We’ve got more work to do to keep making our streets safer for all of our residents.
1. TONIGHT, June 8, 6PM – 8PM: Somerville I-93 Viaduct Presentation. You can find more details and submit written comments here. This will be a three-year construction project, done at night, and without any plans for mitigating the long-term impacts of air and noise pollution.
In your comments, tell MassDOT to prioritize the lives of people over steel, and to build sound walls as a necessary mitigation measure for the long-term air and noise pollution impacts that are linked to higher incidence of asthma and cardiovascular disease in these environmental justice neighborhoods. In last week’s meeting with MassDOT, Wig Zamore, who has been fighting for barriers for decades, estimated that we have had 5,000-10,000 deaths due to the lack of particulate barriers.
MassDOT is trying to get away with just paint and new crosswalks, but we need the sound and anti-pollution barriers for our neighbors as well! They’ve heard us, but they are not committing to anything yet.
2. Wednesday, June 9, 6PM: Attend and/or comment on Somerville’s proposed FY 2022 budget to increase staffing and expertise to enforce the Americans With Disabilities Act. You can read why this is important and sign on to SASS Member and Chair of the Mayor’s Commission for Persons with Disabilities Bonnie Denis’s letter. Leave a comment or attend Somerville Budget Hearing.
All the best and safe streets for all,
SASS Organizing Committee