Governor may backtrack on Green Line commitment

By George P. Hassett

Gov. Deval Patrick’s proposal to delay the extension of the Green Line through Somerville and into Medford by two years has sparked outrage throughout the city.

State Rep. Denise Provost, D-Somerville, said she was “appalled,” and Board of Aldermen President Robert C. Trane said he was “extremely disappointed” by Patrick’s plan to delay the completion date of the project from 2014 to 2016 to seek federal funding to pay for half of the $608 million project.

In 1990, state officials promised Somerville residents they would complete a Green Line extension through the city as a way to offset air pollution in the city caused by the Big Dig. In 2005, the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) sued the state because it had not taken the necessary steps to complete the project on time. In November 2006, CLF and the state settled and agreed on a binding commitment to complete the project by 2011. That commitment was pushed back to 2014, and now attorneys for CLF say the state is, once again, trying to go back on its legal obligation.

Carrie Russell, staff attorney for CLF, said if Patrick’s proposal to delay the project becomes a reality, the organization will resume its lawsuit. If CLF are forced into a courtroom battle, it will have plenty of support from city leaders. Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone said the city would support CLF in a lawsuit against the state.

“We fully intend to push back hard and hold the state’s feet to the fire on their legal commitment,” he said.

The Board of Aldermen unanimously passed a resolution Aug. 9 supporting the Green Line extension into Somerville. Curtatone said he has not spoken with any citizens, officials or business owners in the city who oppose the project.       

Becky Deusser, a spokeswoman for Patrick, said the administration is committed to completing the project but wants to do it in the most fiscally responsible way possible.

“Getting federal funding for the project would save half of the project cost, which amounts to $300 million in savings for taxpayers,” she said.

In March, a study conducted by the Transportation Finance Commission said the state’s public transit system faces a $20 billion shortfall over the next 20 years and planned projects such as the Green Line extension cannot be completed because of money woes.

Curtatone said he supports the idea of seeking federal money for the project but maintains it does not have to be delayed as a result.

Provost said previous Gov. Mitt Romney’s administration had also planned to seek federal money for the project but never believed that would mean a delay.

Deusser said the current administration would work with federal officials to streamline the process and save time. But local activists said they have already waited too long.

“We’re incredibly disappointed, it feels like Somerville is being jerked around again,” said Ellin Reisner, president of Somerville Transportation Equity Partnership (STEP), an equity transit group that has worked on the Green Line project since 2003. “There is no guarantee we can even get federal funding. 2016 would be the earliest it could it could happen. We expect it would be even later than that.”

The delays in the Green Line extension symbolize the neglect of urban mass transit systems in the last 20 years, Provost said. She said previous Republican administrations in the state have devoted more money to suburban commuter rails while pushing aside the transportation needs of city dwellers.

That was all supposed to change when Patrick, with early and strong support from Somerville, was elected governor. Patrick was endorsed by Curtatone, all five state delegates, the entire School Committee and nine of the city’s 11 alderman. One reason for his broad support in the city was the feeling that his administration would invest in urban transit systems, Provost said.

“Somerville came out big for the governor,” Trane said. “Now to see him push back the Green Line once again is extremely disappointing.”

Reisner said Patrick has underestimated how significant the project is in Somerville and the astounding level of community support for it.

“He believes Somerville is in his pocket, but we voted for him thinking he would follow through on the legal commitment to complete this project by 2014,” said Reisner.

She said the project calls for up to four new Green Line stops in the city with possible locations in Gilman Square, Ball Square, Union Square and on Lowell and Washington streets.

Benefits for the city include improved public transit, better air quality as commuters shift from automobiles to riding the train and expanded commercial development potential in East Somerville and Union Square, Curtatone said.

Two hearings will be held in Boston at 1 Winter St. on Sept. 6 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. to discuss the extension.

Alderman-at-Large William A. White said for now the city’s best option is for residents to show up at the meetings and be heard.

“Everybody should show up and make it clear that as a city we are unified on this issue,” he said.

Provost said the state delegation will meet with Patrick Aug. 21 to further discuss his plans for the Green Line extension.          

Comments

[cabbie]

I also suggest Somerville residents post their bile and disgust for this move here on the News. I assure you our comments will make it to the Gov. and he needs to know he's losing any support he ever had in Somerville with this move. Not me mind you I flushed my vote on Grace Ross. And Provost is correct to point out that the MBTA has spent far too much to placate, or in the case of the Old Colony line anger, the Suburbanite than ever needed. In effort and budget Somerville is given the shaft again. As I tell my friends in Cambridge...the difference between you and Somerville is you think "we're all winners". In Somerville we know there are losers. Not that I'd blame the Republican. No, I straight up blame the MBTA and their answer to no one, serve no one attitude and structure. And face it....the MBTA doesn't want to do this and Deval doesn't want a confrontation with the MBTA. Politically this is a man who will not pick a fight he MAY lose.

[Democracy]

I knew it, that's why I campaigned for and voted for Gabrieli. Most likely, our esteemed Governor is under the wrong impression that today's Somerville is the sleepy Somerville of 20 years ago. He has not realized that the demographics has changed substantially and that a huge proportion of the current Somerville population is well-educated, well-connected politically and financially, and quite determined to create trouble to get what they are entitled to.

[Allison]

I'm shocked and appalled - I can't believe that the Gov would backpedal on this issue - and from what I've read so that he can push the unwanted (and more costly) silver line expansion? This is unfair in every way shape and form and should he neglect Somerville (again) I for one will remember it when election time, fund raising time, canvasing time comes around again.

This is a travesty.

Allison

[The Patriot]

His fundraisers are currently canvassing our businesses for donations, which makes his act of neglect all the more bizarre. I too supported Gabrieli. Don't blame me.
For once, and perhaps only once, "democracy" is correct.

[Democracy]

Hey! C'mon, we are all goofing around on this site! The tone of my (and I think, others') comments would be quite different on a serious site where actual discussion is the goal.

[Get Back]

Don't blame me, I voted for Muffy!

[observer]

The Somerville of 20 years ago had the political clout to get things done.

IF you want to assess why the Gov can dis Somerville its because our State Reps and State Senators are not highly regarded among their colleagues at the State House.

This is as much to do with the weak position of Jehlen et al.

No one wants Vinnie Piro back... But there is a middle ground here. Had Mike Capuano or Joe Mackey (God rest his soul) been Senator... I doubt the Governor would be playing games with Somerville.

Add to this insult the proposed jail, the increase in auto rates, and the sludge plant... and it tells you... Patrick has more important constituents... and more influential players at the State House to be concerned about.

[JR]

2011 to 2016. Just remember Gov. Patrick, this is not merely a 2 year delay, it's a 5 year delay and long over due at that. This project is probably the easiest one to complete with the existing lines already in place. Someone from Somerville needs to fight this. Where's the rally? When do we picket? I'll be there!!

[Born Here]

our State delagation are busy hugging trees and having latte's with the moonbats. Deval, do us a favor and take Joey-Cakes with ya. The City is spinning out of control. When are all these bleeding heart liberals gonna realize that the Pols will kiss your butt to get elected, then kick it when they get the chance. Barneys never learn.

[Fat City Citizen]

To make sure the Patrick hears our outrage at this delay, it's best to focus on a single point of contact. That's why STEP, Union Square Main Streets, and other groups in the Green Line Alliance have asked us to call the Governor to let him know how we feel. He has already received hundreds of calls, but we have to keep it up as more Somerville people learn what the state is trying to pull off.

So if you really care about this issue, please call Patrick's office at 617-725-100 and ask to speak to Richard Chacon.

[Fat City Citizen]

*** Patrick's number is 617-725-1100 ***

[Ignatius J Reilly]

What? You thought this imbecile was going to something good? HA HA HA! That's why I will never vote for a democrat. They're a bunch of liars and criminals. This imbecile knows that the majority of people in this city are ignorant tree-huggers and/or just plain dumb asses and he has their vote no matter what. Why would he do anything for Somerville? He doesn't need to.

I told you so....

[Democracy]

Well, STEP has regular meetings... Probably good if more people join and help organize events etc.

>>
Where's the rally? When do we picket? I'll be there!!

[Democracy]

If, so then why is it that Somerville has only gotten better in the last 10 years or so? I remember 15-20 years ago, when Somerville was LITERALLY Slumerville.

>>
The Somerville of 20 years ago had the political clout to get things done.
>>

[Born Here]

don't call Deval call Mayor Curtatone, try that new 311 number and they will connect you.

[observer]

Somerville was not Slumerville 15-20 years ago ... it may have been to outsiders and the ignorant... but not to those who lived here. Truth be know Larry Bretta (circa 1965)was the last Mayor who actually dealt with slums - by having most of the demolished. That does not imply Somerville was a slum then- just had more challenges than it did in the 80's and 90's....

Frankly, I think the City was better managed and had a better reputation 10 years ago than it does today. Love to have Mike Capuano back as Mayor- and get rid of the current administration and state delegation that does little but pander to special interests and fund raising.

Also, Somerville had a powerful approach to politics which allowed it to get its share and more of things- like the Red Line extension.

The weak team the represents Somerville

[observer]

Somerville was not Slumerville 15-20 years ago ... it may have been to outsiders and the ignorant... but not to those who lived here. Truth be know Larry Bretta (circa 1965)was the last Mayor who actually dealt with slums - by having most of the demolished. That does not imply Somerville was a slum then- just had more challenges than it did in the 80's and 90's....

Frankly, I think the City was better managed and had a better reputation 10 years ago than it does today. Love to have Mike Capuano back as Mayor- and get rid of the current administration and state delegation that does little but pander to special interests and fund raising.

Also, Somerville had a powerful approach to politics which allowed it to get its share and more of things- like the Red Line extension 20 years ago.

The weak team the represents Somerville today cannot get anything done... and is now being used for things like jails, sludge plants, and failed promises....

[Democracy]

Sure, there is no comparison between Capuano and Curtatone. Who would argue with that?

[observer]

Well you indicated the city has improved in the past 10 years.

My point is the City has not been improving under Curtatone. Some of it is the area's economic condition.

But most of it is that Capuano brought a level of uncompromising integrity, intelligence, and energy that lifted the city.

Curtatone is a at best shifty pol who has many questionable appointments he surrounds himself with. At worse we can only speculate. I also believe he is the first Mayor in history who sold his house while being in office- and does not own property here. The fact that housing prices have fallen, crime is up, and things are not getting done like they where or could be with the right leadership is hurting the City and its image.

I'm tired of Joe and others pandering on political issues - Capuano was a doer who stood for something. Joe stands for getting re-elected and thats about it.

All of this translates to a City that is below the level it was 10 years ago.. and is drifting down not up

[Fat City Citizen]

Don't bother calling 311 - Joe Curtatone is working hard for the Green Line already.
Deval Patrick is the one who doesn't get it. He's taking Somerville's support for granted, and we have to let him know that is a mistake.

[Democracy]

It has improved because of the people who have moved into the city of the last 10 years or so. It certainly LOOKS better.

[observer]

Democracy

That is a biggest load of crap ...

The people who live here in the 60, 70, 80, 90's where hard working blue and pink collar families.... and frankly most belong to the greatest generation

I wont compare them to the people who live here now... But suffice it to say... this is not a better class of citizen...

As for LOOKING better.... I guess it depends on where you look... Some houses have been updated and renovated ... mostly on spec ... but many areas are actually worse than they where 20 years ago.

[Democracy]

I did not know Curtatone sold his Somerville house and does not own property here. That says something about his commitment to the future of Somerville.

[Democracy]

Probably I don't walk around those areas that are worse, then. All I know is that 10 years ago my sister visited here and she did not want to visit again. She was pleasantly surprised last year to see how much things had changed, for the better. Perhaps it's just that the income of the new class of citizens is higher than the old one. Which means more money spent locally.

[observer]

Absolutely true that Curtatone sold at the market peak, and has not reinvested in Somerville. Some question the transaction which was to his sister. But who knows. I think the main issue is why doesnt he own a house in Somerville?

Money has been invested in property here. Some of it is good. Too much has been done be investors and speculators and in the long term this serves more to destablize the community that we once had. In some areas it may look nicer- but below the surface the character of the community really has taken a hit.

[Kate]

JR - let's pick a date and get the word out - for a picket, in front of Somerville City Hall (because JC should be all over this delay BS)and the State House. How can we get this rolling?

[The Patriot]

If Vinnie Piro was still rep, Patrick would be building the Green Line himself, with his bare hands!----Ahhh! The good ole bad ole days. I miss them.

[JMD]

Observer:

Your statement of "I wont compare them to the people who live here now... But suffice it to say... this is not a better class of citizen..." is quite ignorant, to say the least. My husband and I are both in our mid 30's, professionals and hard working, own property in Somerville and VOTE. There are many others like myself who live within Somerville.

I find it highly amusing that the Mayor of the city does not own property in Somerville. What vested interest does he have in any improvements within Somerville?

[Ron Newman]

I don't think it's especially useful or helpful to divide the city between old-timers and newcomers. Neither group is "better" than the other.

Renters can have just as much interest in civic improvement as homeowners.

[Fat City Citizen]

Hey guys, of course it's always fun to attack the politicians you know best, and I certainly don't agree with many things that Curtatone has done, but on the Green Line at least he and the citizens have pretty much been on the same page.

The most common excuse that the state uses to delay or cancel projects is to point to internal divisions and say that even the people would benefit from the project don't agree on what they want.

This is the time to pull together, hide our differences, and speak with one very loud clear voice to Deval Patrick. It's fine to talk about rallies, blogs, tolls on I93, whatever, but please be sure to call the Guv first: it's 617-725-1100, ask for Richard Chacon, and let them know how you feel about the Green Line extension delay.

[Born Here]

Hungry....eat all your Condo's. Somervillians sold out. The City is at an alltime low. Sure the street sweepers keep the city clean, but take a long look at the City infrastructure and tell me we're in good shape. Laying your bets for the Sheriff to build a new Police station, Bob Kraft to build up the Innerbelt with a soccer stadium, and Devals moonbats to extend the Greenline are all pipe dreams. This administration has NO IDEAS of its own.

[Democracy]

Who's Richard Chacon?
I agree with Ron about the "being better or worse". However, I disagree that renters, on average, have as much interest in civic improvement than homeowners. Which does not mean they have NO interest in civic improvement. But I'm open to objective empirical evidence one way or the other (I mean, some overall statistics, not just anecdotes).

[observer]

JMD,

I fail to get your point. And how does the fact you work and vote make you any different than most people who lived in Somerville from the 60's through the 90's?

At one time Somerville had 5th highest voter turnout in the State. Now its a 2nd tier city politically.

As for the residents- my point is that the generations before you who have stayed and or left... where a class of people I would compare favorably to anyone. It's wrong and offensive to assume that newcomers have created a better Somerville. Its a different Somerville but not a better one.

I see some areas as being far less attractive and stable than they where 10 or 20 years ago. While the Davis Square area has become a haven for students and renters that investors can get a good return on.

I seek a weak and ineffective Board of Alderman and State Delegation. I see a Mayor & Adminstration who I rank among the worst of the past 40 years. I see crime up. I see public education as needing vast improvement and not making progress.

It's an illusion to think Somerville has improved vastly in the past 10 years. In fact I think it has drifted downward in many ways- most notably crime and ineffective elected officials who cannot even get Assembly Square built out... And, I sense that corruption might be seeping back into the fabric of our government.

Give me Mike Capuano, the BOA (of the 80's and 90's) that had a brain and a backbone (vs a job for one of the relatives), and a state delegation who represents the best interests of Somerville vs. smoke and screen issues... and then we can take full advantage of the opportunities.

Deval Patrick is no fool- he is raising our auto rates in April, postponing (if not cancelling the Green Line, attempting to put a sludge plant on our border) ... because he knows the delegation has not teeth... and the vote from Somerville while nice is not critical as Boston, Quincy, Cambridge, and a host of 1st tier cities.

[JMD]

Observer:

My point about working come from your comment stating "The people who live here in the 60, 70, 80, 90's where hard working blue and pink collar families.... and frankly most belong to the greatest generation."

I do not live in the Davis Square area. I see how ineffective the BOA and the current Mayor are after several attempts to deal with criminal issues in the area where I do reside. I have lived in other cities in the Commonwealth and Somerville is quickly putting itself at the top of the list as the worst.

I want to take pride in Somerville since I pay taxes and want to take advantage of what Somerville has to offer. I am still trying to find out what exactly that is.

[Floormaster Squeeze]

I am very upset by this. The Patrick administration has to be the most disappointing in a long time (and no, I am not a Republican). They have been very slow to make appointments and have made more "political" hires than the last few administrations. They have caved more to corporate greed than Romney and continue to make financial mismanagement their most significant accomplishment.

[Somerville Resident]

What to be proud of? Easy: the NStar-sponsored fireworks and the RCN-sponsored icecream (or whatever that company was)! Oh, and a stud-looking Mayor with a tiny brain!

[Matt]

I highly encourage everyone who is upset about the green line delays to jump on the STEP bandwagon, call/mail Deval, and spread the word.

[JMD]

I called Richard Chacon last Friday after the story broke about the delay, left a message and am still waiting for a call back. Do not be surprised if you are thrown into voicemail. They are avoiding all phonecalls.

[Democracy]

That's why a good old sit-in in the Governor's office would be more effective! At least to attract publicity and support. Seriously. But people have jobs, families, reputations to take care of. Sigh.

[Fat City Citizen]

Richard Chacon used to work for the Globe as a reporter and then ombudsman, and now is Patrick's director of communications. You probably won't be able to reach him, but you ought to be able to speak to one of his aides.
The aide will read from a reassuring script that claims federal New Starts funding is a sure thing, that it won't delay the project anymore that it would have been anyway, and that wise Guv Deval _really_ has Somerville's best interests at heart.
You should feel free to disagree with that version of reality.

[Solh Zendeh]

I just called and talked to an aid. She was very nice and already guessed why I was calling before I said really anything. She took my name and that was it. Not sure if that really did anything, though I'm guessing if they start getting hundreds of calls it might rattle them. Guess we'll just need to show up on the 6th and hope they are listening...

[Democracy]

What's on the 6th???

[Ron Newman]

See the 4th paragraph from the bottom of the article.

[Democracy]

Duh. Thanks, Ron.

>>
Two hearings will be held in Boston at 1 Winter St. on Sept. 6 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. to discuss the extension.
>>

[fefie]

I called and spoke with an aide who was reading from a script. She tried to placate me with "I know 2 years delay seems like a long time... " I told her that it's not just 2 years, but a longer history of this project being passed over and delayed. They are counting the number of calls and emails to Patrick's office about the Green Line, so I think that the public outcry is being heard.

[LIFER @ wALPOLE]

well, well , well I hear while I am up here sitting on ICE and working for the Commonwealth that the "Ville" is still dealing with Major League issuses with a cast of Minor League pols and hacks. A ship of FOOLS, a minor league staff of administrators and group of Un-matched professional HACKS,,,, Someone said it best the other day on a post to this site......''In somerville the more THAT things change, the more they stay the same"

......The same pupPet masters in place pulling the strings of the new and mostly Old Puppets that are still sucking off the public tit.......Some people have NO SHAME WHATSOEVER to mention a few at the top of that FOOD CHAIN The Ultimate PUPPETEAR , None other than the CORRUPT MIDGET AND his Brother Jame THE RAT Bulger, The so called Gangster that Gave Gangsters a BAD NAME and all the other Bulgers that are hidden away on some state payroll somewhere (God bless Howie Carr and Mitt Romney for outing those parasites to leave the trough)The Bulgers,The Kennedys, the Piros, ( a big dissaapontment and a complete disgrace to the Italianos form the all american city), the Haleys, Brune, Macalluso, Koty the HOG (also the most revotling and hideous looking individual in the city (if not on the planet) how many times do you have to get hit with the ugly stick to look like stan the hog Koty, how far do you fall from thatUgly Tree to look like him. The pols and Hacks that are in it for personal gain know who they are...SOME OF THE VOTERS HAVE NO CLUE AT ALL AND THATS HOW THOSE PUPPET MASTERS LIKE IT...Hey all that has to happen is that Mike C needs to have a private conversation with "coupe deval" about messin with the GreenLine extension and that will be the end of that crap.....Cappy from the old "MORSE SCHOOLYARD" on Summer Street, from a great family and one that has always had the utmost of integrity and pride in their family name that ment so much to Andrew Cap, the best thing that ever happened to Somerville Politics.....am eye right or am eye wrong..... and the one good thing about life is that "what goes around comes around......peace

[twinkle]

lets get Mayor Mike back. Joe is such a looser and LIAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[yet another resident]

Just remember folks, if most folks in Somerville continue to reflexively vote for the guy with a (D) after their name, then all of this will be for naught as Patrick can simply ignore all of our calls, letters, etc and still walk away with our votes and a smile.

[Matt]

Gee lifer, listen to howie carr much do you?

[Democracy]

Voted for LaFuente. Voted for Gabrieli. Sigh.