SomerNOVA Alley is a narrow back alley that connects Market Basket and the loading docks of light industrial buildings with Dane Street in Somerville. Recent use of the abutting buildings for startups, especially in the solar tech sector, have seen increased pedestrian traffic and a desire to have people-friendly areas.

In ongoing partnership with property owners, we are working to create pedestrian and bike-safe lanes, define the flow of car traffic, and create safe seating and hangout zones for people coming and going from work and shopping. The alley also has numerous opportunities for art, and an artists studio building as one of its neighbors. The hope is to re-envision this area into an art oasis, with both green spaces and a great variety of local art.

Using popup events and tactical urbanism pilots, we have been helping the owners test improvements to the space and traffic flow.