The History of River's Edge

Phase I site looking north (July 2000) by www.lesvants.com 

River's Edge (originally TeleCom City) was conceived as a regional economic development project by the cities of Everett, Malden and Medford. In 1996 the Commonwealth of Massachusetts established the Mystic Valley Development Commission (the “MVDC”), targeted over 200 acres located within the three cities, and provided the MVDC with eminent domain powers. The Directors of the MVDC are the mayors of the three cities and a designee from each city. The Governor of Massachusetts is an ex officio Director.

The MVDC through its agent, the Malden Redevelopment Authority (the "MRA"), planned the project with significant input from various community groups, and obtained state and federal funding for the following: planning, the land takings constituting Phase I, certain environmental testing and 

remediation and the widening and reconstruction of the road, River’s Edge Drive/Commercial Street, which forms the project's western border. The project has been recognized as a great example of a regional partnership which is highlighted by a tax sharing agreement among the three cities.

The MVDC acquired 18 parcels from 11 owners, which comprise Phase I's 30 acres and has accomplished the following; oversight of the $17 million design and reconstruction of River’s Edge Drive, demolition of a dozen buildings on the Phase I site, environmental testing and site remediation, obtaining various governmental approvals and permits, and selection of Preotle, Lane & Associates ("PLA") as developer through a public process. The project helped bring enhanced technology to the schools in the three communities. The project was designated a Showcase Community in 2000 by the National Brownfields Partnership (the U.S. EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers) and in 2008 Brownfield Project of the Year by the Environmental Business Council of New England.  www.ebcne.org   In 2010 the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials awarded the MRA its Agency Award of Excellence citing "profound improvements to the environment and community while enhancing the viability of an emerging mixed use neighborhood."

In September 2009 the Commonwealth of Massachusetts included River's Edge in its Growth Districts Initiative program. In October 2009 the Massachusetts Environmental Trust awarded a $150,000 grant to the MVDC which is partnering with PLA on the Wellington Greenway, a riverfront walk which will ultimately extend from River's Edge to the MBTA station, Station Landing and the Mystic Reservation.