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.
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