Michigander in Mass

Barring another snowstorm-based cancellation, the rescheduled Somerville Green Line hearing will take place tonight. According to the Somerville Chamber of Commerce: "February 28, 2005. There has not been a more important date between the Common-wealth of Massachusetts & Somerville in 100 years. State officials come here at 6:30 p.m. to hear the case for Somerville's Green Line. Five new transit stations hang in the balance. Economic development, jobs, housing, open space, an enhanced quality of life & the city's fiscal well-being are in the offing. But, the pivotal test of public policy making is public will -- which puts the matter squarely on each of us. For Somerville, let's stand together. Please join us at the Green Line meeting. -- SVM" The Mayor's office has also chipped in.

The meeting, originally scheduled for last month but postponed due to the blizzard, will be held in the SHS auditorium from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The meeting is a follow-up to a State House hearing held on December 14, 2004, where state officials were criticized by some participants for not holding the hearing in the communities affected by possible transportation funding cutbacks.

I've always found it interesting that I've heard so very little from Tufts University on this issue. Tufts would directly benefit from a Green Line expansion. The Tufts Daily ran an editorial on the subject today.