We've been hearing from a lot of people who are angry and frustrated about the State's attempt to delay the Green Line extension even further. We at STEP feel exactly the same way. Right now we're working on an action plan so that all of us can fight this injustice. Stay tuned for details! To do something right now, sign the…
"For MBTA, 'nuance' means 'broke'" "The only real obstacle faced by the Green Line extension - conceived in 1991, and now scheduled to debut by 2020 - is the unwillingness of federal transit officials to pick up the tab for the expansion of a transit system that's going broke....The legally-mandated Green Line extension presents the state with a simple choice: Either…
Boston Globe: "Over 1,000 sign Somerville petition protesting Green Line delay" "This is an embarrassment for the state and underscores its complete failure to address the chronic underfunding of transportation," wrote Alex Epstein, who was 123d to sign on to the petition. Somerville Patch: "Green Line Extension: City Seeks Petition Signatures, Expresses Frustration" "The problem with these delays is it's a…
Message from Mayor Curtatone:
In light of yesterday’s announcement about the Green Line, I want to be clear about where we stand as a community. A four-year delay of the Green Line Extension bereft of any tangible commitments from the Commonwealth is simply unacceptable. Somerville deserves a transparent, accurate timeline for the Green Line Extension, with clear deliverables. Fundamental matters of social justice, economic justice and environmental justice are at stake in this project. Governor Patrick promised to extend rail transit to the most densely populated community in New England and he needs to break ground while he is still Governor. The State must do better than declare it is going to miss the legally mandated 2014 deadline for the extension with vague promises that it is still “behind” the project.
Boston Globe: "Green Line extension put off until 2018" Boston Globe: "Curtatone calls for petition, clear answers on Green Line" "We're going to be very direct about this: The Green Line is going to get built, and we can't tolerate any more lack of communication or lack of transparency," Mayor Curtatone said. Somerville Journal: "Completion of Green Line extension pushed back…
"Green Line Extension Completion Pushed Back to 2018, 2020 at Latest"
Originally, the Green Line extension was supposed to open this year. Then the promise was pushed back to 2014. Then there was another delay to 2015. And now we hear the shocking, frustrating news from MassDOT that it's looking more like 2018-2020. In its annual status report on transit projects, MassDOT provides various probabilities for when the Green Line might be…
Boston Globe: "A hope of renewal for Somerville" "At best, the old elevated McGrath highway will hem in any economic activity following the Green Line extension, creating a barrier that impedes new business from spreading to a section of town badly in need of it. At worst, by severing neighborhoods and stifling physical connections, the McGrath could severely dampen the potential…
"Washington St. Station update" According to Mary R. Ainsley, the Director of Design & Construction at Mass DOT, "The workshops are going great. Everybody is engaging and sharing their input. So far the neighborhood has been embracing the process and it's been positive." More station workshops are scheduled for September and October.