By Karen Glover
The enthusiastic response from The Somerville/Medford News Weekly Readers to continuous weekly articles revealing the secretive tactics of the MBTA and The Mayor’s Office, i.e. their mutual avoidance to transparently share vital information to our community, is propelling increasing numbers of petition signers to take action and spread the word to quickly sign the petition.
Last week, The Mayor published a statement in this newspaper stating the obvious: The MBTA should get their act together and improve the safety issues, deal with their financial mess, etc. We wish the mayor had taken the time to respond to over six weeks of articles highlighting complaints, concerns, frustrations, and the collective anxiety of the community over this complex transit issue. The MBTA Bogus Bus Proposal and the mayor’s lack of response to direct questions is a real let-down and slap in the face to this community. During a Question and Answer.
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POWDERHOUSE SQUARE, SOMERVILLE, MA AN ALTERNATE REALITY!
Today, while riding the #89 Bus to Sullivan Station, little did I know I would be in for the surprise of my life! Yes, Powder House Square has been turned into an obstacle course. The object of this driving challenge is to make it thru all the barriers which consist of rows of white sticks causing a person’s eyes to maybe cross and see double…at the very least give a distorted perception of depth and width…something a driver wants to avoid at all costs while driving…and many other challenges similar to the TV Show Wipeout. Evidently, the Somerville “Redesign” experts also think a great driving obstacle course should have all traffic lights and crosswalk buttons inoperable and covered in garbage bags. Driving thru this top-notch obstacle course is intended to test the nerves of the most experienced driver because staring at inoperable traffic lights covered in garbage bags, especially if you’re new to driving in Powder House Square, is a true test of even nerves of steel.
Maneuvering crosswalks in congested traffic areas, made even more convoluted due to this manic looking obstacle course, is simply an assault on our safety. There’s not a scintilla of a rational thought process in evidence in Powder House Square. The Federal Transportation Administration should immediately make an immediate appearance and assess this “Redesign Madness” asap.
I suggest we must attend any and all meetings the mayor may have to discuss whatever…be there. The attitude that it’s futile to attend the mayor’s meetings is unproductive, and then the mayor and the city council win…they are actually pleased if you don’t attend…less explaining to do…less annoying questions to answer…less lies to tell…we cannot allow ourselves to be victimized any further…we must speak up no matter what the outcome!…
Karen Glover
Photos:
Traffic Lights Powder House Square Intersection Wrapped in Garbage Bags…press on pic to see the light.
Garbage bag traffic lights
Bus approaching merging intersection with non-operational traffic light.
Powder House Square Fire Engine tight squeeze on obstacle course
Powder House Sq. convoluted obstacle course…press on pic to see confused car & driver.
Wrapped up in garbage bag traffic light button…obviously non-operational located at the treacherous crosswalk between Doherty’s Funeral Home to cross over to Dunkin’Donuts.
Cars driving from Powder House Boulevard veer a sharp right turn thru cross walk with traffic light button not working…covered up with garbage bag…pedes-
trian accident waiting to happen?!
Pic taken from inside bus traveling up Holland St. Bus sign is relocated on skinny island now flanked and blocked by city vehicles doing street repair…I guess take your walker and walk a few blocks to next bus stop?
Richard Eaglin, Stop & Shop Employee/Bus Rider…
UPS Somerville Ave.location: Employee/Bus Rider Erin Blovin signs MBTA Bogus Bus Proposal Petition
