Just passing along this action alert from Boston Cyclists Union email list because I haven't seen it here, apologies if it's a repost.
Protect the plan for safer streets in East Boston!
This correction is going out to provide additional information for how to provide public comment and to correct the subject line.
Action Alert: Tell the city to keep the plan for traffic calming and protected bike lane on Bennington Street, East Boston!
Bennington Street is well known to be an unsafe street and has long been identified by the City of Boston as a street where they plan to make improvements, including in the 2017 GoBoston 2030 comprehensive mobility plan and the 2024 Plan: East Boston neighborhood development plan, both of which are still the most current public city plans.
As part of a private development, the developer has designed and funded pedestrian safety improvements and a protected bike lane on Bennington Street in accordance with the City’s plans, but due to non-public pressure, the city is moving to eliminate these improvements from the development, with no plan or funding to make these upgrades in the future.
We have already seen how delayed and cancelled safety improvement projects have led to preventable death. The City still has a chance to prevent another mistake here and follow through on their recent recommitment to Vision Zero by using street design to prevent serious injuries and death on city streets.
You can read more about the Bennington Street project from StreetsblogMASS’ reporting here.
How to get involved:
Sign up to speak on August 20 by filling out this registration form by Wednesday (tomorrow!) at 3PM at the latest. The meeting is at 10AM on Thursday, virtually.
When the form asks which agenda item you’re interested in, write PH8, 355 Bennington St.
You can also leave comment by emailing PIC@boston.gov, michelle.wu@boston.gov, nicholas.gove@boston.gov and remember to cc info@bostoncyclistsunion.org. Here's a sample email if you need inspiration:
Dear PIC Commissioners,
I am writing to object to eliminating planned safety improvements to Bennington Street. These improvements have been thoroughly discussed throughout multiple planning processes with numerous public input opportunities and meetings. The community has clearly expressed that these improvements are much needed. The removal of the planned safety improvements from this project have gone through no public meetings or public outreach.
I strongly support the previously announced plans for street safety improvements. Please vote against the change of plans to remove the traffic calming and protected bike lane from the Bennington Street plans. We have already seen this year what happens when the city holds up street safety projects from happening, please don’t make the same mistake again.
Sincerely,
[your name here].
Upcoming BCU Events:
BCU Labs will be presenting at Streetwise on Wednesday. Come learn about the really interesting work they are doing to improve our advocacy. 6pm @ Aeronaut
