Photo: Kyle Bray/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — City officials are seeking public feedback on a project to transform Blue Hill Avenue in Boston's Dorchester and Mattapan neighborhoods.
The City of Boston and the MBTA's long-awaited transformation project would redesign the more than three-mile stretch of road between Grove Hall and Mattapan Square.
According to the latest draft design, the plan would add center bus lanes, protected bike lanes, between nine and 11 pairs of bus boarding platforms, and at least 14 new crosswalks. It would also eliminate some car lanes and parking spaces.
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The City of Boston's website says the project is meant to "better serve bus riders, create safer conditions for pedestrians and drivers, increase the tree canopy, and install new amenities for a more vibrant small business corridor."
Residents had a chance to analyze a map of the proposed changes and ask questions and give feedback to project leaders at an open house Tuesday night.
Two more open houses are scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 21 and Wednesday, Dec. 4.
Speaking with WBZ NewsRadio Wednesday, Dorchester and Mattapan residents had mixed feelings on the project.
Jazz is a salon owner whose customers already have a hard time finding parking.
"Sometimes if there’s not parking directly on Blue Hill, even on the side streets, there is, like, even street cleaning or something, so it’s a struggle at times," Jazz said.
Nestor, who drives to work, is worried that the changes would make traffic worse.
"Some people be [sic] double parked, so that means if you add a bike lane, it’s gonna make it worse," Nestor said.
Rafael commutes on the bus down Blue Hill Avenue and hopes a bus lane could make traveling faster like it does in other neighborhoods.
"Usually, like, here to where the Northeastern area is, usually it takes me almost, like, an hour, which is ridiculous," said Rafael.
Renee, who rides the bus and also bikes, thinks bike lanes would help improve safety.
"Some people are used to driving without lanes, but I think it will be better for children and teenagers," Renee said.
Center Street in West Roxbury underwent a similar design, minus the bus lanes. Scott, who works in the area, has seen the impact firsthand.
"Traffic’s definitely gotten worse, and honestly I barely see any bikers using the bike lanes," said Scott.
WBZ's Kyle Bray (@KyleBrayWBZ) reports.