HomeMy Public PortalAbout2017-03-17 MassDOT letter signedELECTED OFFICIALS:
Mark S. Sideris,
Council President
Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr.,
Vice President
Michael F. Dattoli,
Councilor At Large
Aaron P. Dushku,
Councilor At Large
Susan G. Falkon',
Councilor At Large
Anthony Palomba,
Councilor At Large
Angeline B. Kounelis,
District A Councilor
Lisa J. Feltner,
District B Councilor
Kenneth M. Woodland,
District D Councilor
Watertown Town Council
Administration Building
149 Main Street
Watertown, MA 02472
Phone: 617-972.6470
March 17, 2017
Massachusetts Department of Transportation
Capital Investment Plan
10 Park Plaza, Suite 4160
Boston, MA 02116
To Whom It May Concern,
We are writing in response to the call for comments regarding the MassDOT draft 2018-2022
Capital Investment Plan (CIP). The current CIP proposes important prioritizations and goals.
The Town supports the proposed framework that identified three areas of focus including
reliability, modernization, and expansion. In reviewing the CIP, the Town of Watertown would
like to endorse the funding of three items on the Plan's 'unfunded' list:
1. Project ID 1729 — Construction of Phase II of the Watertown -Cambridge Greenway
multi -use path from Arlington Street to Fresh Pond Reservation.
2. Project ID 1972 -Transportation hub improvements at Watertown Square including
redesign of the delta and improved signage for Galen Street. The Town would like to
respectfully request inclusion in this item of sufficient funds for a Planning Study of
Potential Re -Use Scenarios for the Watertown Yard and Carhouse Site.
3. Project ID 1973 — Various improvements and to create a coordinated multi -use
community path through the center of Watertown
Additionally, the Town of Watertown respectfully requests that MassDOT include the
following new concepts in the appropriate list for ranking:
1. To address capacity issues on three heavily used buses within the MBTA system —
provide additional funding for the acquisition of more buses to add to the current fleet
on the 70, 71 and 73 bus routes as well as the funding allocated for updating the fleet.
2. To ensure that planned development and future growth can be accommodated within
Watertown's critical mixed -use and employment centers and corridors — Ensure there
is flexibility to fund implementation of forthcoming recommendations from the Arsenal
Corridor and Mt. Auburn Street planning studies that are nearing completion.
3. To ensure a successful launch of the public -private partnership of the Watertown
Transportation Management Association (TMA), please preserve the availability of
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) funds to help launch this
important program, which has been provided previously to other TMA's.
The Town of Watertown is building upon its diverse neighborhoods by implementing a
plan for vibrant and dynamic mixed -use and commercial centers and corridors. The
Town's development and redevelopment will rely upon an improved and successful
multi -modal system and network. The requested additions to the CIP will help in
providing critical services for the future of Watertown's transportation systems. The
intended benefits for this request include reducing automobile traffic and providing
additional transit choices. The Town's goal is to create a more attractive place for
business and investment as well as supporting existing business and residents, by
implementing transportation solutions.
Thank you very much for considering the Town's request to support our long-term
vision for Watertown.
Respectfully,
LL
4740‘44-
Mark Sideris
Town Council President
(,/X(4J /)
Cc Sen. Will Brownsberger
Rep. Jonathan Hecht
Rep. John Lawn
Michael J. Driscoll, Town Manager
Gerald S. Mee, Superintendent of Public Works
Steve Magoon, DCDP Director, Assistant Town Manager