We have reviewed all of the comments provided during and since the last community meeting and are providing a written summary of the comments and responses.
The purpose of the document is to provide responses to comments and suggestions that we received on the most recent version of the plans, which were presented at the December 21, 2019 community meeting. During this meeting, Harvard University also provided an update on the Quincy/Bow/DeWolfe Project, which has a separate process and timeline, but intersects the Inner Mount Auburn project.
Please note that in the interest of brevity, we have not repeated every comment, especially if it was a broad or general comment. The items included are questions or comments that relate to specific details of the plans. We have condensed and combined similar comments as appropriate.
Read the Responses to Community Feedback
On Thursday, December 12, 2019, we held a community meeting at Harvard Smith Center. We gave a short presentation after which community members were invited to view boards about the Inner Mount Auburn Corridor Safety Improvement Project and the City and Harvard's Quincy/DeWolfe Project. The information that we learned from this meeting will be used to make updates to the design of the project.
Community members who could not attend or would like to provide additional comments may complete this feedback form through January 13, 2020. If you have questions, please contact Patrick Baxter, the project manager, at pbaxter@cambridgema.gov.
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Over the last several months we’ve been working with our consultant team to review options for providing separated facilities for people riding bikes.
We’re also looking at ways to reduce transit delays and improve the reliability of the MBTA Route 1 bus. Considerations for the Route 1 bus are especially important as the MBTA’s Better Bus Project will reroute the bus onto Mt. Auburn Street via Dunster Street. This means that bus riders will travel down a larger section of Mt. Auburn Street than they do today.
Additionally, we have been working with Harvard University on their proposal to construct improved bicycle facilities on Quincy Street, Bow Street, and DeWolfe Street. The purpose of their project is to create a bike-network connection between Cambridge Street and Memorial Drive. Given that this Quincy / DeWolfe project intersects with the Inner Mount Auburn project, we want to make sure that you know about it. For both projects, we’re working to understand the benefits and potential impacts on people traveling through Harvard Square, abutters, and local businesses.
We expect to host a community meeting about both projects in mid-December. We will send information to the email list, add information to this page, and post signs in the project area when we have more details.
On Tuesday, June 11, 2019, we held a community meeting at Harvard Smith Center. After the presentation, community members were invited to participate in a group discussion and/or write their comments down on sticky notes, which were then added to a map of the project area. The information that we learned from this meeting will be used to inform the design of the project.
Community members who could not attend or would like to provide additional comments may email Patrick Baxter, the project manager, at pbaxter@cambridgema.gov.
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On Thursday, May 30, we held a stakeholder meeting with people who work with community groups or organizations that have unique perspectives on the street. Attendees included representatives from the Cambridge Bicycle Safety, the Harvard Square Business Association, and WalkBoston. This meeting was just one of many opportunities for stakeholders to learn more about the project and hear from each other.
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On Thursday, May 23, 2019 we walked along the corridor and stopped in most of the businesses to learn from the business owners and employees. What we learned from this walk will be used during the planning process to help inform the design of the project.
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On June 5, 2018, the Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department held a community meeting to discuss plans for temporary pavement markings and other interim safety improvements in the project area. The need for temporary markings came as a result of the road being repaved.
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