Overview
- City and MBTA leaders presented detailed block-by-block renderings at a public meeting on Sept. 10 that call for a center-running bus lane and a full rebuild of roadway and sidewalks.
- The proposal includes about $163 million for safety and beautification work, nearly 200 new trees, 20 signalized crosswalks, 185 curb ramps, traffic islands, and at least two car travel lanes most of the route.
- Protesters, many local business owners, and some city councilors strongly objected at the meeting, saying the center bus lane will hurt parking, access, and small storefronts and could speed gentrification.
- Councilors have asked for alternatives including a feasibility study on restoring rail under Blue Hill Avenue, but the mayor’s office and MBTA leaders warned rail would take many years and likely cost well over $1 billion.
- Officials plan three more community sessions through Sept. 30 with language interpretation available and say public feedback could refine the design as they point to city data showing a crash needing EMS about every three days on the corridor.