Route 79 / Davol Street Corridor Study
Appendix L
Public Correspondence
Comments Received During the Public Comment Period
on the Draft Report
Comments Received on Draft Report
Comment
Reference
Number
Comment
Author
Comment Summary
•
•
•
•
•
1
Jamie Fosburgh,
National Park •
Service
•
•
•
Convert Brightman St.
“U-turn” flyover into a
bike/pedestrian facility
Provide direct link from
Veterans Memorial
Bridge bike/ped ramp to
the converted “U-turn”
flyover
Provide City sponsored
bike-ped upgrades to
Brightman St. between
North Main St. and the
waterfront
Eliminate Veterans
Memorial Bridge to
Davol St. (south) offramp
Eliminate Rte. 79 to
Davol St. (south) offramp
Convert Old Brightman
St. Bridge into a
pedestrian pier
Develop waterfront lands
near Old Brightman St.
Bridge as a waterfront
park
Convert lands north of
Old Brightman St. Bridge
into waterfront park
Extend 15ft multi-use
pathway from Cory St.,
past the Old Brightman
St. Bridge and continue
north to a scenic
overlook north of Old
Brightman St. Bridge
Page 1 of 4
Comment Response
Conversion of the “U-turn” flyover ramp
to an exclusive pedestrian / bicycle facility
along with elimination of the Veterans
Memorial Bridge and Rte. 79 ramps to
southbound Davol St. is possible and
should be further investigated in the next
project phase. It should be noted that
several elements of the currently
developed concepts would be affected by
these modifications and should be
reviewed with the community at-large.
Potential impacts include:
•
•
•
•
Brightman St. access to points south
would be via Lindsey St. to President
Ave. rather than the flyover ramp
Access from Veterans Memorial
Bridge to the waterfront or points
east of Rte. 79 including Brightman St.
would be via Rte. 79 to President Ave.
intersection, which could contribute
to increased congestion at that
intersection
Access to Lindsey St. and Brightman
St. from Veterans Memorial Bridge
and points north would be via
President Ave. to North Main St.
Two-lane ramp from Veterans
Memorial Bridge to the south would
be reduced to a single lane, potentially
crating a bottleneck. Consideration
should be given to revising lane
configuration on eastbound Veterans
Memorial Bridge.
Additional discussion of this option is
contained in the Memorandum to
MassDOT dated 5/1/14, addressing
FHWA comments and included in this
Appendix.
Comment
Reference
Number
2
3
Comment
Author
Comment Summary
Steven Camara, Support for comments
Lower
presented by Mr. Fosburgh of
Highlands /
the National Park Service
Historic
Downtown
Neighborhood
Association
Support for comments
Tim Bennett,
presented by Mr. Fosburgh of
Green Futures
the National Park Service
•
4
5
6
7
8
Convert U-turn flyover
ramp to pedestrian/
bicycle path
• Eliminate Veterans
Memorial Bridge and Rte.
79 off-ramps to Davol St.
SB
• Improve access to old
Brightman St. Bridge
• Maintain two-way access
to Rte. 79 via Brightman
Kris Bartley,
St.
North End
Neighborhood Do not eliminate Davol St.
Association
between Cory St. and
President Ave.
Comment Response
Please see response to Comment 1 by
Mr. Fosburgh of the National Park Service.
Please see response to Comment 1 by
Mr. Fosburgh of the National Park Service.
Please see response to Comment 1 by
Mr. Fosburgh of the National Park Service.
Davol St. extents should be studied in the
next project phase. Discussion of issues
associated with eliminating this portion of
Davol St. is contained in the
Memorandum to MassDOT dated 5/1/14,
addressing FHWA comments and included
in this Appendix.
Consider extending Cory St. Provision of an at-grade crossing at Cory
across RR tracks with
St. needs to be coordinated with
provision of an at-grade RR
MassDOT Rail and Transit Division and
crossing
should be addressed at the next project
phase.
Support for comments
Please see response to Comment 1 by
Paul and Susan
presented by Mr. Fosburgh of Mr. Fosburgh of the National Park Service.
de Villers
the National Park Service
Support for comments
Please see response to Comment 1 by
Liz Garant
presented by Mr. Fosburgh of Mr. Fosburgh of the National Park Service.
the National Park Service
Support for comments
Please see response to Comment 1 by
Marge and Rick
presented by Mr. Fosburgh of Mr. Fosburgh of the National Park Service.
McNally
the National Park Service
Support for comments
Please see response to Comment 1 by
Frank Menezes,
presented by Mr. Fosburgh of Mr. Fosburgh of the National Park Service.
Bike Fall River
the National Park Service
member
Page 2 of 4
Comment
Reference
Number
Comment
Author
9
Rosemarie
Normandin
10
Ronald M.
Thomas
Comment Summary
Support for comments
Please see response to Comment 1 by
presented by Mr. Fosburgh of Mr. Fosburgh of the National Park Service.
the National Park Service
Consider provision of a slip • Connection to Cove St./Fulton St.
ramp from the ramp
could be studied during the next
connecting Veterans
project phase. While such a
Memorial Bridge to Rte. 79
connection would appear to have
NB to Cove St./Fulton St.
transportation benefits, it would be
complicated by significant difference in
grades and right-of-way impacts.
Consider converting U-turn • Please see response to Comment 1 by
flyover ramp to bike/ped
Mr. Fosburgh of the National Park
ramp.
Service regarding the U-turn ramp.
Consider a new bridge over •
Rte. 79 connecting Brightman
St. to southbound Davol St.
Provide non-rounded cost
estimates for alternatives.
11
Comment Response
Federal
Highway
Administration
One of the reasons for considering
conversion of the U-turn flyover ramp
to pedestrian/ bicycle facility is to
eliminate roadways and open up land
in front of the old Brightman St.
Bridge for potential creation of a park.
Provision of another bridge over
Route 79 at Brightman St. may impede
with this goal; however, it could be
further studied at the next project
phase.
The cost estimates contained in the
report are conceptual and were rounded
to illustrate order-of-magnitude
implementation costs. They were
developed based on schematic layouts,
without the benefit of having actual
topographic or right-of-way information.
The back-up for the cost estimate is
contained in Appendix J. The costs prior
to rounding are as follows:
Construction Costs:
Alternative 1:
Alternative 2:
Alternative 2 Modified:
Alternative 3:
$96,401,500
$54,019,000
$51,682,000
$52,722,500
Total Costs(including engineering,
permitting and ROW):
Alternative 1:
$114,101,500
Alternative 2:
$64,719,000
Alternative 2 Modified: $63,182,000
Alternative 3:
$64,922,500
Page 3 of 4
Comment
Reference
Number
Comment
Author
Comment Summary
•
12
Ken Fiola, Jr.,
Executive Vice
President,
Fall River
Office of
Economic
Development
•
•
13
Carole A. Fiola
•
State
Representative
6th Bristol Dist.
Comment Response
Support for Urban
Boulevard Concept as
depicted in Alternatives 2
and 2 Modified.
To facilitate start of
construction in 2017,
initiate preparation of
Project Initiation Form
and release previously
secured funding for
project design,
environmental permitting,
and right of way work.
Alternatives 2 and 2 Modified are
recommended in the Study for advancing
to the next steps. MassDOT will continue
working with the City of Fall River on
further project development.
Support for Urban
Boulevard Concept as
depicted in Alternatives 2
and 2 Modified.
Requests Patrick
Administration to release
the balance of previously
secured federal grant
funds for the next phase
of permitting and
construction.
Alternatives 2 and 2 Modified are
recommended in the Study for advancing
to the next steps. MassDOT will continue
working with the City of Fall River on
further project development.
Page 4 of 4
United States Department of the Interior
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
Northeast Region Office 15 State Street Boston, Massachusetts 02109-3572 IN REPLY REFER TO'
Comments of National Park Service
Rte 79/Davol Street Corridor Study
June 19, 2014
The National Park Service commends the MA DOT and its team of consultants for doing an
excellent job with the Rte 79/Davol St. Corridor Study. As a regular participant of the Study's
"Working Group" NPS supports the main recommendations of the Study, including the selection
of Alternatives 2 and 2-Modified to can-y forward in to the next phase of analysis, development
and refinement. The core of both alternatives is the lowering ofRte 79 and its conversion to an
urban boulevard with full service crossings, together with a full commitment to modem bicycle
and pedestrian accommodations.
Short and Mid-Term recommendations are also worthy of implementation.
NPS does believe that further thought and analysis needs to be conducted in conjunction with the
next phase of the project in regards to the northern end of the project area (north of Cory St.) to
ensure that project benefits are maximized. This end of the project was not initially included in
the project scope, and has always seemed to be a project "orphan." It is NPS' belief that this
portion of the project area is critical to larger project purposes and to the long-tenn future of the
Fall River watedi'ont. Specifically, NPS believes that the following elements (some associated
with this project and others that are closely related) have high significance that has not been
recognized to date.
" Conversion ofthe Brightman St "U-turn" flyover into a bike-pedestrian facility
• Direct linking of the Veterans' Memorial Bridge pike/ped ramp to the converted "U­
tnrn" flyover
• City sponsored bike-ped upgrades to Brightman St between North Main St am! the
waterfront.
• Elimination of the Veterans' Memorial Bridge to Davol Street (south) off-ramp
• Elimination of the Rte 79 to Davol Street (south) off-ramp
• Conversion of the Old Brightman Street Bridge into a pedestrian pier
• Development of the waterfront lands near the Old Brightman Street Bridge as a
waterfront park
" Conversion of the waterfront lands north of the Old Brightman Street Bridge into
waterfront park (on lands gained from off-ramp removal)
• Extension of the 15ft multi-use pathway from Cory St, past the Old Brightman St.
Bridge and continuing north (on lands gained from off-ramp removal) to a scenic
overlook (or other waterfront destination) north ofthe Old Brightman St Bridge.
Additional detail & comments related to those elements included in the Rte 79/Davol St Corridor
Study are provided below. I am also attaching a crude plan view sketch to help visualize these
comments taken together.
Conversion ofthc Brightman St "U-turn" flyover into a bike-pedestrian facility
Conversion of the U-tum flyover into a bike/pedestrian facility would allow bicycle and
pedestrian visitors coming from Somerset to link directly to the Fall River waterfront without
need to cross any streets. It would also allow people coming from the extensive north Fall River
residential neighborhoods to come down Brightman St (with ample space for effective bike/ped
improvement) and then cross over Rte 79 directly to the waterfi·ont This would be a world class
bike/ped feature linking both Somerset and Fail River residential neighborhoods to the waterfi·ont
without needing to get into their cars.
In contrast to the analysis contained in the Corridor Study (figures 4.20 and 4.21), this conversion
would likely only make sense when combined with the elimination of the Davol Street off-ramps
from 79S and Veterans' Memorial Bridge. In the absence of the vehicle off-ramps, the bike/ped
traffic coming off the converted flyover ramp would simple 'T' directly into the extended 15ft
shared use pathway at some spot north of Corey St (likely about where the pathway as depicted
in figures 4.21 and 4.20 tums from a solid to a dotted line). There would be no need for a second
"bridge" (figure 4.20), nor would or should it extend all the way south to Cory.
These two features (U-tum flyover conversion and elimination of the two vehicle off-ramps)
could be pursued either in conjunction with Altemative 2 or 2-modified.
Elimination of the Veteran's Memorial Bridge Davol Street (sonth) off-ramp
Elimination of the Rte 79 to Davol Street (south) off-ramp
In addition to allowing for the direct bike/ped connection as described above, the elimination of
these two off-ramps would allow the re-capture of substantial acres/feet of waterfront lands for
other uses, and would allow a much greater connection between all of parcel 5 and the
waterfront. lt would also allow for the northward extension of the shared use pathway (on the
bed of the discontinued 79 off-ramp?) to the north of the Old Brightman Street B1idge to a
destination closer to the Veterans' Memorial Brdige (waterfront overlook?) that would serve as
the northern terminus ofthe pathway.
.Another benefit of this scenario would be to greatly simplify the Cory St/Davol intersection,
which would no longer have to contend with the convergence of three vehicle off-ramps to this
one locatlon.
Together, implementation of these and related project elements would allow ParcelS, based on
its large size, substantial waterfi·ont, converted pedestrian pier and world-class bike/ped
connections to be the most significant land conversion of the entire Corridor Study.
Summary
It is the belief of the National Park Service that the potential significance of the project elements
discussed in this letter have been underestimated and/or not recognized in a coherent way as a
part of the Con·idor Study and its analysis. Several of the elements are discussed individually,
but never are the pieces put together in a logical and cohesive way. Therefore, NPS strongly
supports the carrying forward of these ideas as a part of the Alternative Refinement
Considerations, consistent with the final two bullets under in the recommendations on page 5.31
(Project Development):
• Further examination ofU-turn bridge near Brightman Street for bicycle and pedestrian
use
• Access to and potential for development of area near old Brightman Street Bridge
Thank you for this opportunity to comment.
J a ie Fosburgh
. ' ional Park Service
Jamie_fosburgh@nps.gov
BO-Lenny Velichansky
Subject:
Attachments:
FW: NPS comments on Rte 79/Davol Study
NPS Rte 79-Davol Comments 6-19-14.pdf
From: Camara, Steven [mailto:Steven.Camara@bristolcc.edu]
Sent: Monday, June 23, 2014 10:21 AM To: Jill Barrett; 'Ethan Britland (Ethan.Britland@state.ma.us'; 'Ethan.Britland@dot.state.ma.us' Subject: FW: NPS comments on Rte 79/Davol Study Dear Jill & Ethan, As a member of the Route 79 Corridor Study Task Force, I wish to align myself totally with the comments offered by Jamie Fosburgh of the National Park Service. At the upcoming meeting of the North End Neighborhood Association to be held Thursday at 6:30p.m. at the Morton Middle School in Fall River Robert Bernier, an architectural illustrator, will present on my behalf and on behalf of a coalition of neighborhood leaders, bicycle advocates and other “green” and “pedestrian/bicycle” advocates an illustration that builds on the sketch that Mr. Fosburgh has presented in his “NPS comments on Rte 79/Davol Study”. As I have stated repeatedly, I commend the work of the “Task Force” and particularly of you and your company’s and MA DOT’s staff in its deliberations and efforts to move this project forward in an expeditious manner. Creating a bicycle/pedestrian “flyover” out of the existing “vehicular flyover” will enhance this project’s goals of better linking the neighborhoods of Fall River to and from the Fall River Waterfront. This “flyover” linkage will advance the economic development of both neighborhood and waterfront businesses. The creation of a North End/Brightman Street Bridge park and scenic overlook, too, will enhance this project. Finally, creating more “green space” for residents and visitors to the area adjacent to the “Historic (Old) Brightman Street Bridge” is beneficial to the project’s goals and objectives. As co‐chair of The Lower Highlands/Historic Downtown Neighborhood Association, a Board member and former President of the Highland Neighborhood Association and as an attendee of the North End Neighborhood Association I assure you that there is great support by Fall River’s residents for the comments offered by Mr. Fosburgh on behalf of the National Park Service. I look forward to our continued deliberations on this project. Regards, Steve Steven A. Camara Co‐chair Lower Highlands/Historic Downtown Neighborhood Association From: Fosburgh, Jamie [mailto:jamie_fosburgh@nps.gov]
Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2014 4:21 PM
To: Camara, Steven
Subject: Fwd: NPS comments on Rte 79/Davol Study
1
---------- Forwarded message ---------From: Fosburgh, Jamie <jamie_fosburgh@nps.gov>
Date: Thu, Jun 19, 2014 at 4:18 PM
Subject: NPS comments on Rte 79/Davol Study
To: Jill Barrett <jbarrett@fhiplan.com>
JillPlease find attached the NPS comments. Please be in touch if anything needs clarification, etc.
Thank You!
-Jamie Fosburgh, New England Team Leader
NER Rivers Program
617 223-5191
-Jamie Fosburgh, New England Team Leader
NER Rivers Program
617 223-5191
2
BO-Lenny Velichansky
Subject:
FW: Fall River Waterfront
From: GreenFutures Info [mailto:greenfuturesinfo@gmail.com] On Behalf Of Green Futures
Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2014 8:35 AM
To: Britland, Ethan (DOT); jbarrett@fhiplan.com
Subject: Fall River Waterfront
Dear Ms. Barrett and Mr. Britland,
At our June meeting Green Futures’ members voted support for the recommendations of Mr. Jamie
Fosburgh, US National Park Service, and the North End Neighborhood Association, Fall River, for
expanded access to the Fall River waterfront by bike and pedestrian paths that would connect the
Route 79 Flyover Ramp with the Brightman Street Bridge area and then onto the bicycle path on the
new Veterans’ Memorial Bridge.
We also support all efforts to expand public open space greenways and public access to the shore of
the Wild and Scenic Taunton River.
Sincerely,
Tim Bennett, President
1
t~1\.
'North
End
Neighborhood Association
North End Neighborhood Association
Est. 1988
83 Norfolk St, Fall River, MA 02720
508-951-9284 I president.nena@gmail.com
Comments ofthe North End Neighborhood Association Route 79/Davol St. Corridor Study June 26, 2014 The North End Neighborhood Association recently met on May 29 111 with individuals from multiple organizations
to discuss, what the group feels are additional suggested improvements needed to the Route 79/Davol Street
Corridor Study design. The overall feeling from the group is the northern section of the proposed boulevard
design near the old Brightman Street Bridge area needs additional design changes to allow this valuable
waterfront area to be utilized as recreational green space accessible by vehicle, bicycle and pedestrians.
The group came to consensus on the following items:
• Continuous connection from the pedestrian/bike path on the Veteran's Memorial Bridge to the old
Brightman Street Bridge area over the U-turn flyover bridge. Converting the U-turn flyover to a
pedestrian/bicycle path.
• Elimination of the Veteran's Memorial Bridge Davol Street (south) off-ramp and the Route 79 to
Davol Street (south) off-ramps, directing all vehicular traffic traveling North/South to converge for
travel under the flyover. This allows pedestrians/bicycles to arrive on the waterfront side via the flyover
without having to contend with vehicular traffic.
• Improved vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle access to the old Brightman Street Bridge area allowing for the
development of the old Brightman Street Bridge into a pedestrian pier and new recreational green space
attained from the removal of off ramps.
• Maintaining two-way access to Route 79 north/south via Brightman Street along with new improvements
suggested to the current design.
Additional Concerns (North End Neighborhood Meeting with MassDOT 7/26/14)
The suggestion from Federal Highway to remove sections of Davol Street should be reconsidered.
The connection from Cory to Brownell Streets along Davol Street needs to remain in place; otherwise
the Cory St. intersection becomes useless until future private development connects the roadway.
Additionally, in order to relieve daily traffic congestion along North Main Street and President Ave.,
continuous travel on Cory Street from North Main Street to the waterfront needs to be considered. This
obviously would require railway-crossing gates across the rail tracks on Cory Street. The collection of
traffic data on these roads was conducted before the building of Morton Middle School on North Main
Street, resulting in less effective data. This connection to waterfront along Cory Street diverts vehicles
away from President Ave. that are traveling to and from the waterfront.
The enclosed rendering illustrates the U-tum flyover bridge utilized as a fluid continuation of the pedestrian/ bike
path coming from the Veteran ' s Memorial Bridge and crossing over Route 79 and landing on the waterfront side
near the old Brightman Street Bridge area.
The comments above have been submitted on behalf ofthe following individuals: Eric Andrade, Mass In Motion
Jim Bartley, Lower Highlands Neighborhood Association
Kris Bartley, North End Neighborhood Association
Steven Camara, Lower Highlands Neighborhood Association
John Coelho, Fall River resident
Jim Cusick, Fall River Bike Commission
Tony Dias, North End Neighborhood Association
Jack Machado, North End Neighborhood Association
Jamie Fosburgh, National Park Service
Brian Pearson, Chairman, Bike Fall River
Karen Pearson, Bike Fall River
Reverend Jim Hornsby
Ron Thomas, North End Neighborhood Association
Thank you for your time and the opportunity to provide comments. It has been a pleasure working with you on this project over the last year. Sincerely, ~7.?4
Kris Bartley
President
North End Neighborhood Association
president.nena@gmail.com
BO-Lenny Velichansky
Subject:
FW: Route 79 Flyover
From: Paul de Villers [mailto:SooDad@comcast.net]
Sent: Friday, June 27, 2014 6:54 AM To: Britland, Ethan (DOT) Subject: Route 79 Flyover Dear Ethan Britland,
We support the recommendations of Jamie Fosburgh of the U.S. National Park Service to create access to the waterfront via a
bike/pedestrian path connecting the "Route 79 Flyover" with the old Brightman Street Bridge area and the adjacent Veterans' Memorial
Bridge Bike Path. Opening-up the riverfront to bicyclists and pedestrians and the accompanying expanded green space created by
these actions will be of immeasurable benefit to the city, the environment, the Wild and Scenic Taunton River and its residents and
visitors.
Please make our comments part of the official record. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Paul and Susan de Villers
256 Hood St.
Fall River, MA
1
BO-Lenny Velichansky
Subject:
FW: Route 79, Fall River, MA
From: Elizabeth Garant [mailto:copicutgatekeeper@gmail.com]
Sent: Friday, June 20, 2014 9:03 AM
To: Jill Barrett
Subject: Route 79, Fall River, MA
Good morning,
I wanted to let you know that as a resident of Fall River, I support the proposed plan of the Neighborhood
Association and recommendations of Jami Fosberg for a bicycle/pedestrian path connecting to the existing
Berto Bike path and allowing people to connect to the waterfront (with a park would be nice) without risking
lives crossing major roadways or relying on cars to get there. Helps solve issues with health to get people out
more and saves on emissions if they are not always using their cars and provides a better level of safety while
keeping up with current trends that are happening all around us. Fall River may be small, but can still keep up
with larger cities. I travel all over the state and RI to find nice safe bikepaths to ride on and would love to be
able to ride in my own City and get others to do the same.
Thank you.
Liz Garant
1961 Yellow Hill Road
Fall River, MA
1
BO-Lenny Velichansky
Subject:
FW: Access to Fall River waterfront
From: Rick McNally [mailto:rjmcnally@charter.net]
Sent: Thursday, June 26, 2014 5:33 PM To: jbarrett@fhiplan.com; Britland, Ethan (DOT) Subject: Access to Fall River waterfront I (we) support the recommendations of Jamie Fosburgh of the U.S. National Park Service to create access to the waterfront via a
bike/pedestrian path connecting the "Route 79 Flyover" with the old Brightman Street Bridge area and the adjacent Veterans' Memorial
Bridge Bike Path. Opening-up the riverfront to bicyclists and pedestrians and the accompanying expanded green space created by
these actions will be of immeasurable benefit to the city, the environment, the Wild and Scenic Taunton River and its residents and
visitors. The commercial, industrial, highway interests have blocked the citizens of Fall River from their waterfront for 150 years; you
now have the opportunity to rectify one of the most egregious flaws in city planning, don’t mess it up, do it right this time, adopt these
recommendations.
Please make my (our) comments part of the official record. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Marge and Rick McNally 1
BO-Lenny Velichansky
Subject:
FW: Fall River Rt. 79 Plan
From: Frank Menezes [mailto:frankmenezes16@gmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, June 26, 2014 4:10 PM To: Britland, Ethan (DOT) Subject: Fall River Rt. 79 Plan
I support the recommendations of Jamie Fosburgh of the U.S. National Park Service to create access to the waterfront via a
bike/pedestrian path connecting the "Route 79 Flyover" with the old Brightman Street Bridge area and the adjacent Veterans' Memorial
Bridge Bike Path. Opening-up the riverfront to bicyclists and pedestrians and the accompanying expanded green space created by
these actions will be of immeasurable benefit to the city, the environment, the Wild and Scenic Taunton River and its residents and
visitors.
Please make my comments part of the official record. Thank you.
Frank Menezes, Bike Fall River member
1
BO-Lenny Velichansky
Subject:
FW: Fall River Waterfront
From: normandinr@comcast.net [mailto:normandinr@comcast.net]
Sent: Thursday, June 26, 2014 10:01 PM To: Britland, Ethan (DOT) Subject: Fall River Waterfront Hello,
I strongly support the recommendations of Jamie Fosburgh of the U.S. National Park Service to create access to the waterfront via a bike/pedestrian path connecting the "Route 79 Flyover" with the old Brightman Street Bridge area and the adjacent Veterans' Memorial Bridge Bike Path. The benefits to the community will be immeasurable!
Sincerely,
Rosemarie Normandin
1
BO-Lenny Velichansky
Subject:
FW: NENA comments on Route 79/Davol St Corridor Study
From: rmt200@comcast.net [mailto:rmt200@comcast.net]
Sent: Friday, June 27, 2014 9:51 PM
To: Jill Barrett; ethan britland
Cc: Kris Bartley
Subject: Re: NENA comments on Route 79/Davol St Corridor Study
Also see attached below which was submitted via the massdot site but not sure if it went to right
place.
Thank you for providing the slide show at the Morton Middle School on 06/26/2014. After review of
the final proposal being forwarded as a
recommendation of an additional sub ramp installation off of Veterans Memerial Bridge going to route
79 Northbound ending at the
intersection of west end of Cove Street and North end of Fulton streets along side the city owned
pumping station would elimate a good
portion of the traffic from Somerset and releave a good portin of left hand turns onto Cory and
President Ave. Also this ramp could make
a emerency outlet when route 79 NB is backed up due to a accident at the North Main st exit ramps.
Also the Flyover at the west end of Brightman Street being considered as a bike/pedesterian bridge
deserves merit. A additional bridge
at the west end of Brightman Street connecting to Davol Street South would provide acess to the mill
complexes on the waterfront.
Thank You
Ronald M. Thomas
160 Mount Pleasant St.
Fall River, MA.
rmt200@comcast.net
From: "NENA-Kris Bartley" <president.nena@gmail.com> To: "Jill Barrett" <jbarrett@fhiplan.com>, "ethan britland" <ethan.britland@dot.state.ma.us> Sent: Friday, June 27, 2014 4:08:25 PM Subject: NENA comments on Route 79/Davol St Corridor Study Hello Jill / Ethan
Please see the attached letter for the North End Neighborhood Association's
comments on the Route 79/Davol St Corridor Study.
Please let me know if you have questions or comments.
Thank you,
-Kris Bartley
1
President
North End Neighborhood Association
508-951-9284
president.nena@gmail.com
2
FALL RIVER
OFFICE OF
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
June 27,2014
Mr. Ethan Britland
Massachusetts Department of Transportation
Office of Transportation Platming
10 Park Plaza, Room 4150
Boston, MA 02116
RE:
Route 79/Davol Street Corridor Study
Dear Mr. Britland:
With regard to the above referenced subject matter, please be advised that after extensive review
of previously compiled study information and discussions at the Working Group and Public
Infonnation meetings, the Fall River Office of Economic Development supports the Urban
Boulevard concept as depicted in Alternative 2 and 2 Modified in information distributed at the
May 7, 2014 meeting.
Supp011 for Alternatives 2 and 2 Modified for the Davol Street Corridor is primarily based upon
FHWA Review and Comments as well as the construction of a new boulevard which will result
in improved vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle transportation corridors, greater public
accessibility to the waterfront as well as the creation of new developable land along Davol Street.
The creation of an urban boulevard tlu-ough the implementation of either Alternative or
Alternative 2A Modified helps to create 10.2 - I 0.6 acres of developable land along the
waterfront which can accommodate 1.2 million s/f of mixed use development inclusive of
residential, office and retail use along \Vith 877 parking spaces within structured parking.
In my opinion, the Urban Boulevard concept best exemplifies the type of mixed use development
that is complimentary to existing neighborhoods and businesses along North and South Davol
Street. In addition, we believe that the Urban Boulevard not only re-establishes two traffic
along Brightman Street but also (i) helps to create a direct Brightman Street/Rt 79 North access;
(ii) strengthens user friendly, multi-model connectivity between the surrounding neighborhoods
and the waterfront via new pedestrian walkways and bike paths; (iii) creates safe vehicular traffic
conditions conducive to neighborhood development; (iv) helps to create much needed job
opportunities for SouthCoast residents via the project build out scenarios; (v) expands the city's
tax base and (vi) best positions the waterfront for SouthCoast Rail.
Lastly, so as to facilitate a 2017 design/ build construction start date, I respectfully request that
MassDOT prepare and submit a Project Initiation Form and Transportation Evaluation Criteria
and release preiviou8sly secured funding for Project design, enviromnental permitting and right
of way work pertaining to the project. Please note that we believe it is essential that
One Government Center, Fall River, Massachusetts 02722-7700
(508) 324-2620
(508) 675 - 1497
FAX (508) 677-2840
www.froed.org
Mr. Ethan Britland
June 27,20 14
Page 2
construction on the proposed project begin no later than 2017 so as to dovetail the completion of
the Braga Bridge Accelerated Bridge Construction Project.
Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter. I look forward to hearing from you
soon.
Sincerely yours,
n eth Fiola, Jr. , Esq., Ec.D.
Ex cutive Vice President
cc: Mayor William Flanagan
Senator Michael Rodrigues
State Representative Carole Fiola
State Representative Paul A. Sclunid, JIT
Sate Representative Alan Silvia
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
STATE HOUSE, BOSTON 02133-1054
CAROLE A. FIOLA
STATE REPRESENTATIVE
6th Bristol District
__________
STATE HOUSE, ROOM 446
TEL: (617) 722-2460
carole.fiola@mahouse.gov
June 25, 2014
Mr. Ethan Britland
Massachusetts Department of Transportation
Office of Transportation Planning
10 Park Plaza, Room 4150
Boston, MA 02116
Re: Route 79/Davol Street Corridor Study
Dear Mr. Britland:
I would like to thank you and your team for your continued efforts with the Working Group for the
Route 79/Davol Street Corridor Study. As the deadline for public input comes to a close, I would like to
further express my support for the Alternative 2 and Alternative 2 Modified Urban Boulevard plan,
which I believe is the most comprehensive option in covering important aspects such as economic
development, land use, pedestrian access, vehicular traffic, and aesthetic appeal. In terms of impact
upon the city and its waterfront, these alternatives will help facilitate greater public access to the water,
transportation improvement, and the development of 10+ acres of newly created land for mixed use
economic development opportunities, which will result in more than 500,000 sq/ft. of retail/office use,
650 residential units, close to 1,000 jobs, $50 million in disposable income, and more than $20 million in
state and local taxes. These are all crucial elements in developing Fall River’s waterfront to its fullest
potential as we move towards the next phase.
I encourage work on this Urban Boulevard alternative to begin as soon as possible so as to seamlessly fit
with the current Route 79/Braga Bridge project scheduled for completion in 2017. Although the tenure
of the Patrick administration is coming to a close, I respectfully request that the Administration release
Ethan Britland – Route 79/Davol St. Corridor Study – 6/25/14
the balance of previously secured federal grant funds for this next phase of design-build permitting and
construction for a 2017 start date as the Accelerated Bridge Project starts to wind down. According to
the MassDOT schedule, this would allow the project to be completed by the 2020/2021 time period and
forever change the face of Fall River’s waterfront.
I thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Carole Fiola
cc: Mayor William Flanagan
Senator Michael Rodrigues
State Representative Paul Schmid
State Representative Alan Silvia