The decision to adopt and develop the Casey Arborway “at-grade” design was made by MassDOT a year ago (March 8, 2012). Since then, there have been at least four public meetings as well as a number of advisory group and other meetings regarding its implementation. The focus of these meetings was informational and included solicitation of public feedback.
Unfortunately, there is a very vocal and inflexible contingent unwilling to accept the decision to move forward with the “at-grade” design. As a result, a number of people no longer attend these important public meetings. They feel that these meetings have been hijacked by the pro-bridge group and that the focus is not on working together towards making this the best possible “at-grade” design. Instead, the focus is far too often on rehashing why they feel the bridge option should have been chosen.
We, as a community, have an important opportunity—that we cannot afford to squander—to re-knit elements of Jamaica Plain that have been separated for far too long. As responsible citizens, we need to work together with MassDOT, other governmental agencies and elected officials to effect the best possible outcome.
Sam Sherwood
Jamaica Plain
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I agree completely with Sam. I have attended almost all of the public and DAG meetings sponsored by the DOT in the last year, and despite the understanding that the bridge option has been taken off the table, pro-bridge advocates frequently waste valuable time re-arguing a debate that has been decided. I believe it only serves to dis-enfranchise members of the community who come to the meetings to discuss the best way forward with the at-grade plan.