachusetts including Boston, Chelsea, Everett, Framingham, Revere and Winthrop.

Additional forums will be held on Monday, February 27 at 7 PM in the Salemwood School Cafeteria and on Monday, May 1 at 7 PM in the Salemwood School Auditorium.

The Future of Maplewood Square Committee began its work in 2021 and organized the first annual “Mayplewood Fest” in May of 2022 with the assistance of Mayor Gary Christenson’s Office. Committee members include Ward 6 City Councillor Stephen Winslow who serves as Chair, Ward 5 Councillor and current City Council President Barbara Murphy and Councillor-At-Large Carey McDonald as well as residents and business members.

For further information please contact Ward 6 City Councillor Stephen Winslow at 781-661-8032 or swinslow@cityofmalden.org.