RESOLUTION - GLX — File 207735

WHEREAS: The 2019 Accountability Report "Assessing the MBTA's Progress on the Strategic Plan," prepared by the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, found significant shortcomings in the MBTA's progress towards its stated goal of expanding accessibility across the MBTA system; and WHEREAS: Construction on the long-awaited Green Line Extension station in Union Square is slated to begin soon, marking a critical moment in the long- sought goal of providing high-quality public transportation options to the area, a goal for which Somerville and Cambridge have invested $50 million and $25 million, respectively; and WHEREAS: The current station design in Union Square continues to raise serious concerns regarding accessibility for those people approaching from points South, including from Cambridge; and WHEREAS: The current station planning process is complicated by the involvement of the GLX Project Team, GLX Constructors and a private developer (US2), the latter of which has agreed to provide a staircase, but not an elevator, from the top of Prospect St, directly down to the station; and WHEREAS: Any person unable to use this proposed staircase would have to walk approximately 850 additional feet (the length of almost three football fields) in order to access the station's at-grade entrance at Bennett Court & Prospect; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That the Somerville City Council urges MassDOT, the City of Somerville, and the private developer US2, to work collaboratively with residents and community groups to improve the accessibility of the Union Square GLX Station for people with mobility impairments; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That a copy of this Resolution be presented to John Dalton, Program Manager of the MBTA GLX Project, Greg Karczewski, President of US2, Governor Charles D. Baker, Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone, Secretary of Transportation Stephanie Pollack, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley and the MBTA’s Fiscal Control Board, and the Somerville delegation in the State Legislature on behalf of the Somerville City Council.