Policy Order O-2

WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that the City of Boston is pursuing a ban on Non-Radioactive Hazardous Materials ("NRHM") transportation through downtown Boston unless the material originates in or has a final destination within the city; and

WHEREAS: Boston is sighting the dense population and use of the new greenway as support for the proposed ban on NRHM; and

WHEREAS: The state ban on NRHM such as gasoline, natural gas, and propane already prevents travel through the I-93 tunnels.  Trucks travelling from Everett to Quincy will travel through Somerville and Cambridge to circumnavigate Boston in a the shortest alternative route; and

WHEREAS: These materials already travel through Somerville in Cambridge to reach destinations west of the City via I-90.  The travel ban on Boston surface roads that is being proposed has potential to substantially increase NRHM traffic through Cambridge and Somerville streets, specifically McGrath/O'Brien Highway, Land Boulevard, Binney Street, Main Street, Sydney Street, Massachusetts Avenue, Pleasant Street, Western Avenue, and River Street; and

WHEREAS: These streets are significantly populated with residents and businesses and cut through both of Cambridge's largest business districts, Kendall Square and Central Square; and

WHEREAS: The Kendall Square portion of the route, specifically Binney Street, will experience a significant build out in the coming months and years, which will increase residential, commercial and biotech populations and increase day and nighttime activity.  Additionally as part of this build out, there will be approximately 2.5 acres of active parkland that will be added to the East Cambridge and Kendall Square landscape along this route near the corner of Binney and Third Street, and First  Street and Land Boulevard; now therefore be it

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager of Community Development and the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation and report back on the impact of this proposed alternative route on Cambridge NRHM traffic; and be it further

ORDERED: That the City Manager confer with appropriate staff and structure a ban similar to what the City of Boston has proposed; and be it further

ORDERED: That the City Council go on record opposing any changes to NRHM routes that would increase NRHM traffic through the city; and be it further

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back on the actions taken to protect Cambridge.