Policy Order O-1

WHEREAS: The Northpoint Park operated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation has quickly become a jewel in the Charles River park system and a much welcomed addition to the Cambridge neighborhood; and

WHEREAS: A number of improvements to the Lower Charles River Basin, including Northpoint Park, are legal obligations and mitigation for the negative impacts of the Big Dig; and

WHEREAS: The complete vision for the area includes a bridge and park system that allows pedestrians and bicyclists unimpeded access to the Lower Charles Basin and creates new connections that will benefit the Cambridge and Boston communities; and

WHEREAS: With the newly constructed North Bank Bridge, another of these obligations, the State has created a new connection spanning the railroad tracks and linking the Charlestown and Cambridge communities; and

WHEREAS: The Inlet Bridge, is a bridge that would improve access to the park and Lower Charles River Basin from the Cambridge side of the river; and

WHEREAS: The Inlet Bridge is a pedestrian connection that would span the Charles River and connect Northpoint Park to Monsignor O'Brien near the Museum of Science; and

WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that the legal obligation to construct the Inlet Bridge is being disputed by state agencies; and

WHEREAS: Mitigation promised to the citizens of Cambridge by the Commonwealth should be upheld; now therefore be it

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Law Department and report back to the City Council on the current status of the Inlet Bridge and steps the City can take to ensure that agreements with the Commonwealth are upheld.