Beckford Way is threatened by proposed development. This is a public way, an extension of Beckford St. that leads to the North River. It has been continuously accessed by the public and is believed to have been used since the 17th century. The walkway appears on a rendering of the neighboring Beckford property in 1700 that was published in the Mass. Antiquarian Journal.
Not only is it a practical way for the the public to get to Bridge Street safely, it is also a rare and original feature of this historic neighborhood. The upper portion of the Walkway is within the Historic McIntire District though it is not recognized with a sign or maintained. The lower portion of the path is being threatened by the development of the former Universal Steel lot, which has been put up for sale by the city. The only proposal the city has received is from Webb Plumbing, who proposes to use the area of the original walkway as a loading dock.
Not only is it a practical way for the the public to get to Bridge Street safely, it is also a rare and original feature of this historic neighborhood. The upper portion of the Walkway is within the Historic McIntire District though it is not recognized with a sign or maintained. The lower portion of the path is being threatened by the development of the former Universal Steel lot, which has been put up for sale by the city. The only proposal the city has received is from Webb Plumbing, who proposes to use the area of the original walkway as a loading dock.
"Not only is it a practical way for the the public to get to Bridge Street safely, it is also a rare and original feature of this historic neighborhood."
Beckford Way is continuously used and maintained
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What HSI says about this resource
In our letters regarding the Webb proposal & how it affects Beckford Way, we have stated:
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“The sale of this property includes a sale of a portion of an historic public way. The inclusion of the lower portion of the historic Beckford Street extension results in significant public value being lost. Councilors should consider this parcel seperately from the former Universal Steel parcel and the sale should be contingent on establishment of a public access easement that would allow for full public use along a similar path as currently exists.”
- excerpt from July 22, 2015 letter to City Councillors |
“The discontinuance of the centuries-old Beckford Street public way removes an important and valuable historic amenity for the neighborhood. This public way provides important access to Leslie’s Retreat Park and the MBTA station.”
- excerpt from January 2016 letter to City Councillors and Planning Board members. |