Framingham MVP Action Grant: Walnut Street Construction

Project Summary

The Walnut Street Neighborhood Flood Mitigation project restored hydraulic connectivity, enhance flood mitigation capacity, and increased resiliency for climate change by removing an earthen berm. It also restored surrounding wetlands, stream channels and streambank in the wetlands complex between Walnut Street, Main Street and Stonybrook Road. The berm was replaced with an elevated boardwalk providing an ADA accessible path through an Environmental Justice neighborhood to connect community amenities and incorporated public education elements.

Community Overview

Framingham is located in the MetroWest region of the Greater Boston metropolitan area. Framingham was incorporated as a town in 1700 and changed to a city form of government in 2018. City limits encompass 26.4 square miles, of which 1.3 square miles are water. Different industries have played significant roles in the City’s economy—from grist mills in the 1700s and larger manufacturing companies in the 1800s. Framingham is now home to Framingham State University, and multiple corporate headquarters. Framingham today is known for its population and neighborhood diversity, good schools, and numerous recreational opportunities.

With a population of 72,000, Framingham has multiple Environmental Justice (EJ) communities and neighborhoods. The Walnut St project area spans two EJ populations which meet the EJ minority criteria and the income criteria. In addition to distinct EJ communities, over 30% of Framingham’s population is considered Climate Vulnerable by the American Public Health Association (APHA) due to age.

Grant Details

• Year: FY24/25
• Project Type: Type 3: Construction and On-the-Ground Implementation
• MVP Region: Greater Boston
• Grant Amount: $2,070,567
• Match Amount: $673,490
• In-Kind source: Cash and In-Kind

MVP Core Principles Addressed

While this project addressed multiple MVP Core Principles, it primarily focused on:

1. Employing Nature-Based Solutions
2. Furthering a community identified priority action to address climate change impacts
3. Conducting robust community engagement and supporting strong partnerships with Environmental Justice groups

Climate Change Impacts Addressed

• Flooding resulting from changing weather and precipitation patterns.
• The project design incorporated projected climate adaptation models for year 2070.  

Project Outcomes

• Improved walkability as the boardwalk provides safe access connecting area amenities;
• Increased conveyance capacity and flood mitigation through the restoration of wetlands and streams, and removal of the existing earthen berm; and,
• Improved water quality through the construction of control measures.  

• Continuation of the feasibility, design and permitting efforts, also funded through MVP Action Grants.
• Wetland/stream restorations and removal of an earthen berm which impeded flow, created sediment buildup, and exacerbated flooding.
• Construction of an ADA accessible elevated boardwalk to provide access through an Environmental Justice neighborhood.
• Stream channel and streambank restorations to reduce flooding and enhance conveyance capacity.
• Conducting robust public engagement including climate leadership training for teens and youth programs.

Framingham Public Schools Partnership

High school students became ambassadors to the community by sharing their message at the Framingham Earth Day Festival, teaching environmentally minded lessons to younger students, and exploring climate initiatives through creating, displaying and presenting a community art exhibit. A few students said this program and their teachers’ mentorship has inspired them to pursue environmental studies in college. Fourth grade students had a field trip to the sight to see the construction progress and learn about the project benefits.

The grant also provided climate focused books to each of the nine elementary schools in Framingham, as well as books and seed growing kits to support the High School Environmental program. Additionally, binocular kits were acquired to be lent out to future student visitors and utilized for programming centered on connection to the wildlife and environment surrounding the community.

Additional partners and supporters

• The Danforth Art Museum hosted a Climate Exhibit.
• The City’s Departments of Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Conservation, Planning & Community, School, and Sustainability Coordinator all collaborated on the project.
• The engineering consulting firm, Weston & Sampson, and their subconsultant, SSV Engineering, produced project deliverables.
• The City engaged with Media Boss to document construction of the project, as well as the public engagement initiatives.
• SumCo worked with the City to incorporate on the ground enhancements to the project.

Lessons Learned 

• Prioritize youth involvement; students brought great ideas to the table and were amazing ambassadors in the community.
• Engage the public early to incorporate feedback  (e.g. benches that accommodate wheelchairs & stroller parking to meet multi-generational needs).   
• Go to where the people are. The team saw increased participation by going to meetings, events, and organizations where residents already congregate.

Challenges

• Higher Bids - The bids for the construction contract for this project came in significantly higher than anticipated. These higher bid prices were likely due to labor shortages and increased material costs due to lingering supply chain issues.
• Schedule & procurement - The most challenging part of this project was the 1-year schedule for construction, due to contracting and procurement constraints, administrative tasks, and permitting delays.