Germantown Boardwalk Dedication Recognizes Many Partners 

One project of the YouthBuild graduates was a new Boardwalk to the River, providing beach access at the Germantown work site.

            The boardwalk was officially dedicated on October 8 with TRA graduates and staff, representatives of the Quincy Housing Authority, building trade union members and government officials in attendance.

 “The new beautiful Germantown Boardwalk will provide access from the Germantown Fire Station to the Fore River beachfront, enhancing the recreational opportunities for the residents of this neighborhood,” said Mayor Koch.  “This project underscores the importance of partnerships to bring about positive change in Quincy neighborhoods.”

Symbolic of the cooperative nature of the project, Quincy Councilor Leo Kelly and Mayor Thomas Koch stood together on the boardwalk for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Reverend William English and Deacon John Menz Jr., both of Holy Trinity Parish, blessed the new boardwalk.

Kelly, also chairman of the Beaches Commission, said the project had originated when the area was marshland. People had worn a path to participate in a fishing program. This had caused damage to the area.

 “It’s really beautiful,” he said and thanked everyone involved in the project. Regarding TRA’s contribution he said, “It was a tremendous effort by 19- and 20-year olds and their staff.”

Mayor Koch was Parks Director “when the project was the dream of Leo and Margaret (Milne, who wrote the block grant.)” He noted it was a “community effort” and offered a “hope for many years of enjoyment of this wonderful project.”

QHA Executive Director Jay MacRitchie’s thanks included TRA and the building trades union. “You are teaching YouthBuild day-to-day lessons of life, including how to build a boardwalk.”

He said “there isn’t a level of government that didn’t get involved.” He finished his remarks with, “To see this wonderful part of the city, maybe the view of public housing will change.”

Planning Director Dennis Harrington recognized the many people involved in the process. Regarding MacRitchie he said, “When Jay came to the project it was floundering. He energized it, stepping up to bat for the benefit of the community.”

Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Mary Griffin noted that the project opens up access to about a mile of beach and invited people to “come down for fishing.”

Funding for the project was provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the City of Quincy Community Preservation Act (CPA). In addition to TRA, supporters and in-kind funders included the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game, Division of Fishing and Boating Access and the Division of Marine Fisheries; the Norfolk County Department of Engineering; Quincy Beaches and Coastal Commission; Quincy Housing Authority; and the City of Quincy Planning Department.