Location: 30 Allen Street off Somerville Avenue, near Union Square
Date Completed: 2007
Amenities: Garden plots, including a wheelchair-accessible plant bed, sitting areas, and shade trees

Additional Information: Historically part of a close-knit residential neighborhood, this land became vacant in the 1950s and was misused as an illegal dumping ground. The City acquired the parcel in 2003. Neighborhood meetings determined the best use for the lot would be a community garden. The remediation of 30 Allen Street, which included replacing three feet of contaminated soil with clean fill and constructing raised-bed gardening plots, began in January of 2007. The land now offers space for the community to relax as well as to plant and grow flowers and vegetables. Allen Street Community Garden is one of the two ADA-accessible community gardens in Somerville. Funding for this project came from an EPA Cleanup Grant.

Photos: (Click to enlarge)