Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Urban Ring Update, Advisory Committee Meeting Coming

Archie Mazmanian reports:

1. Report.

I Emailed MassDOT recently inquiring as to the status ("Where's Waldo?") ot its proposed new website for the Urban Ring project and as to the activities of the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC). I was told that the new website is indeed not in place as yet as it has been more difficult than had been anticipated. Also, the CAC has a meeting scheduled for Monday, November 22, 2010, 4-6 PM at 10 Park Plaza, Conference Rooms 2-3. It is a good thing I inquired because I was not on MassDOT's Email contact list that gave notice that the previously scheduled October 13th CAC meeting had been rescheduled. I wonder if others formerly listed did not receive such notice.

Regarding the old Urban Ring website, which is still standing, I informed MassDOT's Scott Hamway today that Secretary Bowles' June 22, 2010 response to Secretary Mullan's letter of January 22, 2010, should have been posted, as well as the minutes for the last CAC meeting held on July 13, 2010, at which I reminded its Chair that the CAC is subject to both the MA open meeting and public records laws.

Perhaps at the upcoming CAC meeting we may learn of more extensive use of the Grand Junction Rail Line (GJRL) proposed for commuter rail to North Station that will impact the Charles River under the BU Bridge (and thus the Charles River White Geese) as well as the GJRL route through Cambridge.

Stay tuned.

2. Bob response.

I also did not get a notice although I was on the mailing list as well.