Medford Officials Comment on Green Line
The following comments were filed by city officials on the state’s Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Green Line extension to Medford and Somerville:
Updated 6:22PM, Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Mayor Michael McGlynn
“…the disconnect between what the Proponent’s representatives say publicly versus what has been presented and committed to in this report has created the fundamental dilemma of how to provide unwavering support for this project while ensuring that the best interest of the citizens is served.”
In his comments Mayor McGlynn references comments filed by a consultant the city hired to review the DEIR. Foy, Spofford, and Thorndike filed a 65-page comment that addressed issues regarding transportation, storm water, waste water, bridges, “constructability,” air quality, noise and vibration, and visual impacts.
Community Development Director Lauren DiLorenzo- Updated
“…the substance of the report is lacking the detail necessary to be reviewed as a final document…The DEIR does not provide sufficient detail regarding the proposed station location, access and impacts at the preferred terminus at Boston Avenue and Mystic Avenue nor does it recognize the fact that the station location at Boston Avenue and College Avenue will operate and function as a terminus until or unless the Mystic Valley Parkway station is constructed.”
Superintendent of Wires Brian Boudreau
Bridge upgrades, power substation, traffic lights a concern
Medford Board of Health Director Karen Rose
“While the project is supported, the EIR is missing integral information for evaluation and review. While the overall project is to improve air quality, it appears that other measures can be made to make the cost and effort a more substantial gain.”
Medford Office of Human Diversity Director Diane Mcleod
“It is impossible for me to give an opinion on the compliant handicap accessibility of this project based on illustrations and statements of compliant intention.”