Category: Announcement

Please add your voice to the design and environmental review of MassDOT’s plans to rebuild the Mass Pike Allston Interchange!

Please add your voice to the design and environmental review of MassDOT’s plans to rebuild the Mass Pike Allston Interchange!

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The federal environmental review for the I-90 project is about to begin, and there are elements of this project design that are causing us concern.

We need your help to submit comments on the design before Thursday, Dec. 12th 2019. Over 100 people emailed in February 2018, and it changed the process for the better. Can we count on you again?

DearMassDOT

Send an email to I-90Allston@dot.state.ma.us and cc: comments@walkboston.org when you send it in!

Here are WalkBoston’s top five concerns with the current plan:

  1. The construction of West Station is not being accelerated, and the design of the tracks and station cannot accommodate the level of rail service that is needed to serve the Framingham-Worcester corridor or the Boston/Cambridge/Brookline neighborhoods near the station. The MBTA Board of Directors recently endorsed a plan to significantly increase the frequency of commuter rail service – MassDOT’s plan for West Station must align with that vision.
  2. The walking and biking connections provided in MassDOT’s proposal do not include the connections that we need between the Charles River path and Allston Village or Commonwealth Avenue including: a safer new Franklin Street Footbridge connecting North and South Allston, without the unsafe switchback hairpin turns currently included in design; a footbridge at Agganis Way to connect Allston, Comm Ave, and Boston University to the Charles River paths; and a new park and multi-use path built as a buffer between the Wadsworth Street neighborhood and the train tracks,
  3. The project’s purpose must include a plan to improve the quality and extent of the Charles River parkland, the storage and treatment of stormwater, the ecological health of the river, and the need to provide human access to the river’s edge.
  4. MassDOT must provide a detailed plan to effectively mitigate travel disruptions during the 10-year construction period. No additional rail or bus service has yet been described or offered and no commitment has been made to keeping two tracks in service on the Framingham-Worcester Line during construction.
  5. The construction plan described by MassDOT will have significant impacts on the Charles River for 10+ years. Project planning must include further review of design and construction alternatives to ensure that these impacts are mitigated and reduced to the greatest extent possible.

We need your help to speak up for the future of this project!

Below you’ll see an email template you can adapt and send to
I-90Allston@dot.state.ma.us and comments@walkboston.org before next Thursday, Dec. 12 to make your voice heard.

Thank you for speaking up for a better Allston I-90!

Sincerely,
WalkBoston

Sample Email
Recommended email subject: Comments for Mass Pike’s Allston Interchange Project
Dear Allston I-90 Project Team,
I am writing to give my comments on MassDOT’s current project plan for the Mass Pike Allston Interchange project.
[Tell your own story here. Why are you concerned with this project? What do you support and what would you like to be considered? What points above would you like to include?]
Thank you,
[full name
street address
city/town, state, zip
phone:
email: ]

More Context + Reading on the Allston I-90 Project

job opportunities with partner organizations

job opportunities with partner organizations

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Position: NACTO Conference Walkshop Manager

Description: The Cities of Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville are proud to serve as the hosts for the 2020 National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) Designing Cities conference. The conference will bring together over 900 transportation professionals, primarily from municipal transportation departments, from September 14 – September 17, 2020. A vital element of this annual conference is the “walkshops” – mobile workshops that allow attendees to visit, learn about, and reflect on projects in the region. Approximately 50 walkshops take place over three days. Walkshops may include the following methods of transportation: walking, biking, transit, shuttle bus, and/or boat.

At the direction of the Primary Contact for the conference, the Walkshop Manager will work closely with staff from Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville to develop walkshops that cover a wide range of projects and present opportunities for attendees to learn directly from the people behind the projects. See full listing.

Position Dates: Contract position through 10/16/2020.

How to Apply: Submit both your resume and letter of interest via email to: employment@cambridgema.gov – resume and letter of interest requested by 12/13/19. Position will remain open until filled.

Position: Transportation for Massachusetts (T4MA) Policy Director

Description: T4MA is seeking an experienced Policy Director to promote our statewide coalition’s policy priorities to address the Commonwealth’s transportation crisis. See full listing.

How to Apply: Send resume and cover letter to info@t4ma.org with the subject line: “Policy Director Application.” Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, as we seek to fill this position as quickly as possible. No phone calls, please.

Position: Boston Cyclists Union Membership & Events Coordinator

Description: The Membership and Events Coordinator manages the Boston Cyclists Union’s rapidly growing membership, events, and volunteer programs. They manage and assist in planning fundraising events and rides, like Biketoberfest and Bostreal; recruit volunteers to help execute engagement events and programs; develop and execute communication strategies related to member recruitment, engagement, and retention; and collaborate with staff to explore other fundraising and development opportunities. Through the work they fulfill the Bike Union’s goals of growing and supporting our membership, and building the bike community and the network of bike-friendly businesses in the Boston area. See full listing.

How to Apply: Send cover letter and resume to jobs@bostoncyclistsunion.org. Please include “Membership, Events, and Development Coordinator, YOUR NAME” in the subject line of the email, and be sure to mention where you saw the job advertised. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled, with preference given to applications received by January 6th.

Walking Around South Boston’s Andrew Square

Walking Around South Boston’s Andrew Square

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Spurred by engaged citizens and Councilor Ed Flynn’s office, WalkBoston led a pedestrian safety walk around the Andrew Square neighborhood of South Boston on Wednesday, December 4th. Area residents, Andrew Square Civic Association members, Councilor Flynn and staffers engaged in a lively discussion about current threats to pedestrian safety and a history of pedestrian injuries in and along Andrew Square, Old Colony Ave, Preble Street, Dorchester Street and Dorchester Avenue. The area has seen a number of development projects, with a significant amount yet to come in the future along Dorchester Avenue guided by PLAN: South Boston Dot Ave. Walking through the neighborhood, residents and WalkBoston staff noted various safety concerns driven by augmented traffic volume that has negatively impacted people walking or biking within the neighborhood and to the T station.

Attendees offered many potential solutions, including speed reduction, new crosswalks and restriping, road diets, bike lanes, and improved pedestrian signaling. After a snow storm, the walk also provided an opportunity to observe snow removal practices in action and areas of improvement. WalkBoston looks forward to supporting Andrew Square residents in advocating for policies and improvement measures that result in safer streets for everyone.

Development projects in the area impact pedestrian routes.
Parking close to crosswalks reduces visibility and pedestrian safety.
Snow and ice produce new challenges for walkers.
Sampan News: “Gov. Baker signs legislation requiring hands-free use of electronic devices while driving”

Sampan News: “Gov. Baker signs legislation requiring hands-free use of electronic devices while driving”

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Sampan News: “Gov. Baker signs legislation requiring hands-free use of electronic devices while driving”

Stacey Beuttell, Executive Director of WalkBoston, added, “WalkBoston is pleased that this legislation has been signed; this law will encourage people driving to focus solely on that task, making streets safer for people walking & running in communities across Massachusetts. We’re hopeful that this long-awaited signing will kick off a focus on traffic safety for this next legislative session.”

Posted November 25, 2019

Corporate Support Flyer 2020

Corporate Support Flyer 2020

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Why invest in WalkBoston?

Walkability contributes to the quality of life in a town or neighborhood, encouraging residents and visitors to shop locally; helping to attract retail, workplaces and associated employees; and raising real estate values, civic pride, and community involvement.

An investment in WalkBoston shows a commitment to promoting walkable business districts and neighborhoods. It shows your dedication to healthier, more productive employees and safer, more vibrant communities.

Download the Giving Levels and Benefits Flyer (PDF)