Letter: Surface Option Would Improve Transportation, Promote Public Health

Since Governor Patrick’s transportation plan was recently announced, discussions on funding for transportation projects seem to dominate the news.

In response to the current discussions on Beacon Hill, The Massachusetts Public Health Association spoke out in a recent letter featured in the Charlestown Patch on Jan. 24, regarding the direct impact of transportation on public health and the importance of investing in projects that promote public health. Charlestown has an opportunity to address both public health and transportation, in the reconstruction of Rutherford Avenue and Sullivan Square.

The surface option, which is a proposal to reconstruct Rutherford Avenue and Sullivan Square at grade level, is a cost effective plan to improve transportation in Charlestown, while also promoting public health within our community. The plan promotes public health by encouraging more physical activity and safety, through the creation of green space, including 5+ acres of parks, a walking/bike path, better routes to our existing parks, and safer access to public transportation. Additionally, it is much less costly to maintain than the alternative plan.

It seems that during this time of budgetary constraints it is more important than ever to use our tax dollars where they will have a lasting impact on our community. The surface option is a wise investment: cheaper to maintain than the alternative, better for public health and better overall for the wellbeing of our community

For more information and to support the surface option, please visit http://www.rcic-charlestown.org/index.html.

Emilé Baker
Rutherford Avenue

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