Harry Mattison Cambridge Street Overpass - comment letter

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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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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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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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

Documents

Harry Mattison Cambridge Street Overpass - comment letter