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I have a great deal to say about this article. Glad to see "transformational" in quotes as this project will not be transformational when all the options replicate the 1960's era highway. 1/ https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/09/08/opinion/transformational-allston-multimodal-project/
. @MassDOT @Steph_Pollack says project should focus on NEEDS not WANTS. Boston and surrounding communities have defined their NEEDS with climate action plans and demands to reduce congestion. That means we NEED to be prioritizing transit, walking and biking.
. @Steph_Pollack says controlling project costs are critical. Maintain Mass Pike at 6 lanes as it is before & after this section>> project less expensive, shorter build time. Maybe saving enough for Grand Junction + path from BU to river. This project becomes truly TRANSFORMATIVE.
A TRANSFORMATIVE project would begin the transition of Storrow Drive into a park boulevard. Turn 2 driving lanes into park, create room to separate bikes & peds, still have trees + park space. Current plan will degrade PDWBP by putting it up against noisy, diesel fumed WB I-90.
I was so hopeful when planning started 6 years ago. The #AllstonMultiModalProject as @MassDOT has named it is cars first planning yet again. At what point do we review the project based with the understanding that #ClimateChangeIsReal as is #InducedDemand ?
Headed off to @schmangee @americawalks webinar "Right of Way: Race, Class, and the Silent Epidemic of Pedestrian Deaths in America" @massdot #AllstonMultiModalProject is also a study in WANTS of wealthy suburbs vs. NEEDS of city neighborhoods.
