Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative

organizing community residents to create, plan, and control their neighborhood

Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative (DSNI) was formed in 1984 when residents of the area came together to revive a neighborhood nearly devastated by arson, disinvestment and neglect. This multilingual community of African-American, Cape Verdean, Latino and white families showed a remarkable depth of leadership, talent, and spirit.

Today, change is all around: colorful murals honoring the local cultures, new homes, parks and playgrounds, gardens and community centers, and the best sub shop in town! The Dudley area is on its way to realizing its vision of a vibrant urban village.

Dudley Street Community Tour
See first hand the dramatic changes that have occurred in the Dudley neighborhood. DSNI is known for its innovative approaches, in particular —eminent domain authority over vacant land within its boundaries. This tour shares DSNI’s history, current challenges and hopes for the future. Of special interest to groups focused on youth and resident leadership development, community planning and development, the environment and public health.
Available for groups of all kinds