We are happy to report that the BoS today voted 4-1 (Selectwoman Diane Mahon the sole negative vote) to advance the current plan for Mass Ave to MassHighway for their 25% review.

The vote followed a presentation by both the project engineers on the basis of their design along with the landscape architect’s street renderings of what the proposed corridor could look like.  The town had all their ducks in a row with Town Engineer, Town Planner, and chiefs of the APD and AFD publicly endorsing the proposed plan and stating why the project should go forward. The Selectmen each stated how they got to their decision and those in favor spoke eloquently about the need for this project.  We thank them for their leadership on this project in the face of a vocal and often vitriolic minority.

Approximately 70 people attended the meeting, with a split of roughly 50-50 between supporters and opponents of the plan. The EALS Coalition was well represented with at least 20 members in attendance.  No public comment was taken during the presentation/vote, but when the project was approved a solid applause arose from the crowd (thanks guys!).

Opponents staged a mini “walk out” towards the end of the presentation and went upstairs to the Selectmen’s meeting room to await the standard open forum section of the typical BoS meeting.  A spokesperson from opponents spoke adamantly against the project stating that the BoS is not listening to constituent requests and then the group of 20 or so walked out of the room en masse.

Chad spoke briefly on behalf of EALS during this forum thanking the Selectmen for their support of this project and assuring them that EALS will remain involved for the entirety and for the good of the community.  A few others spoke in favor of the project notably including the owners of the Capitol Theater and Za Pizzeria.  Their comments were well crafted and well received.

So now the focus will shift to the ever important MassHighway 25% review held here in Arlington some time in late fall/early winter.  It will be absolutely critical to the success of the project to significantly overwhelm the number of opponents at this meeting. Our goal is to get at least 100 supporters to this hearing.

We will be discussing our next steps at the next EALS monthly meeting Thursday August 20th 7:30 at the Fox.

Thanks to all those who were able to attend the meeting,

Phil and Chad