KNOW THIS.
Bringing Urban Development Down to Earth
Take a look at these awesome old photos of Cambridge from the 1940s through ‘60s, recently posted by the also-awesome Cambridge Historical Commission crew. The photos were part of a Cambridge Planning Department survey for future “urban renewal” projects that eventually led to the demolition of many of these streetscapes and buildings, which is much less awesome. And speaking of the foibles of postwar urban design, check out this piece from the Somerville Wire, detailing this summer’s McGrath Highway resurfacing plan and calls for drastic future changes. While the sorely needed repair project includes major improvements like reduced car lanes and (semi) protected bike lanes, bigger changes are afoot: Somerville and MassDOT are closing in on a decade-old plan to bring down the elevated portions of McGrath to grade level, or “ground” it, as the design process advances. Like many mid-century highway projects, McGrath exacerbated the division of neighborhoods for the benefit of car-centric white suburbanites; grounding the highway would help remove barriers and improve movement in Somerville and beyond. “Substantial public outreach and opportunities for feedback” will be crucial to this phase, and a welcome contrast.
Ships to Shore
There’s a very special boat that’s had a very special place on our timelines this past week. In case you haven’t heard, there’s a container ship the size of the Eiffel Tower blocking the Suez Canal and 10% of international trade. Want a little more local context? There’s now a web app where you can get her stuck wherever you please such as Boston Harbor, the Tobin, or Jamaica Pond. This isn’t the first time Boston waterways have claimed a ship. Our shallow harbors and shifty sandbars have had a bit of a reputation for stopping a ship or two and the icy winters definitely haven’t helped whether it’s 1844 or 2015. Some notable wedges include a fourth ship that ended up missing the Boston Tea Party and a yacht named Maggie Mae that found herself lodged in a snowbank in the Financial District.
DO THIS.
Today
Attend a virtual working group meeting on a possible Silver Line Extension project. 12 p.m.//free
See “The Playground Project” opening at Gallery 263, a new solo exhibit from Christina M Tedesco influenced by her experience of living with cerebral palsy. Monday-Saturday through April 10th//free
Take part in a virtual public meeting to provide feedback on a new design for Piers Park III, the new park from Trustees Boston Waterfront Initiative in East Boston. 6 p.m.//free
Learn about how your mural can end up on the Condon Shell in Medford and set the backdrop for this summer’s farmers market. 6 p.m.//free
Tomorrow
Join Boston Cyberarts and Boston Art Review Editor in Chief and “Message Received” curator Jameson Johnson as they host exhibiting artists Furen Dai, Ryan Kuo, and Gabriel Sosa in conversation. 5:30 p.m.//free with registration
Learn about Hip Hop’s most influential women from some of Boston’s best artists and DJs at Hip Hop HERstory, hosted by the Cambridge Public Library. 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.//free with registration
Join Lamplighter Brewery’s Women in Brewing tasting and class with a pre-event beer pickup and virtual class included. 7:30 p.m.//$33
Wednesday
Learn about angel investments and the role they could play in your business from three incredible female founders at a panel hosted by the Roxbury Innovation Center. 6 - 7 p.m.//free
Kick off the Urbano Project’s Create Connect Catalyze community discussions with a workshop exploring how creative practice can hold space for healing and reflection with guest artists Emeka Ekwelum and Noor Jones-Bey. 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.//free with registration
Andrea Cruz’s croons from Puerto Rico join us in our slowly thawing New England as part of Cambridge Public Library’s VOICES Concert Series. 6 - 7 p.m.//free with registration
The Writers Room of Boston begins its newest reading series, Readings from the Room, with Writing Room award-winning alumni Alex Marzano-Lesnevich and Lisa Braxton. 7 - 7:30 p.m.//free with registration
Thursday
The City of Boston’s Parks and Recreation Department will hold two virtual hearings on requests to remove one tree in Back Bay and another in East Boston. 10 a.m.//free & 10:30 a.m.//free
Learn about the conservation of the Emerald Necklace and its journey from the Muddy River to one of Greater Boston’s most vital ecosystems. 3:30 - 5 p.m.//free
With nicer weather and your bike getting more mileage, get a refresher on bike maintenance with a virtual workshop through Cambridge Public Library and MassBike. 7 p.m.//free
Friday
Vibe to the ICA’s Virtual First Friday with a multimedia show curated and DJ’d by Boston-based DJ and photographer Tyler Kpakpo. 7 p.m.//free with suggested $5 donation
Banjos, step dance, and folk ballads swirl together at Sound Shadows EP Release Listening Party. 7:30 - 9 p.m.//free
Hear Toussaint the Liberator perform at The Porch Southern Fare & Juke Joint in Medford. 10 p.m.//$10
Saturday
Missing live music? Enjoy an outdoor jazz concert at Sylvester Baxter Riverfront Park. 4 p.m.//free
Sunday
Catch your final glimpse of Boston Cyberart’s “Message Received” exhibition through the windows at 141 Green Street in Jamaica Plain. All day//free
Head to the North End to pick up some classic Italian Easter Bread from Bova. Open 24 hours//prices vary
This week’s Inbound was brought to you by Nicholas Arnemann, Audrey Sheetz, and Maya Detwiller.