By Denise Provost

On Monday, June 5, under cloudy skies, Somerville city officials cut a ribbon to open ESCA Park. ESCA stands for East Somerville Citizens for Action, a grassroots organization that led the fight against construction of elevated I-93. That State Highway Department project involved the taking and demolition of many East Somerville homes and today exposes the neighborhood to toxic near-highway air pollution and noise.

Ward One Councilor Matt McLaughlin praised the efforts of ESCA. He said that ESCA provided inspiration for his ongoing efforts to persuade the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to build sound walls along I-93, to mitigate noise and air toxins. He stressed the importance of parks in promoting public health and environmental justice.

ESCA Park is landscaped with over 100 trees, and has grassy areas and benches. It is located at the northern end of Cross Street, where it ends at Mystic Avenue and I-93. While it is a city park, it will be maintained by the developer of the residential buildings that face the park.