TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION

Traffic Patterns

Major regional roadways traversing Revere represent a double-edged sword. While a steady flow of vehicles is generally beneficial to business, excessive traffic congestion can be a serious disincentive to economic development. Revere sits astride a major north-south traffic corridor serving metropolitan Boston. The present state of this corridor greatly impacts the potential of several of Revere’s prime development opportunity sites.

The City of Revere has been diligent in pursuing state roadway and intersection improvements for various key locations along this corridor, such as a long sought grade separation at Mahoney Circle. However, a more comprehensive view of traffic circulation in this corridor is warranted. The Massachusetts Highway Department should study this corridor as a whole, rather than in piecemeal fashion.

Mass Transit

Planning as to the shape of Blue Line interface with North Shore commuter rail lines is now accelerating. The ultimate outcome of this public policy making process will have a major impact on the development potential of the Wonderland Park parking lot. Revere must be at the table as this process unfolds in order to protect its economic interests. The MBTA must also be urged to consider links to Suffolk Downs and Beachmont stations that would enhance the development potential of the Suffolk Downs site.

MAJOR DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

In terms of major development, our priority objectives should be the highest and best uses identified below. In pursuit of these objectives, we will need to forge strategic working partnerships with key private and public sector players. In addition, working closely with the city’s congressional and state legislative delegations, "action agendas" should be developed which pinpoint state and federal actions or support necessary to achieve these objectives. Top achieve success, the Revere business community will need to join this coalition, strongly supporting these efforts.

Parcel "H"/Revere Beach

The potential for a hotel featuring meeting and function facilities with striking views is enormous; providing adequate on site parking may be a challenge. Through a competitive public RFP process, the city plans to seek out developer(s) to assign the city’s air rights for development of a hotel within established design parameters. Other privately owned parcels could be included in a joint RFP if the owners would agree in advance to terms, conditions and process.

Wonderland

+ Office Complex

Wonderland Park’s current parking lots offer substantial potential. A complex featuring dual-use on site parking, easy entrance and egress to Routes 1A and 60, and direct access to both rapid transit and commuter rail lines would be attractive to both single and multi tenant users.

Suffolk Downs

+ Research & Development

With more than 190 acres, with very good highway and rapid transit access, and with its proximity to Logan Airport, this site presents multiple development opportunities. The City of Revere has had preliminary discussions with Suffolk Down’ new owners as to the best route to realizing this huge site’s potential.

Northgate/Squire Road

Northgate Shopping Center could be re-positioned as a regional outlet center given its unique location and access. Office, research and development, and possibly hotel usage could be accommodated on both the Showcase Cinema site and property now being assembled by a private developer along the northern side of Squire Road near Brown Circle. Unlike the other major development opportunity areas, these properties are currently in productive use. Rather here, the city should engage the property owners in creative long range discussions aimed at optimizing these sites’ potential given changing regional economic trends.