I attended the BRA public hearing on the Sully Square project at the Shraffts Center. Overall, I am impressed with the design work that has been delivered so far. I asked the BRA to keep the following considerations in mind as they embark on the next design phase: (1) more detail should be provided on bicylce and pedestrian connectivity elements. This area has the potential to be the next great urban village in Boston, and the opportunity to make this a model for low-impact development should not be squandered; (2) The “surface option” has obvious curb appeal, but the transportation engineering (traffic light sequencing) needs to be perfected so that we don’t have another “Leverett Circle” situation; (3) Thought should go into what kind of “transit-oriented development” is expected or is desirable in the proposed new development parcels – this will inform other design choices such as open space amenities, parking, and sidewalks; (4) Planners should consult with the MyRWA as to the creation of useable public access to the waterfront. Ensuring smart and “green” redevelopment of Sully Square and the Rutherford Ave. corridor is a focal point of my campaign for State Senate.

Hello Green Mass Groupies! This is Dan Hill, and I’m running for the open seat in the state senate, vacated by Anthony Galluccio.  I will probably be the most progressive candidate in this race on environmental policy issues.  I have been practicing environmental and land use law for 10 years in Massachusetts, mainly representing municipalities and citizens groups.  I have been disappointed in the leadership on the state level to effectuate the kind of policy changes we need to achieve true sustainability.  In this campaign I am calling for adoption of DEP’s proposed “general stormwater permit” regulations as statutory law.  We also need to ensure passage of the Sustainable Water Resources Act and CPA II during this legislative term. And I want to see Massachusetts be the leader in clean energy innovation and development – I am proposing a state-wide innovation incubator program to facilitate growth in this “new economy” sector.  I’m looking forward to raising these issues during the campaign, and participating further on this blog.  Folks can reach me on my website: www.danhill2010.com.