HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987-12-28-JRTC-rpt.pdf i^.%'r 3 i :)/1
n
LI EG :
OH 1987 ` v'
9 Carnegie Place
Lexington, MA 02173
28 December 1987
Board of Selectmen
Town Office Building
1625 Massachusetts Avenue
Lexington, MA 02173
To the Board.
As the year concludes, I would like to provide a summary of the
JRTC's actions in 1987 Since becoming a representative last January I have
kept in mind Lexington s concerns about Route 128 and the need for regional
coordination to deal with transportation issues.
What follows is a month by month outline of our meetings.
January Secreatary Salvucci spoke about agency budgets. the new
Transportation Bond Issue and federal legislation regarding the Central
Artery
February David Soule, Executive Director of MAPC, spoke about a regional
development plan, METROPLAN 2000
March Presentations on the Circumferential Transit Project and the
Central Artery/Third Harbor Tunnel Project. JRTC approved an MPO draft
statement, 'Policy and Procedure for Involving the Private Sector in Planning
for Transportation Services.
April Presentations on the Red
Line to Blue Line Connector at Charles Station, the preview of the Route 128
Work Scope and the Alewife Draft EIR/EIS
May Presentation on the Route 128 Station Park Joint Development.
June Presentation on the Old Colony Rail Study
July No meeting.
August Presentations on the 1988/1989 Transportation Bond Issue and
on Analysis of Funding for the Maintenance of Local Roads.
September James O'Leary General Manager of MBTA, spoke JRTC passed a
resolution regarding the Route 128 Station Park DEIR, requesting that certain
issues be addressed, e.g. parking, intermodal uses. traffic.
October David Davis, Director of Massport, spoke. JRTC passed a second
resolution regarding the ROute 128 Station Park DEIR, citing serious
shortcomings in the alternatives analysis and requesting that a third
alternative (a facility principally dedicated to transportation uses) be
evaluated.
November Special Fall Forum. MAPC presentation on 'Regional
Employment/Population Forecasts and Growth Management. A Ten-Point
Plan to Mitigate the Impacts of Increased Traffic. Presentation on High
Speed Rail. And others.
December Group discussion on the role of JRTC and 1989 s agenda.
I have attended most but not all of these meetings. If you would like
further information on anything mentioned above, please call me.
Other items should be brought to your attention as well.
I continue to be concerned about Route 128 and Massport s Hanscom
Field Policy I would like to be kept up to date about HATS II I have also
acquired concerns regarding the Route 128 Station Park and how
development of that site will affect parking needed for potential high speed
rail: Fan Pier/Pier 4. and the Central Artery/Third Harbor Tunnel.
Lexington should also be aware of Alewife design improvement plans and
the Bowdoin/Charles Square connector
JRTC annually reviews and comments on the draft Transportation
Improvement Program (TIP), which includes projects expected to be
candidates for federal funding over the next five years. Lexington may
directly comment on projects that affect us; Lexington may also use the
forum of the JRTC to make comments.
JRTC keeps track of major transportation projects by sending liasons to
their respective committees. We are involved in the Central Artery Third
Harbor Tunnel coordinating committee and the Circumferential Transit Study
committee.
MAPC has prepared a 'Growth Management Catalog: A Compilation of
Growth Management Techniques. It describes over forty methods, the
objective of each, how each works advantages and disadvantages, and where
in Massachusetts each technique is actually being used. Government
2-
agencies and non-profits may purchase a copy for $5 from MAPC, 110
Tremont Strett, Boston, MA 02108
The League of Women Voters has a 2R-minute videotape called Act
or React: A Look At Suburban Growth. It discusses rapid growth and
development and how Westford became aware of the resulting problems. It
can be rented for $20 ($10 if LWV member) plus a $30 refundable deposit,
from League of Women Voters of Massachusetts, 8 Winter Street, Boston, MA
02108, 357-8380
LWV has also prepared a handbook, 'Focus on Action. Communities
and Development, with chapters on assessing the current situation,
environmental, financial, and social condsiderations, and more. It costs $1 5
($10 if member).
I have greatly enjoyed this opportunity to learn about transportation
and serve Lexington at the same time. I hope to continue at least until June,
when I graduate Given the probability that I will leave Lexington in the
near future, the Board may wish to appoint an alternate representative who
will have time to learn about JRTC and the issues. The position demands
interest, inquisitiveness, and patient idealism. I hope to make JRTC into a
more activist body that will ask difficult questions about regional
transportation, and I hope that my successor should the Board find
continued JRTC membership desirable or useful, will seek the same.
Respectfully submitted,
21C
r"--2
Euge`rte E. Lee
JRTC Representative
Town Meeting member
3