City of Everett Chelsea and Everett, MA

Island End River Living Shoreline Concepts

BSC partnered with the City of Everett, Fort Point Associates, AECOM, and Weston & Sampson to pursue EOEEA Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP), BRIC, and other grant funding for the study and design of living shoreline strategies as part of the Island End River Flood Barrier and Riverwalk Project.

The project evaluates opportunities to enhance climate resilience and habitat along a highly constrained, urbanized section of riverfront between Chelsea and Everett. Existing conditions include armored shorelines, legacy industrial fill, invasive vegetation, and combined stormwater and tidal pressures. The site also includes a mix of uses, including a park, salt marsh, marina, and adjacent industrial and residential areas.

Planned flood protection measures, including seawalls and tide gates, are integrated with public access improvements such as walkways, ramps, and boardwalks. The project team’s approach combines gray and green infrastructure strategies to stabilize riverbanks, improve habitat, and support long-term resilience. BSC’s work includes Structure from Motion and AI-based visual assessments of riverbank cobble mulch and planting media to develop soil systems that respond to riverine and tidal forces, ensuring stability and successful vegetation establishment.

The design emphasizes community participation in planting and stewardship, advancing ecological function, public awareness, and equitable access. Together, these strategies support flood mitigation while enhancing water quality, urban cooling, and habitat connectivity.