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Councilors press for MBTA answers on fencing and pedestrian safety along Purchase Street; meeting with MBTA rescheduled
Summary
Councilors raised safety concerns about fencing, overgrowth and unlocked gates along the Purchase Street rail corridor after the MBTA did not send a representative to a scheduled committee meeting; the committee received the matter on file and voted to table it for a future briefing with MBTA/MassDOT participation.
Councilors on June 17 told the appointments and briefings committee they remain concerned about pedestrian access, degraded fencing and safety on the MBTA South Coast Rail corridor at Purchase Street and asked MBTA and MassDOT to appear before the committee; MBTA did not send a representative and the matter was tabled for a future session.
Councilors described instances of unlocked gates, cut fencing and overgrowth that allow pedestrians to reach the trackbed near commercial and residential areas. Several councilors said they had photographs showing people walking on the track and that neighborhood residents have raised safety concerns. A committee communication noted the MBTA had identified a different internal point of contact and did not send a representative to tonight’s meeting.
Committee action: The committee received and placed the item on file and later voted to table and reschedule the briefing; members asked staff to invite MBTA, MassDOT and other appropriate project managers and to include the state delegation if necessary to secure attendance.
What councilors asked: Councilors asked whether MBTA or MassDOT had been made aware of unlocked gates and where responsibility for fence maintenance lies; they urged the city to press MBTA and MassDOT for a representative at the next committee meeting.
Next steps: Committee staff will coordinate with MBTA/MassDOT to schedule a future briefing and asked for photographic evidence of unlocked gates and overgrowth to be shared with the project team for follow up.
