The Brookline Select Board is gearing up for a significant public engagement regarding the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) project, with a formal grant of location hearing scheduled for September 30. This meeting will include a public comment session, where the Select Board may vote on the MBTA's request to amend the existing grant of location.

During the recent meeting, the Select Board emphasized the importance of understanding the proposed changes and addressing community concerns ahead of the upcoming public hearing. A separate public hearing will also be held to discuss the MBTA's plans for tree removals at two stations, which have already been approved by the Tree Planting Committee. However, this decision has faced considerable public opposition, prompting the Select Board to conduct a required hearing under Chapter 87 of the Massachusetts General Laws to make a final determination.

In addition to the discussions surrounding the MBTA project, the Select Board highlighted two important meetings scheduled for September 17. The Commission on Disability will convene at 5:30 PM to gather feedback on accessibility issues related to the MBTA project. Following that, the Transportation Board will meet at 6:55 PM to address concerns about parking, crosswalks, and traffic flow associated with the station design. Recommendations from this meeting will be provided to the Select Board ahead of the September 30 meeting.

As the community prepares for these discussions, residents are encouraged to participate and voice their concerns, particularly regarding transportation impacts and tree removals. The Select Board's commitment to engaging with the public underscores the importance of community input in shaping local infrastructure projects.