Policy Order O-11

WHEREAS: The Massachusetts Department of Transportation's  (MassDOT) plan to use the Grand Junction Railroad to carry Commuter Rail Trains could have a serious impact on the resident of Cambridge and Somerville; and

WHEREAS: MassDOT is engaged in public outreach in order to keep residents informed of the potential use of the Grand Junction; and

WHEREAS: Most feedback being received at these public meetings is in opposition to this concept; and

WHEREAS: MassDOT is currently working on a ridership study that will help to understand the feasibility of this project and its potential of becoming a reality; and

WHEREAS: Among the biggest concerns are traffic, public safety, and environmental impacts; and

WHEREAS: The ability to create a multi use path along this corridor that will connect neighborhoods will also be greatly compromised; now therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record opposing the MassDOT plans to use the Grand Junction for Commuter Rail traffic; and be it further

RESOLVED: That His Honor, the Mayor, be and hereby is requested to arrange for a breakfast meeting and invite the Cambridge legislative delegation and officials from the City of Somerville to discuss this matter further; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation on behalf of the entire City Council.