harry mattison cambridge street overpass - comment letter
TRANSCRIPT
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7/28/2019 Harry Mattison Cambridge Street Overpass - comment letter
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July 2, 2013
Thomas F. Broderick, P.E.
Chief Engineer, MassDOT Highway
Attn: Bridge Project Management
Project File No. 606376
Mr. Broderick,
Thank you for the opportunity to co
and Franklin Street pedestrian bridg
of flawed decisions made 50 years a
Cambridge Street into a safer, more
The residential communities adjace
Environmental Justice policy was crenvironmental decision-makingto
experienced by lower-income peopl
environmental assets in their neigh
The environmental burdens of the
project there will inevitable increas
time, this project is an appropriate
strive to achieve environmental equ
and creating a safer and more inviti
Pedestrian Safety
The existing crosswalk at Linden @
narrow 42" curb cuts that do not m
crosswalk properly aligned with tra
ivision
mment on this project to improve the Cambrid
e in Allston. This area today is unsafe, unattrac
go. We now have the opportunity to convert t
inviting, tree-lined boulevard for the 21st
Cent
t to this project are Environmental Justice dist
ated to provide opportunities for residents tohelp address the disproportionate share of env
e and communities of color who, at the same ti
orhoods.
ass Pike cannot be eliminated. During the con
s in traffic congestion and associated air pollut
pportunity to mitigate these negative environ
ity. This can be accomplished by greening the
g experience for pedestrians and cyclists.
ambridge is not aligned with the Cambridge St
et current design standards. The project shoul
el along Cambridge Street.
ge Street overpass
ive, and the result
is section of
ry.
ricts, and the States
participate inironmental burdens
me, often lack
truction of this
ion. At the same
ental impacts and
rban environment
sidewalk and has
include a new
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7/28/2019 Harry Mattison Cambridge Street Overpass - comment letter
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Between Harvard Ave and Highgate Street is a curb cut in
the Cambridge Street sidewalk that is approximately 100
long much longer than is needed to service the
adjacent parking lot. The project should include adding
curbing to narrow the curb cut to make the sidewalk
safer while continuing to allow access to the parking lot.
Many sections of the Cambridge Street
sidewalk within the project area are unsafe
and in poor condition. This project is the right
time to replace all damaged and patched
areas with new concrete sidewalks.
All pedestrian routes during and after construction should be safe and ADA-compliant. This includes
the Mansfield Street stairs & ramp (where the concrete stairs and the path from Royal Street to the
ramp needs repair) and the intersection of Lincoln and Cambridge Street, where crosswalks, curb cuts,
and walk signals are needed for all legs of the crossing.
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7/28/2019 Harry Mattison Cambridge Street Overpass - comment letter
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The Franklin St pedestrian overpass
poorly lit at night, and filled with tra
Better lighting, trash receptacles, an
would help people feel safer and en
activity. The exit from the ramp ontcyclist was killed) is still unsafe and
guardrail. While this overpass is clo
months as part of this project, it wo
to address these issues.
Greening and Enhancing the U
The States Environmental Justice p
is central toward improving public h
Using planters to create safe edges
example of this Storrow Drive traffi
environment. There is also space on
existing chain link fence. The existin
the photo below) could be lowered
impact.
is unsafe, ugly,
sh and graffiti.
d police call boxes
courage pedestrian
Lincoln St (where aas an ugly metal
ed for several
uld be the ideal time
rban Environment
licy notes that Increasing environmental asse
ealth and achieving environmental equity.
o the bike lane, adding street trees, trash cans
island would have a wonderful impact on our
the eastern slope of the project for landscapin
g 6 fence on the south side of the project (sho
to 4 to retain its safety function while reducin
ts in EJ communities
and following the
community and its
g behind the
n by the red line in
its negative visual
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7/28/2019 Harry Mattison Cambridge Street Overpass - comment letter
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Overpass fences can be designed for safety while also looking much better than the current jail
fencing on Cambridge Street. These examples from other State roads (the Fiedler Footbridge over
Storrow Drive), a mountain scene in the bridge over Highway 44 in Redding, CA, and Interstate 70 in
Saint Louis show that it is possible to have human-scaled walls or fencing that are both functional and
attractive without overwhelming the pedestrian. These examples should serve as models that can befollowed and improved upon for this project.
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to the new Cambridge Street and the benefits that it
will bring to the Allston community and all those who travel on it.
Sincerely,
Harry Mattison
28 Mansfield Street, Allston 02134