1. Report.
2. Bob Replies.
1. Report.
Archie Mazmanian reports the following:
At EOT's website there are posted EOT's request for a two-week extension to March 6, 2009, and its grant. I take this to mean that EOT needed more time to respond to MEPA with respect to the many comments submitted on the RDEIR/DEIS. But I am confused by this in the response: "The Certificate on the RDEIR will now be issued on March 6, 2009." I would assume it might take MEPA months to review the RDEIR/DEIS, public comments and EOT responses to such comments. Maybe the "Certificate" is some sort of formality.
Considering the post-RDEIR/DEIS filing events about Harvard's financial problems and its development delays in Allston, as well as the economy in general, it would seem that EOT should withdraw the RDEIR/DEIS because of significant changes in circumstances. Or at a minimum, EOT should submit an Addendum reflecting such changes and their impacts, with an opportunity for the public to comment. Otherwise, MEPA's review would non-reflective of reality.
EOT has no meetings scheduled at least through May. It seems as if it has its head in the sand.
And Brookline's Transportation Board will consider the impact on Brookline of the BU Bridge redesign at its May 5th meeting. I understand the contracts for the redesign have been let out. What can Brookline do other than perhaps consider traffic changes on Brookline streets? And what can Cambridge do, assuming that the redesign will impact traffic in Cambridge? It seems that there is no coordination between not only municipalities and the state but also between state agencies.
Archie Mazmanian
2. Bob Replies.
The City of Cambridge and all eight continuing city councilors are the bad guys.
