Don’t widen the Jamaicaway

The following letter was sent to Congressman Michael Capuano:

You were quoted in the Nov. 17 issue of the Jamaica Plain Gazette as favoring the widening of the Jamaicaway. The Jamaica Pond Association (JPA) strongly opposes such a move for two reasons.

First, the Jamaicaway runs through the Emerald Necklace. The widening of the roadway would entail the removal of trees and the loss of open park space. Such action would detract significantly from Olmsted’s design for the Necklace and would have a substantial negative impact on the abutting neighborhood. The JPA has long supported the protection of the Emerald Necklace in Jamaica Plain and we will continue to do so.

Second, widening the Jamaicaway would simply result in more automobiles using it. This would add to both air and noise pollution along the Emerald Necklace and in the abutting neighborhoods. The JPA strongly opposes any action that increases automobile travel and its resultant pollution along the Jamaicaway.

We are well aware, of course, of safety issues related to traveling on the Jamaicaway. Because of this, we would invite a discussion regarding these issues. On the whole, however, our recommendation to you and other political leaders is to work on improving and increasing public transit in Jamaica Plain and greater Boston generally rather than widening the Jamaicaway.

The JPA meets regularly at 7:30 p.m. on the first Monday of every month. You are invited to attend or send a representative to the February meeting. Contact me for further information regarding the February meeting.

John P. Iappini
Chair, Board of Directors
Jamaica Pond Association

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