The Arborway between the Casey Overpass and Murray Circle could see an improved crosswalk and better woodlands if the local Arborway Coalition can raise enough funds for a state matching grant.
The group aims to improve the Arnold Arboretum crosswalk across the Arborway. And it wants to make further improvements to the wooded hillside at St. Rose Street and the Arborway.
The Arborway Coalition has had success with previous matching grant efforts. The work has included replacing the chain link fence on that stretch of the parkway with a nicer-looking rail fence, and conducting a master plan for area.
The group needs to raise $7,000 by the end of the month to gain the match grant from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more info, contact Sarah Freeman at 61-276-5093 or 22 Arborway, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130.
In a separate effort, Freeman said that she and other residents soon will erect a sign on the Arborway commemorating an infamous 2001 pedestrian death and encouraging drivers to slow down.
Georgina Tyman, 80, was run down and killed while crossing the Arborway near Pond Street. The death sparked community outrage about speeding and reckless driving on the parkways.
The sign will be of a temporary nature and will be placed in a private yard in Kelley Circle, Freeman told the Gazette. It could lead to a more formal sign elsewhere if it is popular, she said.
“The number of accidents in this area is ridiculous,” she said.