Michigander in Mass

While the MBTA continues to look for new sources of non-fare revenue, the City of Boston is mulling a London-like car tax--which could help fund some of the T expansion projects we're advocating. I like the idea, but don't want to keep people from visiting the city. Setting a reasonably low fare ($2) that recovers the cost in a reasonably short time and ensures adequate funding for future T expansion projects would be perfect, if it ever gets off the ground.

Well, the Lechmere station didn't get moved in time, but it will still happen... Development on the three-city Northpoint area begins today!

I've been incredibly swamped at work and sick to boot, so I wasn't able to attend yesterday's session, but all indication is the message was sent--finally. More than just a dream now? We'll see!

The snow is already threatening again, but let's try this one more time...

[Courtesy Desnise Provost]

GREEN LINE "COMMITMENT" HEARING RESCHEDULED
When and Where?
Every day, I talk to people who haven't heard about the rescheduling of
the February 28 Green Line hearing, cancelled due to impending snow. It
will be held on Monday, March 14, 2005, in the Somerville High School
Auditorium, 81 Highland Avenue, 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Please tell your
friends and neighbors, the people you work with, the ones you see at the
bus stop. Contact me, and I will send you by email a flyer that you can
print. As I said before: Be there, or be square.

Purpose of Hearing - According to the State
The official notice says that the hearing's purpose is to "take public
comments on the public process DEP and EOT will conduct to make
decisions, and to the extent appropriate makes changes to the transit
regulations (319 CMR 7.36) that provide for air quality improvements.
(emphasis added) My reading is that the public comments that will be
considered most pertinent will: 1) focus on the quality of the public
process the state agencies "will conduct" (what about the seemingly
endless, needless, process so far?); and /or 2) on the "appropriateness"
of changing the cited regulations (which contain the three CA/T transit
projects, of which the Green Line Extension is one).

Frankly, I find it offensive that these agencies are even considering
that it might be "appropriate" to "make changes" to commitments that the
state ITSELF formerly deemed necessary to improve regional air quality
to federal standards. What should we, as opponents of "changing"
commitments, need to show? Shouldn't the burden be on the state to show
some material change in air quality assessments, or in project benefits?


Written Comments
If you can't be there, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
and the Executive Office of Transportation (EOT) have also EXTENDED
their previous deadline, and will now take written comments until 5 PM
on Wednesday, March 16, 2005. Comments should be sent either by mail or
email to:

Robert W. Golledge, Commissioner
Department of Environmental Protection
One Winter Street
Boston, MA 02108
robert.golledge@state.ma.us

and to

Daniel A. Grabauskas, Secretary
Executive Office of Transportation
Ten Park Plaza
Boston, MA 02116
daniel.grabauskas@mhd.state.ma.us

One of the first dates my wife and I went on was here--this is very sad...

This news broke yesterday. What does this mean for the future of Assembly Square?