Agenda Text
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Calling for accessibility and safety improvements at the 7 forthcoming Green Line Stations.
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Official Text
WHEREAS: The Green Line Extension through Cambridge, Somerville and Medford is a long-awaited transformative project for these communities, bringing seven new stations to underserved, low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, thereby connecting them to the economic, cultural and educational institutions of Boston, and bringing long-delayed promised environmental improvements; and
WHEREAS: New England winter weather is challenging with snow, sleet, freezing rain, ice, and wind; and
WHEREAS: Future riders will have a variety of predictable and unpredictable accessibility needs, such as use of wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, canes, and limited sight, balance and strength; and
WHEREAS: Due to hilly sidewalks, narrow rights-of-way, steeply sloped bridges over the tracks, and other existing conditions, this project presents unique design and engineering challenges; and
WHEREAS: Significant cuts were made to elements of the stations that provided accessibility to those riders with mobility impairments or limitations, as well as protection from the weather and safety for those and other riders; and
WHEREAS: Specific ADA-compromised design decisions were made to save money, such as:
• Staircases have roofs, but lack enclosures to make them safe and to protect users from the elements;
• Entrances to the stations are serpentine and unduly long and not in the best or even reasonable locations;
• Entrances are sited on steep, non-ADA-compliant streets;
• Pathways, station approaches and entrance walkways are often too narrow for the level of ridership and for people with mobility issues;
• Elevators were cut from the plans and replaced with long, steep ramps that will be unworkable for some riders with disabilities;
• Station platforms and staircases are in close proximity to the commuter rail/Amtrak tracks with trains that are permitted to travel up to 60 MPH, exposing riders to noise, wind, startle factors, dust, particulate matter and vibrations from passing trains; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED: That the Somerville City Council urges MassDOT, the MBTA, the GLX Project Team, GLX Constructors and the City of Somerville to work collaboratively with residents and community groups to improve the accessibility, safety, and usability -- especially for people with mobility impairments -- of the seven new GLX stations; AND BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED: That a copy of this Resolution be presented to Secretary of Transportation Stephanie Pollack, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Mayor Joseph Curtatone, MBTA GLX Project Program Manager John Dalton, Governor Charles D. Baker, and the Somerville delegation in the State Legislature, on behalf of the Somerville City Council.