MAY 5, 2008 — The Medford Green Line Neighborhood Alliance (MGNA) today released a report further analyzing the potential station sites in Medford as part of the Green Line extension project being planned to the city.
Following up on in October 2006 draft station study report, the MGNA’s Green Line Extension to Medford: Potential Station Sites Study assesses the pros and cons of seven station locations, and rates highest the potential for Medford station locations at:
- Ball Square, on the Medford/Somerville line
- College Avenue at Boston Avenue
- Winthrop Street near Boston Avenue
- Mystic Valley Parkway/Route 16
These areas would place stations approximately one-half mile apart, which is the optimum distance for providing neighborhood coverage while maintaining desired service levels; have the highest potential for boardings from riders reaching the stations on foot, by bicycle or by bus; and can accommodate station platforms with the least amount of intrusion on private property.
The Potential Station Sites Study incorporates information and analysis gathered in more than 40 meetings conducted by MGNA, including three workshops devoted to specific areas of the extension corridor; two neighborhood forums; meetings with city, state and federal elected officials and departments/commissions; meetings and discussions with representatives of private businesses; meetings with transportation advocates in Somerville and Cambridge; testimony at public hearings conducted by state transportation agencies; and public feedback expressed directly to MGNA and in other public forums, including the Station Workshops and General Informational meetings held by the Executive Office of Public Transportation and Public Works (EOTPW) this past January and February.
The station analysis was conducted keeping in mind the MGNA’s two primary objectives:
- Provide the maximum number of Medford residents an alternative means of transportation by bringing the Green Line as far as possible into Medford, while retaining the integrity, character, look and feel of the Medford neighborhoods the extension will impact – Ball Square, South Medford, Tufts University, Medford Hillside and West Medford.
- Do no harm; the Green Line Extension Project must be a net benefit to the city as a whole and reduce – not worsen – existing problems such traffic congestion, parking issues and pedestrian safety.
The MGNA analysis also including the following overarching goals:
- Eliminate or minimize the need for private land acquisition
- Limit and mitigate all noise, vibration and air pollution impacts from commuter rail relocation, project construction and land alterations
- Address current and future parking and traffic volume and congestion issues
- Accentuate and improve access to public transit for pedestrians, bicyclists and persons with disabilities
- Capitalize on and enhance bus connectivity to the Green Line
- Consider potential related improvements to existing commercial centers
While supportive of the Route 16 area as a terminus station location, MGNA strongly opposes the concept of a large-scale parking structure there – or parking at any other station stop along the extension route.
MGNA also calls for a commitment from the EOTPW, both in writing and financially, for the highest quality mitigation measures for noise, vibration, air pollution and green space impacts from the project. MGNA also recommends that the EOTPW consider the viability of using a single track for the Green Line trains in the area(s) where residences are in closest proximity to the corridor.
With the crucial work now well under way on the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the project, to be followed by Conceptual Engineering, MGNA hopes this document provides useful information, analysis and recommendations for project planners, transportation agency staff, elected officials, business owners, citizens and other stakeholders as important decisions and recommendations are evaluated and eventually made.
Download the MGNA’s new study.
Download the appendix.
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About MGNA
The Medford Green Line Neighborhood Alliance is a group of citizens who support the proposed Green Line extension to Medford, and who advocate for proactive involvement from the city, its residents and all stakeholders to ensure that the extension is completed in a manner that is most beneficial to the community.
MGNA views the Green Line extension as a historic opportunity for Medford residents, businesses and institutions to gain a major improvement to the region’s transportation infrastructure that will serve the community well for decades. Executed properly and carefully, the Green Line will provide thousands of Medford residents with an efficient, environmentally friendly alternative to automobile use; provide better access to employment, cultural, educational and health care opportunities; improve air quality; and make Medford overall a better place to live, work and visit.
