Division Street was once one of the city's most unpleasant alleyways - full of trash, potholes, sour smells, desperation. Since 2019, progressive efforts are transforming the area into a Neighborway - that is, an attractive shared street where people walking, on bikes and in vehicles can all safely pass.

 

Year One was facilitated by the team from Neighborways Design  and included roadway improvements and our first set of murals concentrated on the block between Hawthorne and Fourth Streets. Established and just-starting local artists took on individual murals while a team of artists from the Chelsea Senior Center and members of the community painted a series of art panels with the theme of food. 

 

In 2020, the next block of Division Street got its facelift with three additional painted murals on the block between Fourth Street and Congress Street and another behind the Apollinaire Theatre at Division and Cross Street. Skill building workshops and coordination by artists Amanda Hill and Carolyn Lewenberg.

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For 2021 Neighborways Design returned and we went BIG with a massive roadway mural four blocks long and a series of colorful, creative crosswalks to facilitate safe passage through the downtown. With creative direction of Liz LaManche 200 volunteers and 25 artists brought the vision to life.

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Funders

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• 2019: AARP Community Challenge

• 2020:  Federal Department of Justice, Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Program

• 2021: MassDOT Shared Streets and Spaces Program

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