Planning Studies

Broad Canal with 303 3rd St in background
Broad Canal with 303 3rd St in background

At any given time, there are planning studies that are particularly active, usually involving work with committees having neighborhood and business members, often with goals to rezone, solve a particular problem, or create documentation of a topic.

Active Planning Studies

At present, the active ongoing planning studies include the following:

It should be noted that even when studies are completed, they are likely to have ongoing relevance and oftentimes will be revisited.

Completed Studies

Planning Studies that have been completed in the last few years or are particularly relevant to ongoing community concerns include:

We hope to add information about additional older studies as time allows.

For More Information

For information about a particular study visit that study's home page.

  • Lafeyette square opening

    Kendall Square / Central Square Planning Study

    The Kendall Square/Central Square Planning Study has an important goal of making better connections between those two major squares. Lafayette Square, pictured above, is a plaza at the confluence of Main Street and Massachusetts Avenue, midway between the two larger squares. Also known as Jill Brown-Rhone Park, Lafayette Square has become a welcome new place for people to get together over a cup of coffee or lunch from abutting cafes and restaurants.

  • 2525 Massachusetts Avenue with park

    North Massachusetts Avenue Study

    The North Massachusetts Avenue Study is being developed with input from the area's businesses and neighbors, with a primary goal of making the corridor a more welcoming place that features either retail or other active spaces at the ground floors of buildings. Zoning proposals to help reach this goal are being considered, starting the the spring of 2012.

  • 61 EC Riverfront Lechmere Canal to skyline

    Cambridge Riverfront Plan

    The Cambridge Riverfront Plan anticipates improving access to the river from neighborhoods all along the length of the city. The most active portion of the riverfront at present is in eastern Cambridge, where North Point continues to be made more accessible by the new north bank bridge leading from EF Center over the rail lines to Charlestown, with access improvements to the Longfellow Bridge, and with better connections from Broad Canal to the Charles.

  • The Concord-Alewife plan cover

    Concord-Alewife Plan

    The Concord Alewife Plan suggests many ways to make a positive evolution for the formerly industrial areas in this westernmost sector of Cambridge. Since the study was completed in 2005, many proposals have been reviewed by the Planning Board for development that is consistent with the goal of mixed-use, with an emphasis on housing and with requirements for limiting parking and managing stormwater. A noteworthy project that is under construction is at the former Faces site along the Route 2 entry into the city.