One-third of Boston's vacant properties lay within a half-mile of the Fairmount commuter line, which starts at South Station and wends its way through Mattapan, Dorchester and Hyde Park (and a sliver of Milton). The city has a plan it calls the Fairmount Indigo Planning Initiative to build up these vacant lots and make the corridor a busier, more populous space (about 160K people live along its 9.2 miles right now).
Mayor Menino announced the two-phase initiative yesterday. The first includes a study of how to build things up and where repairs/improvements need to be made (the MBTA already plans four new stations along the line). The second will look at ways to stimulate construction. Will the Fairmount Line join Boston's apartment boom? Will it spur further gentrification? What will fresh development do to rents in the rickety train's orbit? Stay tuned.
· Mayor Kicks Off Fairmount Indigo Planning Initiative [Boston.com]
· Rent Check! Boston Apartment Construction Booming [Curbed Boston]