[{"_1":2,"_109":-5,"_110":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,87,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6765368,"mediaKeyId","5767019-3bb569c9a9eb7ab471f6f601e64d5627","parentId",5767019,"title","Brookline affirms MBTA plan to remove nine trees for C‑branch accessibility upgrades after heated hearing","audioSeconds",3889,"startMs",3889300,"endMs",-1,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5767019-3bb569c9a9eb7ab471f6f601e64d5627&start=3889&end=0","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5767019-3bb569c9a9eb7ab471f6f601e64d5627/thumbnail_3889300.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6765368/Massachusetts/Brookline-affirms-MBTA-plan-to-remove-nine-trees-for-Cbranch-accessibility-upgrades-after-heated-hearing","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6765368-4a8391d2f667d226019dd633983478ca/orig.mp4?Expires=1773435281&Signature=ZDvK1mFWqtuYwx1LLsr9IXGJcWGPGLvriXm0U7XpeOKfaBGQHFbJy1GzmqHVGuhsl67wY0p~DR0v3oS~zxKG91n4Cg1yR1MyZjPhAXJmUhitUc~fFflpz4qr82YH01rl6OHQzWr~NhS2Ahu8-AW2VgWG1MYEHDlOokVnmxl4gVMgqo2BsHeyzzOt8y2CpiPKJAvSgL-8EiQ52a9sSXkbkqBUzmzCYS2vajF4kljl7xetY1b8JQs0DXrBCwfX0p87bEDM9zQ41W7VFSnpna2sYFN0R2jJIwHkkXl6ZtknILCzb7bInSPS96H-RzkXmRfwj6KgG0EnxXQW5nlJ7U722A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Brookline, MA","date","2025-09-16T21:26:45Z","article","The Brookline Select Board on Sept. 16 unanimously confirmed the Tree Planting Committee’s approval allowing the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority to remove nine public shade trees as part of accessibility upgrades to two Green Line C‑branch stations, Englewood Avenue and Tappan Street.

The hearing focused on whether a 36‑inch‑diameter pin oak at Tappan Street can be saved. MBTA engineers and arborists said tests using LIDAR and a custom physical device showed a conflict between the new Type 10 vehicles’ undercarriage and the tree’s root flare. \"The undercarriage on the new Type 10 trains is 6 inches wider than the Type 9s,\" MBTA presenter Matt Conover said, and added the device confirmed impacts near the root flare and asphalt that \"would require a significant cutback to give the clearances to get by safely.\" (See transcript references SEG 1350–1360, SEG 1293–1301.)

Town urban-forestry manager Jack Schleifer, an ISA‑certified arborist, told the board cutting into the root flare \"is structurally significant for the tree\" and that excavation on multiple sides would likely compromise the tree’s stability and be lethal over time. The Tree Planting Committee’s chair, Liz Erdman, said the committee voted unanimously at its meeting to allow the removals but sought additional documentation about the pin oak; after receiving MBTA arborist information, the committee \"concur[red] that there's a safety hazard\" related to the tree.

Residents and advocates raised objections and asked for more detailed schematics and assumptions. Harry Friedman and D*** Benka both urged the Select Board to require full dynamic‑envelope schematics and documentation before permitting removal. Others, including the Brookline Green Space Alliance and residents concerned with Brookline’s Urban Forest Climate Resiliency plan, warned mature canopy cannot be quickly replaced and urged maximum mitigation.

Supporters of the MBTA project, including Jim Lee, chair of the Brookline Commission on Disability, and Brian Kane, chair of the Transportation Board (speaking for himself), emphasized long‑standing obligations to make the Green Line accessible. Jim Lee noted the project is \"20 years in the making\" and cited settlement history and the need to provide level boarding for people who use wheelchairs. Several Select Board members said they prioritized serving people and safety while urging the MBTA to minimize tree loss across the corridor.

MBTA officials said the project will raise platforms to approximately 8 inches at six stations, consolidate some stops (combining Brandon Hall and Fairbank, and eliminating Kent Street), and is expected to reduce travel times by 3–7 percent while improving wayfinding and lighting. They estimated roughly 70 trees could be impacted corridor‑wide by station designs (mostly small trees), while only a few trees face undercarriage conflicts tied specifically to Type 10 dimensions.

After deliberation the Select Board moved to \"confirm the decision of the Tree Planting Committee to approve the MBTA's plan with respect to the removal of trees at Englewood and Tappan\" and voted aye (John Van Scoyak, Paul Warren, David Perlman, Michael Rubenstein, Chair). The board and MBTA also discussed mitigation commitments: MBTA has proposed replanting (for example, 20 new trees at Englewood, 10 at Tappan) and a one‑year warranty/maintenance period before trees are turned over to the town.

What’s next: the MBTA will return to the Select Board on Sept. 30 for a formal grant‑of‑location hearing on the proposed amendments to the current grant of location for Beacon Street; the Select Board’s decision on the tree removals was a required step under Chapter 87, M.G.L..","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Brookline Select Board Meeting - September 16, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Brookline Select Board on Sept. 16 affirmed the Tree Planting Committee’s approval allowing the MBTA to remove nine street trees at Englewood Avenue and Tappan Street to allow accessibility upgrades to Green Line C‑branch stations.","taxTitle","Town of Brookline, Norfolk County, Massachusetts","taxId",79239,"location","Massachusetts","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":46,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6765363,"Brookline Select Board adopts FY2027 goals and objectives to guide budget process",3276,3276410,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5767019-3bb569c9a9eb7ab471f6f601e64d5627&start=3276&end=0","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5767019-3bb569c9a9eb7ab471f6f601e64d5627/thumbnail_3276410.jpg","/articles/6765363/Massachusetts/Brookline-Select-Board-adopts-FY2027-goals-and-objectives-to-guide-budget-process","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6765363-4ba7034771b52da3ac9c7306f7efa566/orig.mp4?Expires=1773435281&Signature=Biltbq4ZM5OlGwiksBQioCQbkUH4EdFjcXZ3QZ4yITHx8RFPZsNoZAxgJPVonE24x2hr8~8dMMrx0l7dSGt2UW0LgdbP-cjbprxlHNxAFQpAU0NwmLB24vNCv5~AAw5V-62R24rLX6jV50yQV1ECEZOYr5zcPvB9PuktlAuS7ESqlSHa8VojmYeOWpzGayu32VFvw4mAmoF34ebA5~xDvo0ypx~2cobAeRhCz8i1Pvf0aodyhhjT1Q4zqGTcmeLzIMGtqalZhKGP2ZzN4eaE~Zp86a0zK9zzp9ud59GlzYMa3-wVIlxsdfEg071NQOfyTWRP5sKliHvDwCpTrDV03w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Brookline Select Board voted Sept. 16 to adopt its fiscal year 2027 goals and objectives, a document the board intends to use to signal priorities to town departments and the public as the budget process advances.

Select Board member Michael Rubenstein described a redline version that clarifies why each goal is being proposed and how staff should implement it; members discussed the tension between broad aspirational goals and specific, measurable objectives. Chair Bernard Green urged residents to review the packet and provide feedback; the board emphasized that the goals will be incorporated into the budget book and used to derive measurable benchmarks for the coming year.

The board approved the goals by voice vote: John Van Scoyak (Aye), Paul Warren (Aye), David Perlman (Aye), Michael Rubenstein (Aye), Chair (Aye).

The document will be posted on the Select Board’s page on brooklinema.gov and included in the town’s financial planning materials. Board members said they expect staff to propose metrics during the budget process to measure progress against the adopted objectives.","The Select Board approved a redlined FY27 goals and objectives document intended to provide clearer, measurable guidance to town staff and inform the financial plan ahead of budget votes.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":46,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6765355,"Select Board backs warrant resolution encouraging WNBA franchise for Boston",12718,12718100,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5767019-3bb569c9a9eb7ab471f6f601e64d5627&start=12718&end=0","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5767019-3bb569c9a9eb7ab471f6f601e64d5627/thumbnail_12718100.jpg","/articles/6765355/Massachusetts/Select-Board-backs-warrant-resolution-encouraging-WNBA-franchise-for-Boston","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6765355-a07830c3c28ef8f62d361d27ec3147fc/orig.mp4?Expires=1773435281&Signature=KnonjNZbcE7~VYn9EOTl3o6zvca-liHN9dlsDnQhx4rbzTRITj6ENPhZnl8x5gOb6fbg7lZEehIwEZJqNe9Cr9fEhBlmt0aHPfxfMDsQm-iClHuCPA4qavXDHguINloOzXI--43mQdsgpgoMoK0e9jgXahWrUu6VfP1KLgMQqdAZ2QJcNk5TwL7y~FVWWz2LslGcelEaknBZPRaIueUfzH75h6zMU7jajfi4X~WTgfaPKjDFdmcfHkbKyIrEvnZpqEIQztl5Ahy144m7s81GpI1gTIxl6Kzl92nwMbPoMypgz1Cu8BhDTHg2sHxsSD3-yVUlH1OMur4b1v9tY1LvCw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Town Meeting member Michael Burstein presented Warrant Article 16 on Sept. 16, asking the Select Board to recommend a resolution endorsing either relocation or expansion of a WNBA franchise to the Boston area. Burstein cited basketball’s regional history, the Connecticut Sun’s ability to sell out games at TD Garden and the potential for civic and youth programs tied to a local professional women’s team.

Board members discussed whether the resolution should reference relocation versus expansion; Burstein said he would be comfortable broaderening language to endorse either. The Select Board opened and closed the public hearing with no advance public speakers on the item. The board moved and voted favorable action on the resolution by voice vote (John Van Scoyak, Paul Warren, David Perlman, Michael Rubenstein, Chair).

Board members noted they could revisit the language with other town commissions (Burstein had emailed the Brookline Commission for Women and received an initial reply indicating possible future discussion) but decided to act to register local support for bringing professional women’s basketball to Greater Boston.","The Select Board voted favorable action on a warrant resolution endorsing the potential relocation or addition of a WNBA franchise to the Boston region, after the sponsor described economic and community benefits.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":46,"_47":103,"_49":104,"_51":105,"_53":106,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":107,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":108,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6765358,"Brookline accepts $48,493 Mass EVIP grant for Baker School chargers and sets 35¢/kWh fee",11516,11516160,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5767019-3bb569c9a9eb7ab471f6f601e64d5627&start=11516&end=0","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5767019-3bb569c9a9eb7ab471f6f601e64d5627/thumbnail_11516160.jpg","/articles/6765358/Massachusetts/Brookline-accepts-48493-Mass-EVIP-grant-for-Baker-School-chargers-and-sets-35kWh-fee","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6765358-647a9810cfa1b303e5af42ff85c57c05/orig.mp4?Expires=1773435281&Signature=IEFBHeglN~0gPrN9Ryz0uDrkyWhm9thKUJgBXNCC8WFEaVUvR4ERa11W8igvwG8rhKFDwPcR5RrORAW22fQs0L3XcldkIs11L89z1FnkO0lzykiCc7dc~NRQLj0YNYh6U-fzdyckiFe9pEuSqrHQUV7SF00NSpWjciR3rn8axsj6WO41v6jheJxv-GTtplNKT4bc-MYceUVJonirA2AuT-BboI1Vp3idDW95cle4IV3g32bzxCPdsM81SJazfBRJo8UgAyIDKoIQujLTD7j4MqyFnazet2rXSMj-ivodFY676hdw1IDIm25UgfV1RddaJr-R1g1aNdl09wnCAdxgRQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","On Sept. 16 the Brookline Select Board voted to accept a Mass EVIP grant of $48,493.20 toward the installation of two high‑end Level‑2 electric‑vehicle charging ports (each port is 19 kW) at Baker School and to set a uniform charging fee of $0.35 per kilowatt‑hour for Baker and Driscoll school charging stations.

Director of Sustainability Alexandra Avecchio and Deputy Director of Engineering Sam Downs said the total project cost is about $82,980 to $100,000 for the Level‑2 station installation; the EVIP grant reimburses up to 60% of eligible costs and the town will use prior reimbursement funds to cover the remainder. MBTA and town staff told the board Level‑3 DC fast chargers would require major electrical upgrades at the schools and could increase project cost into the hundreds of thousands.

The board discussed vendor arrangements (town‑owned ChargePoint stations with 10% of fee covering vendor/cloud/maintenance costs), reimbursement mechanics for EVIP grants (typically reimbursement), and utilization data showing the town's existing stations frequently operate at 60–70% utilization during daytime hours for many sites. The vote to accept the grant and set the fee passed by voice vote (John Van Scoyak, Paul Warren, David Perlman, Michael Rubenstein, Chair).

The town will place revenue from charging into an EV revolving fund to cover electricity, maintenance, cloud services and continued expansion of the public charging network.","The Select Board approved accepting a Mass EVIP reimbursement grant for high‑power Level‑2 chargers at Baker School, agreed to a standard $0.35 per kWh fee for school charging sites, and discussed network utilization and vendor arrangements.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Brookline affirms MBTA plan to remove nine trees for C‑branch accessibility upgrades after heated hearing

Brookline Select Board adopts FY2027 goals and objectives to guide budget process

Select Board backs warrant resolution encouraging WNBA franchise for Boston

Brookline accepts $48,493 Mass EVIP grant for Baker School chargers and sets 35¢/kWh fee