| Dated | Community/ Organization |
Name and Title | Comment | Proposed MPO Response |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/5/2013 (prior to public comment period) | N/A | Frank DeMasi for Ed Lowney | Expresses a study idea regarding the potential for using bar coding along trail markers as a way for users to determine location and data about surroundings using a cell phone application. | The MPO appreciates this study suggestion. The request to study the use of the interaction of bar codes or other markers with technology for wayfinding and obtaining location-specific data will be considered during the development of the federal fiscal year (FFY) 2015 UPWP. |
| 5/28/13 | Conservation Law Foundation | Rafael Mares, Staff Attorney | Supports the inclusion of the GHG Reduction Strategy Cost-Effectiveness Analysis (ID #11151) in the UPWP. This analysis is designed to develop quantitative information to help guide the MPO in its efforts to plan and program in ways that most effectively reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Such important information is currently not fully available to the MPO in its decision making. This analysis therefore has the potential to significantly help the MPO meet its requirements under GreenDOT and to advance the state's climate change goals. | The MPO appreciates the support of the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) for the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategy Cost-Effectiveness Analysis. |
| 06/12/13 | Town of Wilmington | Carole Hamilton, Director of Planning and Conservation | • Notes that proposed new projects for the UPWP are worthy and appear to include studies across all parts of the planning region. • Expresses interest in the "Addressing Safety, Mobility, and Access on Subregional Priority Roadways - FFY 2014" project. Offers two possible study locations: Route 38 from the Tewksbury border to the Woburn border with particular scrutiny of the intersection of Routes 38 and 62, and Route 62 from Main Street in Wilmington to the North Reading line. Notes that both routes serve as conduits through Wilmington to Route 93 and Route 95, contain signalized sections, and should be looked at for pedestrian safety issues. Highlights a dangerous rail crossing on the Route 62 corridor as well as signalization and pedestrian safety needs at the Route 62/38 intersection, where significant multifamily housing development is occurring. |
The MPO appreciates the support for the proposed new projects included in the draft UPWP and the input on potential study locations for the "Addressing Safety, Mobility, and Access on Subregional Priority Roadways - FFY 2014" project. These locations will be considered as part of the study selection process, which will seek to achieve a balanced geographic distribution of study corridors. |
| 06/13/13 | The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Senate, Second Suffolk and Middlesex District | State Senator William Brownsberger | • Expresses concern for the increased pressure on the transportation infrastructure and limitations of public transit options throughout the Back Bay, Fenway, and Longwood Medical Area. • References a proposal for a comprehensive transportation study for the Back Bay, Fenway, and Longwood Medical Area that he and several colleagues and neighborhood associations submitted in February. Expresses interest in the results of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation's Massachusetts Turnpike-Boston Ramps study, but also a hope that the MPO's planning process can do more to anticipate the impact of development in the area. |
The MPO discussed this proposal as part of selecting projects from the FFY 2014 UPWP Universe of Proposed New Projects. At that time, it was noted that there are several other ongoing MassDOT study efforts in this area, and in order to perform this study appropriately, those other efforts should be allowed to advance to the point where preferred solutions can be identified and then analyzed collectively in the manner suggested by this proposal. The MPO plans to revisit this topic and proposal as part of the development of the FFY 2015 UPWP. |
| 06/17/13 | Regional Transportation Advisory Council | Steven Olanoff, Chair | • Expresses that efforts to understand the UPWP and evaluate its studies could be improved if descriptions included explanations on how results will be used and how recommendations will be implemented. • Recommends that sites selected for study give priority to areas that serve the greatest number of residents and workers, address Environmental Justice communities, encourage the growth of transit development centers, and help identify and capitalize on reverse commuting opportunities. • Is especially concerned that Massachusetts does not seem to be proactively planning for the substantial increase and impact of heavier frieght and more trucks on Routes I-95, I-495, the MassPike, and connecting roads - and cites a likely effect on safety - while Massachusetts ports become increasingly underutilized and non-competitive. Supports the "Freight Planning Support" program and its funding level, but would like to see more funds and more studies in the future in order to better understand and promote freight movement in the region. Suggests that future freight studies investigate and describe the MPO Region's multi-modal freight delivery system and the need to meet demand in all modes. Suggests that some studies may develop a better understanding of the effects of "Truck to Rail Diversion" and "Short Line Railroads." Recommends that studies be undertaken to 1) determine the effects of the Panama Canal Expansion Project on freight movement within, through, and around the region, and 2) to study the impact of truck traffic flows resulting from the relocation of the Commonwealth's rail hub to Worcester. • Supports the UPWP's "Transportation Investments for Economic Development" study, and recommends that the study involve the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development and seek its input. Recommends that freight movement be an important part of the Commonwealth's overall economic development strategy. • Recommends that studies of maritime freight and passenger demand and investment include all ports in Massachusetts. • Encourages the MPO to give more attention to the impact of transportation on public health, including impacts related to air quality, noise and light pollution and overall impacts from motor vehicles on bicylists, pedestrians, and residents. • Supports planning and construction activities that support pedestrian and bicycle improvements and transit expansion. • Promotes accessibility in transportation. |
• So noted; implementation is an important factor that the MPO considers when selecting UPWP projects. MPO staff have worked to enhance references to study implementation in FFY 2014 UPWP descriptions and will continue to do so in future UPWPs. • The MPO appreciates the Regional Transportation Advisory Council's recommendations for study location selection criteria and will incorporate these priorities into location selection criteria. • The MPO appreciates the Council's support for the "Freight Planning Support" program. The Council's recommendations for studies on various aspects of regional freight transportation will be considered to the extent they are consistent with the "Freight Planning Support" program as it evolves. • The MPO appreciates the Council's support for the "Transportation Investments for Economic Development" study as well as the suggestion to seek input from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development (EOHED). Staff will consider the suggestion during work scope development and may include consultation with EOHED and other relevant parties as appropriate. • The MPO will conisder the Council's comment regarding the ports to be included in studies of maritime freight and passenger demand and investment to the extent consistent with the framework of the "Freight Planning Support" program as it evolves. • The MPO agrees with the Council's comment regarding public health and is in the process of developing more staff expertise in the conduct of public health assessments. • The MPO's policies and selection criteria favor projects that advance the modes supported by the Advisory Council's comment. • The MPO has incorporated accessibility into its UPWP criteria and it will consider incorporating accessibility into other selection criteria. |