South Coast Rail Plan Wins International Award

The Patrick-Murray Administration's South Coast Rail Economic Development and Land Use Corridor Plan has won the first-ever 2011 Charter Award Grand Prize from the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU). The Corridor Plan estimates the South Coast Rail project will stimulate nearly $500 million in new economic activity each year, while creating at least 3,500 net long-term jobs by 2030, with two-thirds of those jobs in the region. Construction of the rail project will generate an additional 7,000 to 8,000 jobs. In addition to creating jobs and stimulating neighborhood revitalization, the Plan identifies over 70 sites that are important to preserve due to the presence of high quality natural resources.

CNU is a leading organization promoting walkable, mixed-use neighborhood development, sustainable communities, and healthier living conditions. The jury awarded the grand prize for professional projects to the South Coast Rail Corridor Plan, developed by MassDOT and the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development. The Charter Awards are one of the most respected urban design and development awards programs internationally.

Goody Clancy, the lead consultant that produced the Plan, is a Boston-based 100-person firm with a national practice in architecture, planning, and preservation.

The South Coast Rail Corridor Plan released by Governor Patrick in 2009 was the result of collaboration between the Commonwealth, 31 corridor communities, and three regional planning agencies, including more than 100 public meetings and events tapping the knowledge of regional residents, businesses, planners and other organizations.

Over the past two years, $300,000 in annual technical assistance grants have helped communities plan for development around stations, create housing plans and draft zoning changes to maximize the smart growth potential of passenger rail service. The Plan identifies 33 places that are priorities for new job and housing growth and 72 places that are priorities for the protection of natural lands.  

Visit South Coast Rail on the web to view the Economic Development and Land Use Corridor Plan and project background information.