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Linda Bohan submitting comments re: #202364, the Mayor's proposed Green Line Extension Project Participation Agreement.
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To the Honorable Board:
I am unable to attend tomorrow evening’s public hearing in regards to the Green Line Extension and since I feel strongly about this issue I feel compelled to submit to you in writing. I am writing on my behalf but I can assure you that several family members, friends and neighbors share my concerns and opinions.
I am opposed to Citations #2, #3, and #4 on your agenda for November 17th. In particular I am strongly opposed to the fact that the city is requesting and willing to incur yet another large debt to be paid by the residents of this city, who OWN their homes. Cambridge, a wealthier community with a larger tax base will not be footing the bill. Instead, their developer’s at North Point will be kicking in the $25 million dollars. The developer’s in Somerville should also be stepping up to the plate to pay for this extension since they will be the ones who will benefit mostly from the GLX project. What of Assembly Row and the promises that we would benefit from millions in tax revenues - instead we got Partners - a non-profit. (By the way what has become of the 5 acres owned by Somerville that is located in North Point?) (If nothing yet - I hope it doesn’t go to housing as was initially proposed.)
Developers both large and small have been building and waiting in the wings with baited breath for the Green Line so their property values will go up. In turn, costs will be, as they already have, passed on to tenants. Families who were born here, invested in the community are now forced to move out. The fabric of the community has changed and not necessarily for the best as all of you may think. People may like to eat and drink in Somerville and maybe stay a year or two but it saddens me to hear so many say that they would never buy in Somerville or raise a family here.
The newcomers, predominantly a transient population, are the ones who probably voted for the very expensive new school - they will not be footing the bill. Those of us who are proud to be from Somerville, raised our children and volunteered in this community, invested our savings in home ownership are now feeling overwhelmed by continued hikes in fees, taxes, WATER BILLS, salary hikes and costly expenses to residents that “just don’t make any sense.”
The GLX project which was originally intended to help Somerville residents get to their jobs and get cars off the streets, has instead, become a project for a developer’s self-interest. The short-sited decisions will hurt the common folk. I am told that all of these improvements will only increase the value of my house. An increase is only good if I plan to sell. This is my home not an investment.
I write to you because I am passionate about my city. I urge you to do your due diligence, represent the people who put you in office and vote against putting us further in debt.
Thank you
Linda Bohan
PROJECT PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT, RECITALS, pg. 2, #7 - The City has invested several millions of dollars in the Project by assuming certain costs and tasks related to the Project that are not reflected in the Estimated Project Cost; (where did this money come from)?
AGREEMENT, E. Third Party Contributions; Conditions of Agreement; Remedies, #1 - The City reserves the right to secure assistance with the City’s Contribution from a variety of sources. Etc. (does this mean developers could still in fact foot the bill?)
Exhibit B - pg. 8 last paragraph - the WPS - while not current included in the estimated costs of the Somerville Portion of the Project, will be considered to be a part of the Somerville Portion - (what does that mean in laymen’s terms - could possibly be an additional cost to Somerville?)
Lastly - Terms of Draining Interconnection Agreement -- #9 - the letter contains only the essential terms of the Agreement - (not fully negotiated - public will not be informed of final negotiation?)