Lots of good stuff From Livable Streets:
peak up for the Greenline Extension and Community Path
Speak up to remind MassDOT, the MBTA and the Governor that we need a fully functional Green Line Extension and the integrated Community Path project.
MassDOT and the MBTA have scheduled five public meetings to receive public input/suggestions on ways to reduce the cost of construction for these projects.
Construction of the Green Line Extension and Community Path will provide long needed air quality, public health, transportation and economic development improvements for our communities.
Attend ones of these meetings and remind MassDOT, the MBTA and the Governor that we need these very important projects:
Upcoming Public Meetings on the Green Line Extension
Meeting times:
Open House: 5:30pm – 6:30 pm
Presentation and Q&A: 6:30 pm – 8:00pm
- March 2: Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Avenue – Somerville
- March 23: Tufts University, 51 Winthrop Street – Medford
- April 13: Argenziano School, 290 Washington Street – Somerville
- April 27: St. Anthony’s Parish Hall, 400 Cardinal Medeiros Avenue – Cambridge
- May 5th: St. Clement’s Parish Hall, 579 Boston Avenue – Medford
MBTA late night service cut, but fare increases still in play
We are disappointed to report that the MBTA Control Board voted 4-0 yesterday to cancel late night service. While this is an unfortunate development, we were inspired by the hundreds of impassioned advocates who packed the meeting room to speak up for better transit.
Next week the MBTA control board will vote on possible fare increases. We hope that they will seriously consider the overwhelming public support for keeping fare increases at or below 5% in their vote next Monday, March 7.
We will be there next week for this important vote and keep you up-to-date over the next few weeks as the Control Board considers cost saving measures for the Greenline extension.
New Emerald Network website launched!
Since launching the Emerald Network in September 2015, we’ve made strides toward achieving our vision of a 200-mile seamless network of greenways across Metro Boston.
To highlight this important initiative we’ve launched a brand new website:www.emeraldnetwork.info.
On the new Emerald Network website you can:
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Learn about the progress we’ve made and see some examples of in-progress and future project to complete the network
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Apply for the Greenway Partners Program, to request capacity-building support to advance a proposed greenway project
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Sign up to receive email updates specific to the Emerald Network
We hope you’ll take a few moments to learn more by exploring thewebsite!
LivableStreets and Vision Zero featured on PRI’s “The World”
LivableStreets’ Stacy Thompson hit the streets of Boston last week with Brendan Kearney of WalkBoston and PRI “The World” reporter Jason Margolis to talk about safety on our streets. At the corner of Mass Ave and Beacon Street the trio discussed the hurdles and hopes for Boston’s commitment to Vision Zero.
“What does Boston have to learn? It already is one of the safest major cities in the US. Still, you’re about three times more likely to be killed on the roads in Boston — walking, cycling or traveling in a car — than in Stockholm.”
Click here to hear how Stacy and Brendan answered this question and learn more about Sweden’s successful campaign to dramatically reduced traffic crashes.
I-90 Interchange project prompts bigger questions about connectivity and livability
On Sunday the Boston Globe highlighted the need to look toward the future and prioritize transit and broader connectivity for the proposed West Station – an important piece of the I-90 interchange project. The following evening Brookline residents packed a Transportation Board meeting to learn about the 1-90 project and how it might impact their community.
LivableStreets Advocacy Committee member Ari Ofsevit presented an alternative design to MassDot’s current proposal that prioritizes people, place-making and better options for walking, biking and transit. Many of the residents highlighted the need for better buses and better connections to Boston and Cambridge.
Given the enormous long-term impact of this project, we can’t agree more with the Globe, “it’s not too soon to decide what the basic purpose of West Station ought to be — a 21st-century multimodal transportation center, or just another commuter rail stop.”
MA Bike Safety Forum re-cap
The room was packed with people who care about making biking safer at Suffolk University last Tuesday night, as bicyclists gathered with legislators, policy makers, and stakeholders to talk about changing state laws to make cycling safer. Representatives from the trucking industry, Boston, Cambridge, the Carmen’s Union and the MBTA gave brief presentations followed by breakout sessions where ideas for possible legislation were presented.
LivableStreets’ Board members Steve Miller and Megan Ramey each led a break-out session engaging attendees in discussion around lowering speed limits and safe bicycle crossings. At the conclusion of the event attendees were asked to vote on their preferred solution for better bike safety.
Senator William Brownsberger posted the results of the survey on his website in “Bike Safety Forum Take Aways–?” and is requesting additional public input. You can comment on the event’s website mabikesafety.com.
Opportunties
Join LivableStreets’ Advocacy Committee
LivableStreets Advocacy Committee is tracking more than 90 street projects in Metro Boston and we need your help! The group meets once monthly and consists of new and seasoned advocates working together to tackle issues big and small. Joining the Advocacy Committee is a great way to keep up to date on key projects and initiatives, learn from our volunteer advocates who’ve won dozens of campaigns (like bringing down the Casey Overpass, securing the new design for Comm Ave!) and share your ideas for better streets in your neighborhood.
Please contact lynn@livablestreets.info to learn more and get involved.
Sincerely,
LivableStreets Alliance