Green Line Extension Gets Green Light

From: wbztv.com

Green Line Extension Gets Green Light

BOSTON (WBZ) ―

 

State Transportation Secretary announced Tuesday he's in favor of an extension of the Green Line, as long as there's federal funding for it.

The plan would stretch the line's trolley tracks into Somerville and Medford, WBZ has learned.

The $600 million project, which has been in the works for decades, is part of a federal mandate to reduce air pollution under the Clean Air Act.

Under the plan, one track would extend from Lechmere to the Union Square area in Somerville. Green Line trolley tracks will also be laid parallel to the existing commuter rail line for several miles through Somerville and Medford with at least five stops.

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Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone's 2009 Mid-Term Address

Read Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone's 2009 Mid-Term Address in the Somerville News. The steady progress throughout Somerville definitely makes me feel optimistic. Note some important shout-outs to the Winter Hill and East Somerville community, including the support of the East Somerville Community School after the 2007 fire, infrastructure and transportation development in East Somerville and Magoun Square as part of the Obama recovery plan, as well as preparation for the IKEA move to Assembly Square.

I have to admit though, I do miss Good Time.

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City of Somerville 2008 Resident Report

The City of Somerville 2008 Resident Report was published this month.
Here are some chunks about Winter Hill from this factoid filled document:

Bring us some green line super-extension:
"Broadway on Winter Hill and Mystic Ave at Temple Road were busy commercial centers, with many small mom-and-pop stores providing for most shopping needs within a short walking distance of homes. Now, however, without streetcars or accessible subway stops, Ward 4 residents rely more on cars for travel than any other ward."

Related to this:
"With the opening of a Green Line stop in Gilman Square and an Orange Line stop in Assembly Square, all Ward 4 residents will live less than a mile from a T stop and a majority will live less than half a mile from a T stop."

Maybe this explains my perceived recent increase in parking tickets on cars in the morning:
"Ward 4 has very few parking restrictions, including metered parking spots or streets with resident-only parking. This means that there are fewer parking control officers assigned to patrol Ward 4. This may account for the increased complaints of commercial vehicle parking, since violators may know that this ward is monitored less often than other wards. Both Ten Hills and Winter Hill East residents requested increased enforcement of overnight commercial parking in their neighborhoods."

Winter Hill Main Streets?
"Some Progress Planned for FY09 Initiate "Winter Hill Main Streets" Update 5/9/08: The area is not eligible for federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) so there is no existing funding available to establish an official Main Streets group. However, the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD) will carry out a study of all major business districts, including Winter Hill, to determine what kind of businesses will succeed in the area and to market the area to prospective businesses."

The CDBG mentioned looks useful. It would be good to know if there is a related mechanism that WH is eligible for.

And the gratuitous Foss Park post:
"Negotiate with the State for City management of Foss Park and Veterans Memorial Ice Rink. Update 5/19/08: The City would like to assume management responsibilities of these facilities, but only after the State has made initial capital investments."

sweet.