LRTP_Comments_Matrix_with_responses_081516

PROJECT(S) / ISSUE(S) AFFILIATION NAME REQUEST/
SUPPORT/
OPPOSE		 COMMENT DRAFT MPO RESPONSE Change or Revision to LRTP
Reconstruction of I-90/I-495 Interchange
(Hopkinton)		 495/MetroWest Partnership Paul Matthews, Executive Director; Jessica Strunkin, Deputy Director Support Support inclusion of the Reconstruction of I-90/I-495 Interchange in Amendment One of the LRTP. State the project will address congestion, safety, air quality, and sustainable development. Thank you for your comments on the LRTP. The Reconstruction of I-90/I-495 Interchange is included in the list of recommended projects in Amendment One to Charting Progress to 2040 in the 2021 to 2025 time band. No
Reconstruction of I-90/I-495 Interchange
(Hopkinton)		   Senator James B. Eldridge Support Supports inclusion of the Reconstruction of I-90/I-495 Interchange in Amendment One of the LRTP. State the project will address congestion, safety, air quality, and sustainable development. States the project will greatly impact the long-term economic, environmental, and safety interests of the region. The safety and congestion concerns of the interchange are of immediate concern due to the imminent implementation of All Electronic Tolling. Adds that the traffic and environmental impacts of the interchange's current configuration have made it a regional transportation priority for the past several years. Thank you for your comments on the LRTP. The Reconstruction of I-90/I-495 Interchange is included in the list of recommended projects in Amendment One to Charting Progress to 2040 in the 2021 to 2025 time band. No
Reconstruction of I-90/I-495 Interchange
(Hopkinton)		   Representative Carolyn C. Dykema Support Supports inclusion of the Reconstruction of I-90/I-495 Interchange in Amendment One of the LRTP. State the project will address congestion, safety, air quality, and sustainable development. States the project will greatly impact the long-term economic, environmental, and safety interests of the region. The safety and congestion concerns of the interchange are of immediate concern due to the imminent implementation of All Electronic Tolling. Adds that the traffic and environmental impacts of the interchange's current configuration have made it a regional transportation priority for the past several years. Thank you for your comments on the LRTP. The Reconstruction of I-90/I-495 Interchange is included in the list of recommended projects in Amendment One to Charting Progress to 2040 in the 2021 to 2025 time band. No
Reconstruction of I-90/I-495 Interchange
(Hopkinton)		   Senator Michael O. Moore Support Supports inclusion of the Reconstruction of I-90/I-495 Interchange in Amendment One of the LRTP. State the project will address congestion, safety, air quality, and sustainable development. States the project will greatly impact the long-term economic, environmental, and safety interests of the region. The safety and congestion concerns of the interchange are of immediate concern due to the imminent implementation of All Electronic Tolling. Adds that the traffic and environmental impacts of the interchange's current configuration have made it a regional transportation priority for the past several years. Thank you for your comments on the LRTP. The Reconstruction of I-90/I-495 Interchange is included in the list of recommended projects in Amendment One to Charting Progress to 2040 in the 2021 to 2025 time band. No
Reconstruction of I-90/I-495 Interchange
(Hopkinton)		   Representative James J. O'Day Support Supports inclusion of the Reconstruction of I-90/I-495 Interchange in Amendment One of the LRTP. State the project will address congestion, safety, air quality, and sustainable development. States the project will greatly impact the long-term economic, environmental, and safety interests of the region. The safety and congestion concerns of the interchange are of immediate concern due to the imminent implementation of All Electronic Tolling. Adds that the traffic and environmental impacts of the interchange's current configuration have made it a regional transportation priority for the past several years. Thank you for your comments on the LRTP. The Reconstruction of I-90/I-495 Interchange is included in the list of recommended projects in Amendment One to Charting Progress to 2040 in the 2021 to 2025 time band. No
Reconstruction of I-90/I-495 Interchange
(Hopkinton)		   Representative Hannah E. Kane Support Supports inclusion of the Reconstruction of I-90/I-495 Interchange in Amendment One of the LRTP. State the project will address congestion, safety, air quality, and sustainable development. States the project will greatly impact the long-term economic, environmental, and safety interests of the region. The safety and congestion concerns of the interchange are of immediate concern due to the imminent implementation of All Electronic Tolling. Adds that the traffic and environmental impacts of the interchange's current configuration have made it a regional transportation priority for the past several years. Thank you for your comments on the LRTP. The Reconstruction of I-90/I-495 Interchange is included in the list of recommended projects in Amendment One to Charting Progress to 2040 in the 2021 to 2025 time band. No
Reconstruction of I-90/I-495 Interchange
(Hopkinton)		 Executive Director, CrossTown Connect Scott Zadakis Support Generally support a more efficient transportation system in the broader region and voice support for the Reconstruction of the I-90/I-495 Interchange project. This project will help with congestion.

Thank you for your comments on the LRTP. The Reconstruction of I-90/I-495 Interchange is included in the list of recommended projects in Amendment One to Charting Progress to 2040 in the 2021 to 2025 time band. No
Intersection Improvements at Route 126/135/MBTA & CSX Railroad
(Framingham)B 		495/MetroWest Partnership Paul Matthews, Executive Director; Jessica Strunkin, Deputy Director Support Support continued inclusion of the Intersection Improvements at Route 126/135/MBTA & CSX Railroad in the LRTP. Thank you for your comments on the LRTP. The Intersection Improvements at Route 126/135/MBTA & CSX Railroad project continues to be included in the list of recommended projects in Amendment One to Charting Progress to 2040 in the 2026 to 2030 time band. No
Bridge Replacement, Route 27 over Route 9
(Natick)		 495/MetroWest Partnership Paul Matthews, Executive Director; Jessica Strunkin, Deputy Director Support Support continued inclusion of the Route 27 over Route 9 Bridge Replacement in the LRTP. Thank you for your comments on the LRTP. The Route 27 over Route 9 Bridge Replacement project continues to be included in the list of recommended projects in Amendment One to Charting Progress to 2040 in the 2021 to 2025 time band. No
Green Line Extension (Phase 2)   Senator Patricia D. Jehlen Request Requests an additional amendment to the LRTP that would program funding for Phase 2 of the Green Line Extension. States a Route 16 terminus will provide numerous opportunities for sustainable development in the region, as well as improve air quality and mobility. Notes that the site serves a number of environmental justice communities, and the project directly advances a number of the MPO's stated goals for the LRTP. Thank you for your comments on the LRTP. The MPO voted to transfer the funding programmed in its LRTP, Charting Progress to 2040 and its 2016-2020 TIP for the Green Line Extension from College Avenue to Route 16 to the first phase of the Green Line project as part of Amendment 4 of its 2016-2020 TIP. In doing so, the MPO recognized and incorporated into its record, the commitment by the Secretary of MassDOT by December 31, 2016,B to file an Environmental Notification Form under the Massachusetts Environmental Protection Act for Phase 2 of the Green Line Extension, and after such filing to carry forward the MEPA review process to its conclusion, so long as Phase 1 of the Green Line Extension continues to go forward. The MPO will continue to monitor the progress of the Green Line Phase 1 project and the MEPA review process for Phase 2 and discuss the inclusion of Phase 2 as part of the next LRTP development. No
Green Line Extension (Phase 2)   Representative Christine P. Barber Request Requests an additional amendment to the LRTP that would program funding for Phase 2 of the Green Line Extension. States a Route 16 terminus will provide numerous opportunities for sustainable development in the region, as well as improve air quality and mobility. Notes that the site serves a number of environmental justice communities, and the project directly advances a number of the MPO's stated goals for the LRTP. Thank you for your comments on the LRTP. The MPO voted to transfer the funding programmed in its LRTP, Charting Progress to 2040 and its 2016-2020 TIP for the Green Line Extension from College Avenue to Route 16 to the first phase of the Green Line project as part of Amendment 4 of its 2016-2020 TIP. In doing so, the MPO recognized and incorporated into its record, the commitment by the Secretary of MassDOT by December 31, 2016,B to file an Environmental Notification Form under the Massachusetts Environmental Protection Act for Phase 2 of the Green Line Extension, and after such filing to carry forward the MEPA review process to its conclusion, so long as Phase 1 of the Green Line Extension continues to go forward. The MPO will continue to monitor the progress of the Green Line Phase 1 project and the MEPA review process for Phase 2 and discuss the inclusion of Phase 2 as part of the next LRTP development. No
Green Line Extension (Phase 2)   Representative Sean Garballey Request Requests an additional amendment to the LRTP that would program funding for Phase 2 of the Green Line Extension. States a Route 16 terminus will provide numerous opportunities for sustainable development in the region, as well as improve air quality and mobility. Notes that the site serves a number of environmental justice communities, and the project directly advances a number of the MPO's stated goals for the LRTP. Thank you for your comments on the LRTP. The MPO voted to transfer the funding programmed in its LRTP, Charting Progress to 2040 and its 2016-2020 TIP for the Green Line Extension from College Avenue to Route 16 to the first phase of the Green Line project as part of Amendment 4 of its 2016-2020 TIP. In doing so, the MPO recognized and incorporated into its record, the commitment by the Secretary of MassDOT by December 31, 2016,B to file an Environmental Notification Form under the Massachusetts Environmental Protection Act for Phase 2 of the Green Line Extension, and after such filing to carry forward the MEPA review process to its conclusion, so long as Phase 1 of the Green Line Extension continues to go forward. The MPO will continue to monitor the progress of the Green Line Phase 1 project and the MEPA review process for Phase 2 and discuss the inclusion of Phase 2 as part of the next LRTP development. No
Green Line Extension (Phase 2)   Representative Denise Provost Request Requests an additional amendment to the LRTP that would program funding for Phase 2 of the Green Line Extension. States a Route 16 terminus will provide numerous opportunities for sustainable development in the region, as well as improve air quality and mobility. Notes that the site serves a number of environmental justice communities, and the project directly advances a number of the MPO's stated goals for the LRTP. Thank you for your comments on the LRTP. The MPO voted to transfer the funding programmed in its LRTP, Charting Progress to 2040 and its 2016-2020 TIP for the Green Line Extension from College Avenue to Route 16 to the first phase of the Green Line project as part of Amendment 4 of its 2016-2020 TIP. In doing so, the MPO recognized and incorporated into its record, the commitment by the Secretary of MassDOT by December 31, 2016,B to file an Environmental Notification Form under the Massachusetts Environmental Protection Act for Phase 2 of the Green Line Extension, and after such filing to carry forward the MEPA review process to its conclusion, so long as Phase 1 of the Green Line Extension continues to go forward. The MPO will continue to monitor the progress of the Green Line Phase 1 project and the MEPA review process for Phase 2 and discuss the inclusion of Phase 2 as part of the next LRTP development. No
Green Line Extension (Phase 2)   Representative Timothy J. Toomey Request Requests an additional amendment to the LRTP that would program funding for Phase 2 of the Green Line Extension. States a Route 16 terminus will provide numerous opportunities for sustainable development in the region, as well as improve air quality and mobility. Notes that the site serves a number of environmental justice communities, and the project directly advances a number of the MPO's stated goals for the LRTP. Thank you for your comments on the LRTP. The MPO voted to transfer the funding programmed in its LRTP, Charting Progress to 2040 and its 2016-2020 TIP for the Green Line Extension from College Avenue to Route 16 to the first phase of the Green Line project as part of Amendment 4 of its 2016-2020 TIP. In doing so, the MPO recognized and incorporated into its record, the commitment by the Secretary of MassDOT by December 31, 2016,B to file an Environmental Notification Form under the Massachusetts Environmental Protection Act for Phase 2 of the Green Line Extension, and after such filing to carry forward the MEPA review process to its conclusion, so long as Phase 1 of the Green Line Extension continues to go forward. The MPO will continue to monitor the progress of the Green Line Phase 1 project and the MEPA review process for Phase 2 and discuss the inclusion of Phase 2 as part of the next LRTP development. No
Green Line Extension (Phase 2) Resident, City of Somerville Chris McCarthy Oppose Opposes reprogramming funding from Phase 2 of the Green Line Extension to Phase 1. States the Route 16 station is a critical part of GLX and will serve residents in the vicinity of Arlington, Medford, and Somerville. The area is currently poorly served by transit, and Phase 2 will mitigate vehicle traffic on Route 16 and improve air quality. Thank you for your comments on the LRTP. The MPO voted to transfer the funding programmed in its LRTP, Charting Progress to 2040 and its 2016-2020 TIP for the Green Line Extension from College Avenue to Route 16 to the first phase of the Green Line project as part of Amendment 4 of its 2016-2020 TIP. In doing so, the MPO recognized and incorporated into its record, the commitment by the Secretary of MassDOT by December 31, 2016,B to file an Environmental Notification Form under the Massachusetts Environmental Protection Act for Phase 2 of the Green Line Extension, and after such filing to carry forward the MEPA review process to its conclusion, so long as Phase 1 of the Green Line Extension continues to go forward. The MPO will continue to monitor the progress of the Green Line Phase 1 project and the MEPA review process for Phase 2 and discuss the inclusion of Phase 2 as part of the next LRTP development. No
Green Line Extension (Phase 2)   John Roland Elliot Oppose Opposes reprogramming funding from Phase 2 of the Green Line Extension to the general Green Line Extension budget. States reprogramming funds will have an adverse impact on the prospect of fulfilling the Commonwealth's obligations to provide Green Line service to Medford Hillside. Adds that funding for transportation could be funded by the Legislature. The Route 16 terminus is the only practical conclusion to the Green Line Extension that will permit the project to achieve goals of boosting transit ridership, improving mobility and air quality, distributing transit services equitably, and promoting and facilitating sustainable development. Thank you for your comments on the LRTP. The MPO voted to transfer the funding programmed in its LRTP, Charting Progress to 2040 and its 2016-2020 TIP for the Green Line Extension from College Avenue to Route 16 to the first phase of the Green Line project as part of Amendment 4 of its 2016-2020 TIP. In doing so, the MPO recognized and incorporated into its record, the commitment by the Secretary of MassDOT by December 31, 2016,B to file an Environmental Notification Form under the Massachusetts Environmental Protection Act for Phase 2 of the Green Line Extension, and after such filing to carry forward the MEPA review process to its conclusion, so long as Phase 1 of the Green Line Extension continues to go forward. The MPO will continue to monitor the progress of the Green Line Phase 1 project and the MEPA review process for Phase 2 and discuss the inclusion of Phase 2 as part of the next LRTP development. No
Green Line Extension (Phase 2) Resident, City of Medford Elisabeth Bayle Oppose Opposes reprogramming funding from Phase 2 of the Green Line Extension to Phase 1. Notes many years of advocacy for the project and that delaying the project further will affect thousands of residents. States that in addition to helping fulfill the Commonwealth's legal commitment to bring the Green Line Extension to Medford Hillside, Phase 2 will provide improvements in air quality, transit-oriented development, mobility, and health. Thank you for your comments on the LRTP. The MPO voted to transfer the funding programmed in its LRTP, Charting Progress to 2040 and its 2016-2020 TIP for the Green Line Extension from College Avenue to Route 16 to the first phase of the Green Line project as part of Amendment 4 of its 2016-2020 TIP. In doing so, the MPO recognized and incorporated into its record, the commitment by the Secretary of MassDOT by December 31, 2016,B to file an Environmental Notification Form under the Massachusetts Environmental Protection Act for Phase 2 of the Green Line Extension, and after such filing to carry forward the MEPA review process to its conclusion, so long as Phase 1 of the Green Line Extension continues to go forward. The MPO will continue to monitor the progress of the Green Line Phase 1 project and the MEPA review process for Phase 2 and discuss the inclusion of Phase 2 as part of the next LRTP development. No
Ramp Construction on I-95 Northbound and Improvements on Canton Street/Dedham Street Neponset Valley TMA Karen Dumaine, Executive Director Support Supports updating the cost for ramp construction on I-95 Northbound and progressing with improvements to Canton Street and Dedham Street in Canton, Norwood, and Westwood.

States the I-95/I-93 interchange in Canton is a pivotal project for keeping the Neponset Valley region competitive and reducing traffic congestion. The project is also critical to achieving the full economic development potential of the University Station project. Adds that the project will address long-held safety concerns.		 Thank you for your comments on the LRTP. The increased funding for the Ramp Construction on I-95 Northbound and Improvements on Canton Street/Dedham Street is included in the list of recommended projects in Amendment One to Charting Progress to 2040. The increased funding appears in the 2016 to 2020 time band. No
Newburyport / Rockport Commuter Rail Line Resident, Town of Hamilton Sarah Lauderdale Request Requests an additional inbound train between 5:01 pm and 7:23 pm on weekdays on the Newburyport / Rockport Commuter Rail Line. Thank you for your comments on the LRTP. Through the development of its vision, goals, and objectives, the MPO emphasized that transit is an important element to mobility in the MPO region. This comment will be submitted to the MBTA Service Planning Department for their evaluation in adding service during this time period. No
Public Transit Resident, City of Boston (South Boston) Louise Baxter Request Requests a focus on public transit in the LRTP, noting increasing population and the cost of vehicular travel. Thank you for your comments on the LRTP. Through the development of its vision, goals, and objectives, the MPO emphasized that transit is an important element to mobility in the MPO region. MassDOT is in the process of developing Focus40, the MBTAB4s long-range capital planning document defining a 25-year vision for public transportation. This information was not available for the MPO to use in the development of this LRTP Amendment. The MPO acknowledges that Focus40 will be an important input in programming future transit dollars and chose to leave 50% of its target funds unallocated in the 2030 to 2040 time bands awaiting input on Focus40 and other long-range transportation planning documents. The MPO will consider your comments in the development of future long-range transportation plans. Your comment will also be submitted to MassDOT and the MBTA for their consideration. No
Public Transit Executive Director, CrossTown Connect Scott Zadakis Support Supports modernization and increasing the reliability and capacity of the public transportation system. Thank you for your comments on the LRTP. Through the development of its vision, goals, and objectives, the MPO emphasized that transit is an important element to mobility in the MPO region. MassDOT is in the process of developing Focus40, the MBTAB4s long-range capital planning document defining a 25-year vision for public transportation. This information was not available for the MPO to use in the development of this LRTP Amendment. The MPO acknowledges that Focus40 will be an important input in programming future transit dollars and chose to leave 50% of its target funds unallocated in the 2030 to 2040 time bands awaiting input on the Focus40 and other long-range transportation planning documents. The MPO will consider your comments in the development of future long-range transportation plans. Your comment will also be submitted to MassDOT and the MBTA for their consideration. No
Operations & Management Funding Executive Director, CrossTown Connect Scott Zadakis Support/ Request Would like to applaud the MPO for the change in tack to re-prioritize and fund operations and management projects that support bicycle and pedestrian travel on a more equitable level with large highway projects. Also happy to see increased funding for Complete Street projects. Considering this, they are troubled that the Amendment cuts several million dollars from the Bicycle and Pedestrian program. Would also like to see an increase in funding for the Community Transportation/Parking/Clean Air and Mobility program. Programming only 2 percent of spending on this program shows a lack of emphasis on these types of projects.


 Thank you for your comment on the LRTP. In developing the LRTP in 2015, the MPO chose to emphasize capacity management through low-cost investments such as bicycle and pedestrian projects and chose to initiate a new program including Community Transportation combined with Parking and Clean Air and Mobility. At that time knowing that projects had been programmed through 2020, the MPO chose to begin to implement these programs beginning in the 2021 to 2025 time band. The assumptions in the outer time bands are that no more than 50 percent of funding would go to major infrastructure projects with the remaining divided between the operations and management projects and programs. Beginning in 2021, it was assumed that of the remaining unprogrammed funding, 58 percent would be programmed to Complete Streets, 28 percent to intersection improvements, 10 percent to bicycle and pedestrian projects and 4 percent to the new Community Transportation/Parking/Clean Air and Mobility program. This is an estimate for future funding that allows the municipalities to plan for the future knowing that the MPO has a commitment to these types of projects. As projects are submitted for funding in the TIP, each project will be evaluated using the goals and objectives set in the LRTP.B No
Needs Assessment   Senator Joan B. Lovely Support / Request Supports identification of future areas of need in the 2nd Essex District in the existing Needs Assessment, including:

-- HSIP crash clusters in Downtown areas of Salem and Peabody
-- HSIP bicycle clusters in Beverly and Salem
-- Noting that Peabody, Beverly, and Salem have "transit capacity needs"
-- Route 128 at Lowell Street, Exit 26, in Peabody identified as a "priority congested locations"
-- Route 128 at Route 114 identified as one of the "top 25 highway crash clusters"
-- Washington Street in Salem identified as having "multiple safety needs"

Requests the MPO prioritize these areas and provide financial support to advance these improvements.		 Thank you for your comments on the LRTP. The information in the Needs Assessment is used in the development of the MPO's Unified Planning Work Program to identify studies to be conducted each year. For project and program funding, this information is used in evaluating and prioritizing projects that are submitted by the municipalities as part of the Transportation Improvement Program and Long-Range Transportation Plan. The MPO will continue to evaluate projects, programs, and study ideas as they are submitted by the municipalities requesting funding. No
Project
Identification		   Senator Joan B. Lovely Request Requests that the MPO be aware of potential projects in the communities of Beverly, Danvers, Peabody, Salem, and Topsfield. States that infrastructure needs in these communities are far greater than the resources available to address them. Potential projects include:

-- Improvements to Boston Street (Salem)
-- Improvements to Bridge Street (Beverly)

Notes significant activity in the communities of Peabody, Danvers, and Topsfield.		 Thank you for your comments on the LRTP. The MPO evaluates projects that are submitted by the municipalities using its evaluation criteria based on its adopted goals and objectives. The projects are then prioritized for funding through the LRTP and the Transportation Improvement Program. The Boston Street and Bridge Street projects are included in the TIP's Universe of Projects.B No
Project Clarification Planning Director, Town of Wellesley Michael Zehner Request Requests that the Route 9 Corridor Enhancements project referenced in Appendix B of the LRTP be revised to read the Route 9 Corridor Reconstruction project which is MassDOT project 607340. MPO staff revised the project name of the Wellesley project 607340 in the Universe of Projects list in Appendix B of the LRTP from "Route 9 Corridor Enhancements" to " Route 9 Corridor Reconstruction".B Yes