Union Square in the 1980s

Looked from the 2nd floor of the Old Firehouse -- aka the SCAT building -- this is Union Square in the early 1980s, before the plaza was constructed. It's easier to see the crossing of Washington St and Somerville from this vantage point. In the late 1980s Washington St was closed from Bonner Ave to create the plaza and the parking lot. Some folks love the public space of the plaza and it makes a great home for the Farmers Market. But its made a traffic nightmare on the corner with Prospect Street and the traffic pattern created a four lane passage that an opposing area for pedestrians. How should we fix it? Starting in early 2008 the City of Somerville has hired a transportation consultant to consider alternatives for "placemaking" in Union Square and how to best accomodate pedestrians, bikes, cars, trucks and the future range of public transportation options.