https://resilient.mysticriver.org/climate-data daily 0.75 2025-07-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/1584469431585-JW6N13W3YYAM86DJ273S/framingham+september+2015.jpg Climate Data - Flash floods, flash droughts Historic precipitation patterns in Massachusetts meant small amounts of rain and snow approximately every three days. Now more of our precipitation is occurring as winter Nor’easters and summer thunderstorms and hurricanes, with longer dry periods in between. This new pattern is beginning to overwhelm aging stormwater infrastructure and stress native ecosystems. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/1583763831534-6WUEAPOH0HC3XKN7YW05/CRB+heat+graph.png Climate Data - Our climate is moving south According to these data from Climate Ready Boston, the number of summer days above 90 degrees F has doubled since 1990, and are expected to double again around mid-century. This means that Greater Boston summers around 2050 will be closer to those of Washington, DC’s old normal, and late century Boston will feel more like Birmingham, Alabama’s old normal. Imagine how hot it will be in Birmingham, Alabama! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/620127f8-69f4-4a90-879d-0befae39d96b/2070+probability+map+with+legend.jpg Climate Data - Once-in-a-lifetime storms are becoming more common This graphic shows the likelihood of coastal flooding in the Lower Mystic Watershed around 2070 when Boston Harbor is 3 1/2 feet higher than it was in 2000. Some predictions: Downtown Malden and Medford and Cambridge’s drinking water reservoir will flood on average every five years. Parts of Chelsea, Everett and Boston will flood twice daily. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/1583767108224-OV4JG8LPFMK8J4WGJMVI/IPCC%2Bsensitivity.jpg Climate Data - People need to be able to get out of harm’s way Extreme weather hits some people harder than others. People with greater exposure, such as outdoor workers or greater sensitivity, such as people in poor health, are affected more by heat waves and storms. People who lack the financial or emotional resources have lower adaptive capacity to recover. These three characteristics differ among populations and affect their vulnerability to climate change. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/b9165545-eef0-44c9-9cef-684febc1e16a/DMussina06_Boom+%26+Skimmer+Between+Route+60+and+River+St+Bridge_6-1-13.jpg Climate Data - Risk Multipliers Climate-driven extreme weather acts as a risk multiplier, making pre-existing vulnerabilities much, much worse. Wind, heat, heavy rainfall, and coastal flooding can increase people’s exposures to toxic chemicals both during and after extreme weather events. As the Mystic River watershed has many historical and current industrial sites, we are working to identify increased risk of chemical exposure over time. https://resilient.mysticriver.org/home daily 1.0 2025-06-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/2094febd-d37f-442d-8037-f3c32ae2a969/012220_025.jpg Home - We are data-driven. We start with research to develop priority, cost-effective projects that make a difference on the ground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/1581429500012-PMGMV88P18IEKW6GCIKD/Chelsea_2070_Depth_pt1.jpg Home - We are action-oriented. We focus on regional projects and policies no one community can do alone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/1581429833160-EEVO566CDSGZZWQVXR1V/IMG_20200122_125916376_HDR.jpg Home - We are pragmatic and optimistic. We look for solutions that prepare our communities for more heat, storms, and flooding while making our neighborhoods more livable and equitable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/1581429965413-50VPP2UVZWY7IIZG69KW/Chris-McIntosh15.jpg Home - We are mutually supportive. We share knowledge, resources, and a love of place across the 21 communities that make up the Mystic River Watershed. We come together to not come apart. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/1581430105310-PJ2967ZKO3G0OWQZP87L/1+yr+celebration+-+all.jpg Home - We have the structure needed to succeed and learn. Together we have crafted the vision, capacity, and regional decision-making needed to stay together for the long run. https://resilient.mysticriver.org/about daily 0.75 2026-02-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/1582661266416-7JAMTZSOW7U6SN1MHB41/012120_0364.jpg About - Why We’re Here Massachusetts lacks the formal regional government structures needed to plan, finance, and implement regional climate resilience measures. As climate risks like coastal flooding, The Resilient Mystic Collaborative developed to address this gap and enable work across political and community boundaries . https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/1582580757044-9CGRAACTGONLDTNISRXP/IMG_20180926_110843.jpg About - The seeds of our collective vision were planted in our first meeting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/1582581140545-JJFNVZ5WM6BES25DIS0P/Flooding.jpg About - We wanted to manage chronic flooding. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/1582581365883-5T76SQLNHT04Y5O1J070/storm%2Bdamage.jpg About - We wanted to storm-proof critical regional infrastructure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/1582581496675-RWJYLEB4H4FS19BDOY33/heatstroke.jpg About - We wanted to protect our most vulnerable residents and workers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/1586274692479-35U2TY12TPSK4XQ5B0NP/1%2Byr%2Bcelebration%2B-%2Bcake.jpg About - In our first four years we have attracted over $51 million in grants and bonds for climate resilience projects—despite COVID having sent us on-line. https://resilient.mysticriver.org/our-work daily 0.75 2026-02-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/1584739511221-ZU18PPIIUWAG9OJKNVEL/Jan%252B2018%252Bflooding%252Bunsuccessful%252Bsandbagging%252Bof%252BAquarium%252Bstation%252BMichael%252BDwyer%252BAP.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/87173b04-1c7c-4c1e-821f-d61fe5cdb171/wicked+hot+mystic+map.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/0e41f6ef-8721-4d19-8c12-5b5c0a56476c/Photo%25252BSep%25252B02%2525252C%25252B6%25252B39%25252B02%25252BPM.jpg https://resilient.mysticriver.org/community-support daily 0.75 2022-12-22 https://resilient.mysticriver.org/stormwater-flood-resilience daily 0.75 2025-06-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/f7a90017-55f9-49f9-a31b-9fb09b5dfd70/Lynn%2BJournal%2BPlanet%2BFitness%2Bparking%2Blot.jpg Stormwater Flood Resilience - Climate risks We recognize that flooding doesn’t stop at municipal boundaries and that there is a need for managing precipitation-based flooding on a watershed scale. 17 RMC communities are working together on a range of strategies from constructed wetlands to new zoning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/024124a7-52e7-4157-a882-9c552bc20c3f/Woburn+trees.jpg Stormwater Flood Resilience - Where we are We use a watershed-wide hydrologic model to predict future precipitation-based flooding and flood damage. We found 120 viable sites for stormwater wetlands and have begun designing and constructing the first six. In doing so, we found that these wetlands made a much bigger difference in local vs. regional flood management. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/43bbc66b-1f07-490a-a81e-74ad39e2c046/hurld.jpg Stormwater Flood Resilience - What we’re doing Recognizing that we can’t prevent stormwater flooding to the 2070 10% storm, we’re focusing on preventing flood damage, especially to those who can least afford it. We are now looking at how zoning and other policies and communications can help people and critical resources get or stay out of harm’s way. https://resilient.mysticriver.org/advocacy-outreach daily 0.75 2025-07-31 https://resilient.mysticriver.org/coastal-flood-resilience daily 0.75 2026-02-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/1583273613866-Z77TSPVNY8U6IM7HLPZA/hurricane-sandy-subway-flooding-537x373-537x373.jpg Coastal Flood Resilience - Climate risks Greater Boston is very lucky not to have experienced extreme storms as have many other coastal regions. We need to ensure our transit, energy, food, and water systems can withstand today and tomorrow’s record storms. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/1583273400758-9Z72RLHTDK2ORSQS47MX/Chelsea+Creek_Mark+Peterson.jpg Coastal Flood Resilience - Where we are Lower Mystic contains the densest concentration of both critical regional infrastructure and environmental justice residents in New England, making our region disproportionately at risk of harm from coastal flooding. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/1583273860836-IRI8NLR1Z55YI7EFDJV4/012220_070.jpg Coastal Flood Resilience - What we’re doing Based on equity-centered research on risks to critical infrastructure and other inland neighborhoods, we are actively designing, permitting, and constructing regional multi-benefit coastal solutions. https://resilient.mysticriver.org/social-resilience daily 0.75 2025-06-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/1583258485986-9SGD6RLWIKH70GMN742J/gettyimages-89848919-france-heat.jpg Social Resilience - Climate risks Climate change is increasing the strength and frequency of extreme weather. Some residents and workers are disproportionately affected by their exposure, sensitivity, and/or ability to recover. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/1583258645264-735IHL2RBD91APQ2H6HM/Staten%2BIsland%2Bheat%2Bwave.jpg Social Resilience - Where we are We need to invest in the resilience of especially low-income BIPOC residents and workers so that their health, housing and ability to work are protected during and after extreme weather. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/1583275234614-NK1PKO90IU656EKS2JMA/nancy%2Bsmith.jpg Social Resilience - What we’re doing Each of the RMC’s working groups includes service providers and community leaders identifying and pursuing policies and funding that increase resilience for the people who need it most. https://resilient.mysticriver.org/lower-mystic-vulnerability-assessments daily 0.75 2022-12-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/ba40fb7d-81e4-4a01-93c9-e0f8aa6c12e4/Damaged%2BRollercoaster%2BFuntown%2BPier%2Bin%2BSeaside%2BHeights%252C%2BNJ%2B%25282012%2529.jpg Lower Mystic Vulnerability Assessments - When Superstorm Sandy hit New York and New Jersey, causing over $70 billion in damage, it caused lasting damage to the region’s infrastructure. The Lower Mystic Watershed hosts the highest concentration of critical regional infrastructure north of New York City along with tens of thousands of low-income BIPOC residents. Photo credit: The Atlantic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/1597951394712-YMV5LKWATIFS1X6GHAR5/Secondary-Wastewater-Facility-Photo.jpg Lower Mystic Vulnerability Assessments - Seven host municipalities involved in the RMC partnered with 15 infrastructure managers and state and federal emergency response agencies to hold an October 2020 functional exercise based on a projected 2050 1% slow-moving winter Nor’easter directly hitting Boston Harbor. Participants identified potential impacts on their own facilities, as well as indirect impacts from other infrastructure failing (e.g., electricity, transportation, communications). We prioritized a short list of critical infrastructure with the potential for long recovery times. Read findings Photo credit: Coastandharbor.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/1598032376064-8PYLS5TXP89P1KO6JQMN/MBTA+aquarium+T-stop.jpg Lower Mystic Vulnerability Assessments - Following the exercise, a team of researchers and community-based organizations interviewed low-income local residents and workers to understand how their lives would be affected if critical infrastructure were damaged by a major coastal storm. We also asked questions about their lived experiences with COVID and during record 2015 blizzards. Read findings Photo credit: New England Cable News https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/eff0f6d2-83e4-45c3-b8aa-93e96e714f25/3D+East+Boston+flooding+1+percent+2070+Climate+Ready+Boston+2016.jpg Lower Mystic Vulnerability Assessments Combining the infrastructure and social vulnerability assessments allowed us to understand what information each provided that the other would have missed. It allows communities to prioritize those capital and operational improvements that make the biggest difference to vulnerable populations. We will use these data to decrease climate resilience gaps between wealthier neighborhoods and lower-income communities of color. Read report Credit: Climate Ready Boston https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/5bd6b1f9-20f7-4458-9128-669b37a8a3d7/flood+viewer.png Lower Mystic Vulnerability Assessments - Executive Summary Final Report Appendix A: Social Assessment Materials Appendix B: Social Vulnerability Findings Appendix C: Infrastructure Exercise Materials Appendix D: Infrastructure Exercise Findings Appendix E: Lessons Learned Report Press Release Credit: Arup https://resilient.mysticriver.org/stormwater-wetlands daily 0.75 2022-12-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/2fd9f547-0127-4330-93e9-ac3f368eeb07/prioritization+filter.jpg Stormwater Wetlands - Ranking Opportunities Partnering with state and local agencies and consultants from Kleinfelder and Stantec, the RMC completed tabletop assessments of 425 open space parcels three acres or more across the Mystic River Watershed. Ranked by physical, equity, and feasibility characteristics, the team narrowed the list down to 140, then 18, then a first six locations to move to “shovel ready” design. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/defb2d95-fde7-419f-83d8-73017bef308b/IMG_9062.jpg Stormwater Wetlands - Design and Permitting In September 2020, the Town of Lexington received a $670,000 regional grant from the State MVP program on behalf of the entire RMC. The grant allowed cities and towns to engage local residents in community-engaged design for the first three restored or enhanced wetland areas, followed by the next three sites in coming years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/177475ec-bd87-4a17-bed0-41d7ab0baa3a/Picture1.jpg Stormwater Wetlands - What We’re Learning After going through this exercise and extrapolating to the entire watershed, we realized we’d never have sufficient resources to create enough wetlands to fully manage stormwater flooding. We are now distinguishing between “flooding” and “flood damage” and focusing our attention on preventing the latter—especially as it affects people, habitat, and the built environment. https://resilient.mysticriver.org/rmc-origins daily 0.75 2020-09-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/1598928616875-YDI657NZNMPGQ0X7224T/Carri2.png RMC Origins Q&A Carri Hulet, Consensus Building Institute https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/1598928339041-O9ZY5R5AOH47SP6NJ98R/Katie.png RMC Origins Q&A Katie Swan, Tufts University https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/1598928659754-Y46DZG2WJEGENMVXSV6G/Carolyn.png RMC Origins Q&A Carolyn Meklenburg, Tufts University https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/1598928700617-H03NPIH1A7JWRCBYQRFC/image-asset.png RMC Origins Q&A Nina Mascarenhas, MIT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/1598928491458-PGJNIY1M8GG4PIN3Y4WX/Julie.png RMC Origins Q&A Julie Wormser, Mystic River Watershed Association https://resilient.mysticriver.org/wicked-hot-mystic daily 0.75 2024-03-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/c4043786-352b-4bbc-95a0-c91f42eceafc/Philly%2Bheat%2Bemergency%2BJOSE%2BF.%2BMORENO%2BSTAFF%2BPHOTOGRAPHER.jpg Wicked Hot Mystic Summer heat waves actually harm and kill more people than any other climate risk. As climate change makes Greater Boston’s summers hotter, people who live in heavily developed areas, lack air conditioning, and are socially isolated are most at risk of heat-related harm. Source: Jose Moreno, Philadephia Inquirer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/782c9c33-2fae-405d-948c-15572e40e4b2/Daria+Clark+2.jpg Wicked Hot Mystic In September 2020, the State MVP program awarded the RMC an $186,200 grant to develop a watershed-wide map of day- and night-time “real feel” ground-level heat and humidity. In August 2021, 80 volunteers gathered these data over 25 hours of a heatwave. Source: Daria Clark https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/87173b04-1c7c-4c1e-821f-d61fe5cdb171/wicked+hot+mystic+map.jpg Wicked Hot Mystic CAPA Strategies, the Boston Museum of Science, and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council created “Wicked Hot Mystic" heat maps that help us prioritize where and how nature-based solutions can be used to reduce extreme summertime heat. Source: MAPC https://resilient.mysticriver.org/social-vulnerability-learn-more daily 0.75 2021-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/1617057397901-3RB80HN0X94499G3A011/170314-boston-blizzard-snow-210p_75deeaaa6a8e63ac408638d2c9ae66d7.fit-2000w.jpg Social Vulnerability Learn More - How Storms Affect People Somerville, Boston, Everett, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop are working together with community-based partners to understand how people are affected during an extreme weather event that could cause flooding and power outages. Photo credit: Michael Dwyer / AP https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/1617057732262-KNCZY62C990AIGRWLOGB/AFP_Getty-161128032.jpg Social Vulnerability Learn More - How We Learn From You Community-based organizations are surveying residents and workers to hear about the different ways their day-to-day lives are impacted by emergencies, such as COVID and extreme weather. We are focusing on the experiences of people who are hit hardest by these events. Photo credit: Darren McCollester/Getty Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/1598461603133-VJ0KZLV25L693F8S3MNJ/Flood+viewer.png Social Vulnerability Learn More - What’s Next We are taking what we learn from people about how emergencies impact them and combining it with what we know about how extreme weather affects the infrastructure we all rely on, such as the T and buses, the airport, oil and gas services, and hospitals. By linking this information, we can help local and state governments, public health workers, and managers prioritize investments that improve our communities’ resilience in terms of health, housing, and ability to get around. Credit: Arup, Woods Hole Group simulated 2050 1% storm https://resilient.mysticriver.org/acres-research daily 0.75 2024-01-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/a812c202-2a77-4918-9f01-f67bf74369bd/Climage-change-and-its-effects-1920x1217.jpg ACRES Research - In November 2022, the Mystic River Watershed Association and Boston University School of Public Health researchers were awarded a grant by the Environmental Protection Agency to understand health impacts from multiple climate stressors in the Mystic watershed. Photo credit: BU School of Public Health https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/22cef990-7244-489e-a67f-47b01a434b57/Muskaan+and+Amruta+ACRES.png ACRES Research - Following the essential steps of health impact assessment (HIA), we are partnering with municipal staff, community-based organizations, and other local residents and workers to understand and prioritize local concerns and potential solutions to decrease their cumulative exposure to chemical and non-chemical stressors as climate change worsens. Photo credit: Mariangelí Echevarría-Ramos https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/fc0bd70a-2c87-42a6-86e8-111d874d2ff8/hazards+map.jpg ACRES Research - We are developing a high-resolution, solutions-oriented, watershed-wide model of cumulative climate hazards (especially heat, inland flooding, and coastal flooding). By leveraging map-based data on chemical exposures and health impacts, we will identify and characterize neighborhoods and subpopulations at high risk from increased climate-related chemical exposure. Credit: Boston University Research Team https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/7fc76a82-f874-4ea2-8c55-2527be107ddd/east-boston-neighborhood-02_xx6720-3780-0-350.jpg ACRES Research Finally, we will combine high-resolution exposure data with outputs from multi-stressor epidemiologic analyses that will combine Medicare and Medicaid data with place-based exposure data. This analysis will allow us to quantify the health risks from multiple chemical exposures and understand relative health benefits of community-generated solutions. Credit: Boston Business Journal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/ac648ad1-b8d8-460c-9af1-afcbb9dd0590/ACRES+map.png ACRES Research - ACRES Website EPA ACRES Grant About the ACRES Project Visualizing chemical & climate exposures Credit: Boston University Research Team https://resilient.mysticriver.org/member-site-homepage-1 daily 0.75 2025-01-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1618497259178-6XJGK9GR6YAVBQL5L519/20140301_Trade-151_012-2.jpg Member Site Homepage 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1607694583486-2PQT0LQ193RL7MCB6DX4/20140228_Trade+151_0046.jpg Member Site Homepage 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1607694644871-IC85FNH781UNZSZEGHDR/Aro+Ha_0428.jpg Member Site Homepage 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/b0e76259-0a2d-4652-af34-d25143b6cd3c/02_CIRCLE_SHOT_3_0307_04_QC.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/7981a6b2-6661-493c-b9dc-654a4b537c39/04_CIRCLE_SHOT_4_0422_03_QC.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/27dca807-da34-43e7-a1ab-58f117dc7aca/01_CIRCLE_SHOT_6_0199_06a_QC.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1dd36f65-c5db-447f-aa01-66161cdcde0c/Aro+Ha_0010.jpg https://resilient.mysticriver.org/all-member-meetings daily 0.75 2025-01-07 https://resilient.mysticriver.org/working-groups-meetings daily 0.75 2025-01-07 https://resilient.mysticriver.org/about-1 daily 0.75 2025-06-10 https://resilient.mysticriver.org/lower-mystic-vision-report daily 0.75 2025-10-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/b14374f7-3c22-4208-ad80-da2545fdb6bf/IMG_4037.JPG Lower Mystic Waterfront Vision Report - The lower Mystic should be climate resilient, connected, inclusive, active, and thrive as a working waterfront. While the region has overcome past challenges through collective and bold action—such as the Boston Harbor cleanup and the Big Dig—it now faces mounting challenges as demand grows for waterfront access, local jobs, affordable housing, and climate protection. To meet these needs, communities across the region are advancing bold plans for resilience, housing, and transportation. See the Executive Summary here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/f61c24ea-f577-483e-9444-6340d10cfb7f/IMG_5932.jpg Lower Mystic Waterfront Vision Report - We face serious risks along the waterfront, but there are ways to adapt to the risk that actually improve everyday quality of life. Elevated paths and parks provide great views, and protect neighborhoods and workplaces during coastal floods. Pocket parks give people places to enjoy on nice days, and soak up the rain during storms. Splash pads and trees are fun and beautiful, and provide a cool escape during hot summer days. The waterfront should serve the dual purpose of providing enjoyment and protecting the community and its businesses, institutions, and infrastructure from climate stressors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/ba025c02-b902-45f0-aa46-d973f7947be3/Daria+Clark_9.12..2023_IMG_3945.JPG Lower Mystic Waterfront Vision Report - Imagine being able to walk or bike along the water to get to your job, school, family gathering, or doctor’s appointment; from Charlestown to Somerville and across the Mystic River, from Medford to Malden and from Everett into Chelsea, onward to Revere and East Boston; on a warm summer night, spring blossom morning, or a crisp fall day. Cities and community groups in the lower Mystic have been working on pieces of this vision for decades, and there are many projects underway now to build safe and accessible routes for walking, biking, and rolling that connect people to places, nature, and each other. This vision supports existing waterfront access projects and advances new ones. Image Credit: Daria Clark https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/1a326ed0-1a80-4e80-b76d-22c6201831fd/20250601+%C2%A9David+Mussina+290.jpg Lower Mystic Waterfront Vision Report The lower Mystic waterfront should become known for its welcoming, safe, comfortable, outdoor spaces where people from every walk of life can enjoy and benefit from this incredible natural resource. We envision a variety of gathering spaces, connected by a path network, that feel welcoming and accessible to all - places where families can picnic under shaded structures, cyclists can safely park their bikes, and everyone can easily find restrooms and water fountains. Thoughtfully designed infrastructure will make the lower Mystic Waterfront inviting, with well-lit pathways, public seating, and clear signage ensuring that all visitors, regardless of age or ability, can comfortably enjoy these open spaces. Image credit: David Mussina https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/76f54ab9-ba4a-43ab-9d1d-251266cc9179/IMG_4007.png Lower Mystic Waterfront Vision Report - The lower Mystic working waterfront will be revitalized by using regional planning as a tool to unlock its economic development potential and leverage state investment to support maritime uses. We believe the future of the lower Mystic waterfront can improve recreation, access, resilience and maritime uses. We believe that when these outcomes are planned for simultaneously, across municipal boundaries, these activities can not only co-exist, but reinforce, and sustain one another. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/b61c2abf-ae88-45a5-a75e-0a396348a426/screenshot-1757516831077.png Lower Mystic Waterfront Vision Report - Lower Mystic Waterfront Vision Executive Summary Lower Mystic Waterfront Vision Final Report Lower Mystic Waterfront Vision Appendices https://resilient.mysticriver.org/our-impact daily 0.75 2026-02-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/1d006272-0173-4a1f-ab8d-f6685491a3cf/mapc.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/4cf77fad-87fa-49cb-97b4-7f93a009e960/Screenshot_6-2-2026_16258_drive.google.com.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/61fddfae-80fa-47c2-901d-4310ea46bd0f/Cooling%2BMural_Marissa%2BZampino%2B%281%29.webp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/647108a3-133b-46a6-9066-a27f69c8d7e4/draw_seven_graphic_plan_9.22.2023.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/ba90bd4a-19b0-4b81-a249-3f68e980099e/belle+isle+Marsh.webp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/23b86296-57d5-4631-9034-5b813bbb9390/Photo+Sep+02%2C+6+32+25+PM.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/4cbf967d-5b7c-444d-a8f4-5c52cd0f03a1/wicked%2Bhot%2Bmystic%2Bmap.webp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/8afc150b-c45b-47e7-95de-c6124704bf03/flood+viewer.png https://resilient.mysticriver.org/resilient-community-centers daily 0.75 2026-02-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/d854f3bc-50cb-46a3-b098-ea26faa7c59e/Screenshot_16-2-2026_9133_.jpeg https://resilient.mysticriver.org/flood-pathways daily 0.75 2026-02-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/10454162-2e0f-42ae-bc46-772e8147e254/Thankathon+press+conference+at+Draw+7+on+lower+Mystic+coastal+flooding+funding+October+2022_MyRWA.jpg https://resilient.mysticriver.org/flood-pathways/amelia-earhart-dam monthly 0.5 2026-02-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/0d6fa27f-71fe-4890-a4e3-6fbd49fbcdc4/IMG_3925.JPG https://resilient.mysticriver.org/flood-pathways/draw-seven-park monthly 0.5 2026-02-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/f7951ffb-9fd2-46e7-a50c-a6b819c2405a/draw_seven_graphic_plan_9.22.2023.jpg https://resilient.mysticriver.org/flood-pathways/mystic-charles-interventions monthly 0.5 2026-02-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/26bcce4a-15ed-4677-856b-eb6abfc8b83b/Screenshot+2026-02-07+060232.png https://resilient.mysticriver.org/flood-pathways/island-end-river monthly 0.5 2026-02-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e3c156ca5f464358d25a06e/d7a6e5c1-a6f6-49cb-9397-a2c9e68942ed/IERFRPNew+Alignment+Graphic.jpg