Senator Galluccio Fires Back on Billboards

Boston - As part of a comprehensive reform bill passed last week by the State Senate, Senator Anthony D. Galluccio sponsored an amendment in response to 60 new billboards that are being erected by the MBTA along eastern highways, including several that have already been installed along I-93 in Somerville and Charlestown. The City of Somerville sued the MBTA in 2006 after Clear Channel and the MBTA sought to place billboards on facilities located in Somerville and failed to seek permission from the city. A decision last year by the Supreme Judicial Court upheld the right of the MBTA to erect signs on its property without getting local approval. Senator Galluccio's amendment would change the law to permit billboards on MBTA land only if they comply with local zoning regulations or the local governing body gives its approval. "The MBTA should not be able to place freestanding billboards wherever they'd like and without input from the communities affected. We all recognize how desperate the MBTA is for new revenue. This amendment allows for ample commercial advertising opportunities while striking a balance by involving communities in discussions about the construction and placement of these potentially towering structures," Senator Galluccio said. "Billboards have gone up rapidly in Charlestown and Somerville. Unfortunately, this amendment was not adopted, but local communities should have some say and this conversation has to take place. I expect this issue will be revisited as the legislative session proceeds." The transportation reform legislation passed by the Senate consolidates multiple agencies into an independent authority known as the Massachusetts Surface Transportation Authority (MSTA). The reform package will potentially save the Commonwealth up to $6.5 billion over 20 years. The Senate's bill must now go to the House for further action.