Policy Order O-5

WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that the Patrick-Murray Administration has coordinated the purchase of the Grand Junction Rail Line as part of a bigger package to improve the state's transportation system; and

WHEREAS: The MBTA plans to spend a few million dollars over the next 12 to 18 months to improve the Grand Junction from freight to passenger standards, replacing railroad ties, adding gates at street crossings, and installing a signal system to allow faster travel; and

WHEREAS: At no point has the Patrick -Murray Administration included the City of Cambridge in the conversation of expanding rail service through the city; and

WHEREAS: Additional train traffic throughout the day and evening will have a negative effect on the Cambridge residents in the vicinity of the rail line; and

WHEREAS: Plans for this seem to be progressing without any input whatsoever from the City or its residents; and

WHEREAS: The environmental impacts on Cambridge are unclear and mitigation for these changes would have to be substantial; now therefore be it

ORDERED: That the City Manger be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the nature of the improvements along the Grand Junction; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record expressing disappointment in the current lack of any public process, and be it further

RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record opposing additional rail traffic through Cambridge that could have a negative impact on our residents and community; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitable copy of this resolution to Governor Patrick, Lieutenant Governor Murray, Transportation Secretary Mullen, MBTA general manager Richard Davey, and the Cambridge State Delegation on behalf of the entire City Council.