 | Newsletter #27 February 27, 2023 http://alewife.org |
This ASG Newsletter includes the following updates
- QHQ using temporary generators
- IQHQ communications about Whittemore Avenue closures
- Reconstruction of the Alewife Brook Parkway bridge near the Alewife T plaza, plus bike lane possibilities
- Commitments regarding policing in Cambridge in a published statement from City Manager Huang
IQHQ using temporary generators
In recent weeks, residents in North Cambridge have noticed noise and fumes from generators operating at the IQHQ site. Thank you to all residents who have contacted IQHQ and ASG about these concerns. ASG immediately raised these concerns with IQHQ, and thank you to IQHQ for a prompt response.
IQHQ said that the generators are providing electricity for daytime construction activities, as well as for 24-hour fire alarms, fire protection, perimeter site lighting, perimeter air monitoring, and dewatering activities.
IQHQ contractors have been building necessary infrastructure on their site to connect to the electric grid. Once this is finished, and then Eversouce completes the necessary electrical work at the end of Harvey Street, the generators will only be needed for daytime work. IQHQ expects the connection to the electrical grid to be completed sometime between April and June.
In the last meeting on Sept 29, a variety of topics were discussed, including infrastructure needs, strategies around mobility, open space, and community facilities in the area. Traffic and climate resiliency (flooding and heat issues) were also discussed.
In response to ASG and resident concerns, IQHQ has:
- Relocated the generator near the Harvey St. gate to a more inner location on the construction site
- Stopped using the small generator in parking lot D (on north side of Whittemore Ave, between Madison and Harrison Streets
- Replaced the generator powering the dewatering for one with lower emissions
- Continued to search for a more efficient and lower emissions replacement for the generator that runs 24 hours a day and 7 days a week
- Investigated all options for generator consolidation during working and non-working hours, taking into account site logistics, location of power needs, and safety
- Measured the noise levels, from the generators, along Whittemore Avenue
IQHQ has also applied to the Cambridge License Commission for a Noise Ordinance Variance to operate the generators during non-work hours.
The Cambridge License Commission will hold a Public Hearing about IQHQ’s application on Wednesday, March 1, at 11:00am, on Zoom. Here is the link to the agenda:
https://www.cambridgema.gov/-/media/Files/licensecommission/Agendas/2023/030123lcagenda.pdf
ASG will continue to check with IQHQ on their efforts to reduce noise and emissions from the generators. ASG will share updates in our newsletter.
To report a construction related concern, call IQHQ at 617.314.7252. Or email the Alewife Study Group here, and scroll down to the bottom of the page.
IQHQ communications about Whittemore Avenue closures
In recent weeks, the Whittemore side of our neighborhood has had a variety of traffic issues including trucks and cars driving the wrong way on our one-ways, driveways blocked for hours without notice, and detour signs pointing the wrong way. ASG contacted IQHQ’s senior project manager, Dave Croce, for help. Dave Croce investigated our concerns and made the following changes:
- Detour signs posted accurately. Checked daily by a worker driving the route.
FYI: Magoun St is the default detour into the Whittemore side of the neighborhood.
- Signs ordered and will be posted at parking lot exits on Kimball and Harrison. They will say “Right Turn Only” or “Left Turn Only.” Any worker caught violating those rules will be fired.
- Mandated 24-48 hours written notice if a driveway will be blocked.
This week and possibly next, there will be two crews working to install drains, one at Rt 16 & Whittemore and one at Kimball & Whittemore. Some good news: This round of utility work on Whittemore and surrounding streets should be completed by the second week of March, if not earlier. Completion is weather dependent as well as on delivery date of one part, a “storm unit.” That part has been delayed.
Thank you, Neighbors, for alerting us to various issues! Thank you, IQHQ’s Dave Croce, for responding rapidly and thoroughly!
To report a construction related concern, call IQHQ at 617.314.7252. Or email Alewife Study Group here and scroll down to the bottom of the page.
Reconstruction of the Alewife Brook Parkway bridge near the Alewife T plaza, plus bike lane possibilities
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is planning to replace the Alewife Brook Parkway bridge near the Alewife T Station Plaza and over the Red Line tunnel.
MassDOT will hold an online public information meeting about this project on Tuesday, March 7, at 6:00 PM.
The meeting will address the need for the project, work to be performed, schedule, and impacts to road users including cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers. There will be an opportunity for public comment and questions following the presentation.
For more information about the project and the meeting, or to send written questions or comments, go to:
The Alewife Study Group encourages community members to also use this meeting as an opportunity to advocate for MassDOT to renovate the Alewife Loop Road arched tunnel under the Alewife Brook Parkway in order to add safe two-way bicycle/pedestrian lanes. Doing so would provide a more direct connection between the Linear Path and Somerville Community Path to the east, the Fitchburg Bypass path to the west, and the Minuteman path to the north.
ASG and other community members have proposed this plan to IQHQ over the last two years, because some of the connecting paths would be on IQHQ’s North Cambridge property. In 2022, IQHQ committed to fund a feasibility study for two-way bike/pedestrian paths through Alewife Loop Road arched tunnel, and to advocate for such a plan, along with ASG and other community members.
Commitments regarding policing in Cambridge in a published statement from City Manager Huang
In response to the police killing of Sayed Faisal last month, City Manager Huang published a statement on 2/14.
“I want to communicate our commitments so far to the Council and our community. We will implement body cameras. We will use alternative responses to emergency calls outside of the police department. We will evaluate additional less lethal options. We will deliver a procedural justice dashboard. We will hire a credible, independent consultant to review and make recommendations across our police department’s training, policies, and practices and the full report will be made public. We will seek to strengthen the City’s mental health resources and enhance our outreach to underserved communities. And we will continue to be in dialogue with the Council and the community on how we can keep improving.”
Click here to read the entire statement from Yi-An Huang, City Manager
ASG Newsletter
ASG will send email updates about once a month during this busy time in the development of the IQHQ site.
Click here for previous ASG Newsletters
Anyone can sign up (or unsubscribe) for this newsletter by completing the Contact Form at the bottom of the ASG home page: alewife.org We also welcome your questions, comments, ideas, and offers of help!
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