BOSTON. It may just be adding a two more words to a T station’s name, but for some West End residents, the change means much more.
Over the last week, MBTA officials have updated signs at Science Park Station to read, “Science Park/West End,” a move sought by the West End Civic Association. The signs were officially unveiled yesterday.
The West End neighborhood stretches from the Charles River and Leverett Circle to the borders of the Beacon Hill and North End neighborhoods. But many decades ago, the neighborhood was razed and the area was redeveloped. Longtime residents say the neighborhood, which once featured a rich mix of backgrounds and cultures, also had its name wiped off maps for years.
“This area has a great history. It’s very important to us,” said resident Theresa Raso at the unveiling.
The T has added “secondary names” to other stations’ in the past, including “Boston Public Library” at Copley and “Peabody Square” at Ashmont.
Science Park is currently undergoing platform and other upgrades. The T is also planning to add elevators, with construction hopefully starting this fall, MBTA General Manager Dan Grabauskas said.
METRO/GS