Medford Legislators: Extend Green Line to Route 16

State Representatives Carl Sciortino (D-Medford, Somerville) and Sean Garballey (D-Arlington, Medford), along with State Senator Pat Jehlen (D-Somerville, Medford), sent the following letter recently to Governor Deval Patrick in support of extending the Green Line to Route 16:

November 10, 2008

Governor Deval Patrick
State House, Room 360
Boston, MA 02133

Dear Governor Patrick,

As elected representatives of Somerville and Medford we are writing to express our concerns that the Green Line extension may not be extended far enough to serve all of our communities as effectively as possible. We strongly believe that the Green Line should terminate at Route 16. The Green Line extension is one of the most important public transportation investments that we as a state have made or are likely to make in the near future. It is crucial that we get this investment as right as possible.

A Route 16 terminus would serve residents of Somerville, Medford Hillside and Arlington in a way that a terminus at College Ave. would not. Somerville is being asked to accept a new maintenance facility that would service and store trains not only for the extension but for the rest of the line as well. Somerville is already heavily burdened by MBTA support facilities which do not serve the city. Any additional MBTA support facility in Somerville should be as small as possible, should conform to the needs of Somerville’s future economic growth and should deliver mitigation to the residents of Somerville. One aspect of this mitigation should be Green Line service that provides the greatest possible benefit to the city and residents of Somerville. That service should include a stop at Route 16.

We also believe that a Route 16 terminus would allow for tremendous economic development opportunities for Somerville and Medford. Additionally, the Medford Hillside has been promised Green Line service and we do not believe that terminating the line at College Ave. would meet the definition of servicing the Hillside as outlined by the SIP. We also strongly believe that a Route 16 terminus would generate additional ridership beyond current projections and that that demand would continue to grow along with economic development in the area. As you are probably aware, over 2000 residents of Medford and Arlington have signed a petition requesting that the Green Line be extended to Rte. 16.

For the above mentioned reasons as well as many others, we would insist that the Green Line extension continue out to Route 16. We would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you and your staff to discuss this issue in greater detail at you earliest convenience. Thank you for your consideration in this matter. We look forward to hearing from you with your thoughts on this matter and to schedule a meeting.

Sincerely,

Patricia D. Jehlen
State Senator
2nd Middlesex

Denise Provost
State Representative
27th Middlesex

Carl Sciortino
State Representative
34th Middlesex

Sean Garballey
State Representative
23rd Middlesex