CAMBRIDGEPORT NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION, INC. 17 Lawrence Street ‘Cambridge, MA 02139 May 21,2010 Jetrey B, Mullan Luisa Paiewonsky ‘Sectelary and Chief Executive Officer Commissioner Mass. Department of Transportation Massachusetts Highway Department, DOT “Ten Park Plazas ‘Ten Park Plaza Boston, MA 02115 Boston, MA 02116 Re: Comments of multiple neighborhood associations regarding bridge work ane related policy issues and concerns Dear Secretary Mallan and Administrator Paiewonsky Lam writirg on behalf of several Boston and Cambridge neighborhood associations (listed below) regarding the River Street and Western Avenue bridge reconstruction work and related issues. The planned reconstruction of the River Street ‘and Western Averue bridges has tremendous potential to improve transportation, recreation, and quuliy of life for residents of Cambridge and Boston's Allston/Brighton neighborhood. Weare hopeful thatthe State's Accelerated Bridge Program will address the existing serious deficiencies and recognize that ths isa onee-in-a-lifetime project, Many members of our organizations attended public meetings run by MassDOT. bruary and March where we heard good ideas from MassDOT, DCR, our city and state officials, and our neighbors, We have also had constructive discussions with the ‘advocacy groups LivableSteets und the Charles River Conservaney, our city transportation departments, the Boston Redevelopment Authority, and others. We believe tha it is essential for the River SUWestera Ave project to: 1. Improve transportation, access, and safety for people on, aroun and neat the ‘ridges. Inprovements to state and city roads, Mass Pike on and off-ramps, and recreational paths on both sides of the river, must be part of a holistic design that includes the bridges ‘Address the needs of people traveling by foot. bicycle, sowing shell, public transportaton, and car. Improvements for people enjoying the spectacular views or watching the Head of | the Charles, 4. Protect environmental, wetlands and biodiversity interests. 5, Consider that this are is ised on the National Historie Registry and has an ‘portant place in our history. Signage promoting public awareness ofthis historyshould be installed. Improving these bridges should he sensitive to thet historic interests while also incorporating modern technology and design. 66. Incorporae strong mitigation measures during construction to minimize ‘ransportaion impacts and allow safe recreational use of the river. We would appreciate the opportunity to discuss with you how we ean join your team {ora constructive and on-going dialogue to evaluate and determine the major elements of this important project. Very truly yours ‘Aug President, Cambylgeport Neighborhood Association (On behalfof and as authorized by the following neighborhood assocfations and parties: Lawrence Adkins Riverside Neighborhood Association Cambridgeport Neighborhood Association Paul Berkeley, Alston Civie Assoviation Donal Carrol, Brighton Allston Improvement Association Harry Mattison, Allston/Brighton North Neighbors Forum ce: Frank Tramontozai, MassDOT Chief Engineer Robert Antico, MassDOT Highvsay Division Project Manager Amy Getchell, MassDOT Charles River Basin Coordinator State Senators Sal DiDomenico, Anthony Petruccelli, Seven Tolman State Representatives Kevin Honan, Michael Moran, Marty Walz, Alice Wolf Boston City Counsilor Mark Ciommo ‘Tom Tinlin, Bostca Transportation Commissioner Beth Rubenstein, Cambridge Assistant City Manager for Community Development David Maher, Mayor of Cambridge Robert Healy, Carnbridge City Manager Mictsel Glavin, Boston Redevelopment Authority [Nicole Freedman, Boston Redevelopment Authority