This August, the City of Chelsea will contract with construction firms to repave Division Street in its entirety, delivering a significant renovation to the passageway that runs parallel to Broadway in the downtown area.
Chelsea Prospers, the municipality’s downtown revitalization program, is coordinating a public art initiative tied to this infrastructure work. In partnership with the Downtown Coordinator, Neighborways Design is orchestrating community participation to develop and place public art installations and related enhancements designed to enliven and beautify the initial block of Division Street, which extends from Hawthorne to Fourth streets.
The initiative represents an important first phase in establishing a low-stress “Neighborway” connection between downtown’s core and the waterfront.
Across the country, Neighborways are also referred to as neighborhood greenways or bicycle boulevards. These streets prioritize minimal traffic and reduced speeds, creating an accessible environment for children, seniors and others seeking a welcoming alternative to car-dependent travel. Public art serves to enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety, transforming the street into a space where people feel as valued as vehicles.
Looking ahead, the plan envisions addressing Division Street incrementally, with new public art installations added each summer as the Neighborway extends toward the waterfront.
Community members, local business owners and building residents will collaborate to design and execute the artwork, strengthening connections among stakeholders through their participation in both the design and creation phases.
Throughout summer, Neighborways Design staff are engaging with community members at public gatherings and smaller meetings to develop design concepts. Public artist Liz Lamanche is consolidating these contributions into a unified design framework.
Those interested in contributing ideas should visit the Neighborways outreach table at the Chelsea Night Market on Saturday, Aug. 10 between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. The event will move to Aug. 17 if weather prevents the original date.
The Community Painting Day, when volunteers will implement the design, takes place Saturday, August 24 at 9 a.m. In the event of rain, the painting day will occur on Sunday, August 25.