LaMattina: T Cuts Would Hit Charlestown Too Hard

The following was submitted by District 1 City Councilor Salvatore LaMattina's office. It has beed edited only for content.

Dear Mr. Davey:

We are all aware of the MBTA’s financial difficulties and, in these tough economic times, it isn’t easy to find quick fixes, but I am quite concerned about some of the cutbacks recently proposed for our regional transportation system, especially with regards to the effect on the neighborhood of Charlestown. The outlined scenarios would significantly impact residents as well as tourists, and I would like to make sure that there is ample opportunity for the people of this neighborhood to be heard on this matter and that their concerns are taken seriously every step of the way.

Some people in Charlestown live without a car precisely because the charms of an urban neighborhood tied into the transit system brought them here in the first place, while for others the cost of a vehicle or of a weekly fill-up of gasoline is out of the question at this point. We constantly encourage Americans to conserve resources and to shrink their energy footprint, and now the rug is going to be pulled from beneath some of those who’ve tried to do the right thing. We should be expanding public transportation options, not shrinking them.

Mr. Davey, I understand that you are being asked to perform no simple task. There are many groups of people who stand to lose with cutbacks and all are clamoring for your attention. The people of Charlestown are at least as worthy as all the others and, therefore, deserve a public meeting on this matter in their neighborhood. I hope that we can work together to see that their voices are heard and their needs are addressed. 

Sincerely, 

Salvatore LaMattina
District 1 City Councilor