WORCESTER—The city is moving forward with an extensive redesign of Endicott and Bigelow Streets, in an effort to introduce what developers call substantial improvements to safety, accessibility, and environmental sustainability in the Green Island neighborhood.
Largely funded by a Community Development Block Grant, the latest developments of the project were presented during a community meeting on Monday, Jan. 6, at the WRTA’s community room.
“In addition to upgrading the existing deteriorated streetscapes on Endicott and Bigelow Streets, the project is intended to demonstrate a variety of green infrastructure and complete streets features,” said city spokesperson Tom Matthews. “These include traffic calming, widened sidewalks, a bike path, street trees, and green stormwater retention and infiltration areas.”
The transformation comes in response to documented safety concerns and community feedback.
“Complaints about the current condition of the street include the general condition and upkeep of the street, insufficiency of sidewalks, speeding, inappropriate use of parking,” Matthews noted.
The redesign looks to reshape these vital corridors that connect the Green Island Neighborhood and Crompton Park to the rest of Worcester. This project is led by the Neighborhood Development Division and supported by the Department of Transportation & Mobility, Department of Sustainability & Resilience and the Department of Public Works and Parks.
However, the project hasn’t been without its hurdles.
“Right-of-way constraints have presented challenges to incorporating travel lanes, parking, appropriate width sidewalks, and a bike path within the available cross section,” Matthews acknowledged.
Key modifications to Endicott Street include the addition of a dedicated bike lane adjacent to Crompton Park and widened sidewalks on both sides. The project introduces raised crosswalks, enhancing visibility between pedestrians and oncoming traffic. The street’s transformation includes significant green infrastructure, with 24 new native trees being planted—resulting in a net increase of 18 trees.
Bigelow Street, currently devoid of public shade trees within its right-of-way, will receive five new trees and expanded sidewalk spaces. These additions aim to address the neighborhood’s vulnerability to street flooding and intense summer heat, conditions exacerbated by the current abundance of paved surfaces.
One of the more contentious aspects of the plan involves parking changes. “The biggest concerns expressed about the proposed design were elimination of angled parking in favor of parallel parking,” Matthews said. “Some residents are concerned about construction details and how impacts to neighbors will be managed during the construction period.”
While the transition from perpendicular to parallel spaces reduces the total number of parking spots adjacent to Crompton Park from 133 to 124, Matthews noted, “Quite a bit of work was done to confirming parking supply and availability in the neighborhood to demonstrate that parking would be sufficient even though spaces on Endicott St would be reduced.”
Arrangements have been made with WRTA to share their parking facilities during high-attendance events when additional spaces are needed.
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Community engagement has played a crucial role in shaping the project, as demonstrated by a 2023 public survey where an overwhelming 87% of respondents endorsed the proposed changes. The redesign specifically targets improved access to Crompton Park, which would boost community use of this valuable green space.
The project encompasses comprehensive ADA accessibility improvements, ensuring the streets serve all residents and visitors regardless of mobility needs. These modifications align with Worcester’s broader municipal initiatives, including the Green Worcester Plan, Complete Streets Policy, and Urban Forest Master Plan.
Currently in its final design and environmental permitting phases, construction is anticipated to start in the spring and summer of 2025. The development represents a significant step toward Worcester’s vision of creating a more walkable, pedestrian-friendly city that prioritizes both environmental sustainability and community well-being.
“I am looking forward to the benefits that the Endicott and Bigelow Street improvements will have on the Green Island neighborhood, as it is critical for the community to have a voice in the changes made to revitalize their streets,” said Worcester Mayor Joe Petty. “The revitalization of this area will provide greater safety for all road users and much-needed trees.”
As the project progresses, the city maintains open methods for community input, with residents encouraged to direct their questions and feedback to mobility@worcesterma.gov.
Matt Olszewski is a freelance content and news writer based in Boston, MA. In his free time, Matt enjoys running, hiking or skiing. Matt just graduated with his MPH from Tufts University. He can be reached at mattoskier@gmail.com
