I am disappointed that the Public Facilities Committee swiftly voted to approve a road diet of Washington St. without further consideration for feedback from residents who will be most impacted.
In 2018 the Newtonville Area Council conducted a thorough survey asking residents for input on desired improvements to Washington St. There were other priorities over having a bike lane –notably planting trees and having more greenery (page 6 of survey).
I’ll note that this was the same year when MassDOT cut all foliage growing along the north side of the corridor. As a result, neighborhoods on Washington St. saw a significant increase in noise, pollution, and scorching heat from the asphalt; not to mention the visual blight. Since that time, I’ve been told by a few public officials over the years that “the city has plans to make improvements to Washington.” I was eagerly looking forward to this as I thought that would mean noise barriers and lots of trees to be planted. Instead, we have a proposal for a road diet with miniature trees in planters and some tacky, artificial greenery to be installed over the fence. All of this being done to accommodate for bike lane which will sit unused during the snowy and frigid winter months. This approved plan is in stunning contrast to what residents desired in the NAC survey.
Across the Mass Pike corridor from this planned project, one can see evergreens growing along Austin St. Year round the residents have a buffer from noise and air pollution. Why can’t we residents on the northside have the same?
The expiration of ARPA funds is not an excuse to fast track this road diet without proper notification to residents and an opportunity for public hearings. Funding would be better spent on a school program.
Margaret Ward
Newtonville