 | Newsletter #29September 12, 2023 http://alewife.org |
This ASG Newsletter includes the following updates:
- Meeting to discuss MBTA Commuter Fitchburg Rail Line crossing for pedestrians and bicycles via Zoom this week
- IQHQ Updates
- Danehy Park Family Day!
Meeting to discuss MBTA Commuter Fitchburg Rail Line crossing for pedestrians and bicycles
Thursday, September 14 5:30 PM by Zoom
Please register for the meeting using this link
The Cambridge Community Development Department has made progress in plans for neighbors along Rindge Ave to have a new, easier and safer way to cross the Fitchburg Line Commuter Rail tracks without a car to reach Danehy Park and Fresh Pond Mall.*
One of the main decisions to be made is whether to have a bridge over the tracks for people walking or on bikes, or to make a crossing path under the tracks, similar to what is in place near Pemberton Street and Yerxa Road, next to basketball and tennis courts behind the Peabody School.
People using a path under the tracks would climb about 12 feet from the bottom of the path back up to ground level, which is easier for anyone who has trouble walking, is pushing a stroller, or carrying groceries or sports equipment. A bridge over the tracks would be about twice as high to clear the trains, plus the ramps on each side would be twice as long, and would be more exposed to weather.
While most people would use this crossing during the day, there may be concern about safety at night. An underpass might make it harder to see people you might want to avoid, although this has apparently not been a big problem at the Yerxa Road underpass. However, a person alone crossing on a bridge over the tracks would be seen from far away, possibly attracting trouble. Nighttime safety is a concern especially when the crossing is not near a busy street or area.
You can see and hear about the latest plans, ask questions, and give comments at the meeting to discuss these issues.
For more information about the project, visit the City’s project page: https://camb.MA/FitchburgCrossing
*There are also plans to have a path along the tracks from Sherman Street to Steel Place (near the Summer Shack restaurant) going under Alewife Brook Parkway. But that path will be discussed at a later time.
IQHQ Updates
- Road closures and detours in the Whittemore neighborhood
- Based on feedback from neighbors of the IQHQ construction project, ASG requested that IQHQ give at least 48 hours written notice to all residents of the Whitemore section of North Cambridge regarding street closures and detours.
- IQHQ has agreed to these steps. Their contractor will distribute paper notices at least two days ahead of time to every residence between Whittemore Avenue, Alewife Parkway, and Magoun Avenue.
- On Monday, 9-25-23, a full road closure of Whittemore Avenue from Seagrave Road to Kassul Park will occur for temporary underground utilities related to parking lot tenting. This work will be from 7AM to 3PM. The work is weather dependent, so could be delayed because of rain.
- IQHQ will request a police detail for all work in the public roadways, and directional signage will be in place.
- Construction Information and Concerns
IQHQ provides monthly construction updates on their website: iqhqcommunityprocess.com
- If you have any questions or concerns about impacts to our community due to IQHQ construction, please contact both IQHQ and ASG.
- IQHQ at 617-314- 7252 or info@iqhqcommunityprocess.com
- Alewife Study Group at contact@alewife.org
- Protecting birds at the IQHQ site
- In response to concerns raised by IQHQ neighbors about birds being injured or killed from flying into new windows being installed on Building 2 at the IQHQ construction site, members of ASG notified and then met with IQHQ staff.
- In response, IQHQ very quickly installed temporary screening on these windows to eliminate any reflections of the sky or trees.
- Then, members of ASG and IQHQ met to do a preliminary review of American Bird Conservancy recommended products that could be applied to the exterior surfaces of the windows to reduce bird strikes as much as possible.
- IQHQ is further researching these products and will then report back to ASG to collaboratively choose the best available solution.
- If you have questions or additional information about bird strikes, contact ASG at contact@alewife.org.
Danehy Park Family Day!
Saturday, September 23 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Drop by for this fun annual event to enjoy children’s amusement rides, activities, arts and crafts, music, roving performers, community tables, plus food and other giveaways (while supplies last). This free community event, sponsored by the City of Cambridge, attracts thousands of people and offers something for everyone. The rain date is Sunday, September 24.
To learn more click here: https://www.cambridgema.gov/DanehyParkFamilyDay