A Case of Local Community Engagement for Urban Regeneration: The South Boston Area

In contrast with the “top-down” methodology, usually implemented for urban planning processes, this study presents the application of a “bottom-up” approach, where the local community has been involved in the urban design process. The participation process was tested as a sustainable tool for local urban regeneration. In this sense, the local community has been involved since the beginning of the decision process and high standards of public benefits have been achieved applying this approach. The bottom-up approach implemented in the Plan for South Boston—Dorchester Ave in Boston (MA, USA) was investigated. This area is a low-density mixed-use area, which currently is suffering from a depopulation process and is undergoing the expansionary pressure of the city. The case study confirmed the efficiency of a bottom-up process with public engagement in restricted geographical areas where local communities share common interests and ideas. By obtaining higher levels of public benefits, the participatory process has succeeded in achieving sustainable development goals in line with public needs. The study aims to provide descriptive policy recommendations to promote sustainable redevelopment in local districts.