What is the REAL Casey Arborway Cost?
Myth: A recent updated project information sheet

 on the MassDOT Casey Arborway website declared:  

“This project is currently not projected to exceed the total contract cost.

                                                        $59,925,000 – Winning bid by Barletta Heavy Division                                                         $14,000,000 – Contract contingencies (police details etc…)                                            Total contract cost: $74,000,000”
Facts:  The total contract cost may not be exceeded, but there are at least two additional costly project elements MassDOT is responsible for that have been excluded from the Barletta contract:  the busway canopy and the accessibility upgrades to Forest Hills station. These will add between $12 million and $20 million to the total Casey Arborway project cost. The total will likely exceed the cost of a new bridge!

Casey Arborway Project Cost
1. Barletta Heavy Division bid amount	$59,925,000.00
2. Traffic Police	$2,000,000
3. Contingencies (15%)	$8,998,750
4. Telephone	$5,000
5. Railroad Flaggers	$100,000
6. Construction Engineering	$2,996,250
7. Specialty Services	$100,000
8. Not Accounted For: Canopy	$7,000,000 - $10,000,000
9. Not Accounted For: Accessibility Upgrades	$5,000,000 - $10,000,000
Total	$86,115,000 - $94,115,000

Items 1-7 from MassDOT Board Staff Summary, Oct. 22, 1014

Casey Arborway Project Completion Delayed

• Construction of the busway canopy and station wayfinding parts of the Casey Arborway project will not begin until Spring 2017 and won’t be completed until 2018.

• The design of the canopy was not complete (only 30% design) as of the November MAAB hearing. Bus riders will have to wait out in the open for another 18 months.

• MassDOT had made little progress evaluating and estimating the cost for the 55 areas within the MBTA public spaces found to be a major discrepancy per state regulations since it reported to MAAB August 28, 2014

• Despite stating at a Casey Construction Update public meeting and being included in the meeting notes from May 7, 2015, “Those improvements to the Forest Hills Station are going to happen and there is a contract for it,” MassDOT told MAAB “The current project does not include funding for the access improvements” to Forest Hills station, there is no contract, and they are still looking for money.  

$25 m for Bike Paths, Shea Circle, Busway Relocation, New Headhouse; $0 for Mandated Accessibility Upgrades

MassDOT has not been upfront when discussing the “total project costs.”  MAAB officials said access improvements like those 

mandated by 521 CMR (state regulations designed to make public buildings

and facilities accessible to, functional for, and safe for use by persons with disabilities) estimated at $10.4 million should have been funded when the Casey Arborway project was funded because they are part of the project.  It’s not that 521 CMR is a new regulation (in effect since 1968) or that MassDOT Casey project officials weren’t aware the costs could be high.  Meeting notes from a Casey WAG meeting on Sept. 13, 2011, show project officials knew 521 CMR regulations could be triggered and “it could mean retrofitting the whole station” [Steve McLaughlin].

MassDOT Board and Public Misled on Project Costs 

When the Casey Arborway project was presented to the MassDOT Board of Directors on October 22, 2014, MassDOT officials did not tell the Board that the Casey project would require another contract for over $10 million, instead claiming the “total project cost” was bridge and roadway work.  Despite Bridging Forest  Hills member Kevin Moloney addressing the Board and informing it that the project cost it was voting on was $10 million less than the real cost, no one on Board even asked if the project cost presented was correct.

Bottom line: by ignoring the Casey project’s access improvements required by 521 CMR and not funding them, MassDOT officials artificially kept the price of the at-grade project below the estimated cost of the replacement bridge/new surface streets alternative. The estimate for the bridge alternative was about $73 million; the total cost of the at-grade project including these required upgrades is close to $82 million if $2 million in police details is held as a constant.  It seems clear the access improvements were not included in the project to ensure that the cost of the project that was seen by the public would appear to be lower than the estimated replacement bridge cost.  

What else has MassDOT misled the public about?

Click here or on image for MAAB document (opens PDF).

Above: Mass. Architectural Access Board Findings and 

Decision on Casey Arborway (Jan. 2016)

Bridging Forest Hills Honored by City Council Resolution 

Council Cites BFH Commitment to Upholding Social, Political, Economic and Environmental Justice for all Boston Neighborhoods & Beyond

The Boston City Council issued an Official Resolution congratulating Bridging Forest Hills, the multi-neighborhood coalition of residents, businesses, commuters, cyclists and transit users who supported replacing the dilapidated Casey Overpass with a new, smaller bridge.  MassDOT rejected a new bridge in favor of widening the surface road to six and seven lanes to accommodate the 25,000 vehicles that used the bridge daily in addition to existing local traffic. 

 

The Official Resolution, signed in late December by then-President of the City Council Bill Linehan, extended its congratulations to Bridging Forest Hills in recognition of its “Organizational mission, staff/volunteer commitment and member support to uphold social, political, economic and environmental justice for all families and neighborhoods in the City of Boston and beyond.”

“What a tremendous acknowledgment!  If only we had succeeded in that mission,” said Kathryn Deputat of Bridging Forest Hills upon reading the Resolution.  “But in the end, stronger forces prevailed, unfortunately.”

The Casey Overpass was demolished in late 2015 and construction of the surface roadways is underway.  The new target date for the entire project’s completion has not been revealed but is expected to be late in 2017.

After 7 months, Gov. Baker's Office Issues Statement on Casey Arborway

Seven months later, this communication from Gov. Baker's Chief of Staff says "it appears all opinions from the involved stakeholders were heard."  

It is disappointing the Governor's office ignored for months scores of calls, e-mails and letters opposing this project. Only after receiving about 1,600 petitions calling for a moratorium did the Governor's office decide to have one-sided conversation with MassDOT, the architects of one of the biggest frauds in recent MassDOT history, and conclude that the project is worthy. 

Does Gov. Baker care about those EXCLUDED from the conversation, the users of the bridge, and the other neighborhoods affected? Does Gov. Baker care that MassDOT may have "listened to" its opponents but with cotton in its ears so as not to HEAR. Apparently, they didn't hear because thousands think the no-bridge scheme is wrong and the result of a biased process that never gave a fair shake to a new replacement bridge.  And the e-mails and meeting notes obtained through costly Public Records Requests confirm this!

This is not over. Read this and take action. Call the Governor's Office at 617-725-4005!

Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2015 18:24:11 -0400 

Subject: Casey Overpass 

Dear John and Edward,

 

Thank you for your visit on Monday.  A lot of important issues were raised and your groups’ involvement in this project is commendable.

 

We have spent the past couple of days engaged with MassDOT staff, gathering all relevant documentation and evaluating the planning and design processes.

 

Our follow up has shown that the Working Advisory Group (WAG) and the Design Advisory Group (DAG) had members from Jamaica Plain and the surrounding communities involved throughout this process.  A wide net was cast and it appears all opinions from the involved stakeholders were listened to. 

As you know, a final decision was made by the Patrick Administration to move forward with the current design based on engineering standards, traffic/construction/environmental science considerations, feasibility and public input. In fact, the public involvement and feedback received helped bring about the inclusion of the Shea Circle reconfiguration, the addition of a new MBTA headhouse for the Orange Line, and a comprehensive landscaping design into the final product.

 

The traffic study used was executed in conjunction with the Boston Redevelopment Authority and assumed the corridor is fully developed and sustainable for twenty years of projected growth.  This study was subjected to two independent peer reviews and the determinations were supported.  The at-grade option was advanced because it ranked the highest for all forms of mobility, livability, and long term maintenance costs.

 

Having reviewed the project and, in particular, the outreach that has been made throughout the Jamaica Plain neighborhood and surrounding community, the Baker Administration believes that this remains a worthy project and should proceed as planned. Having a transparent, responsive and accessible administration is of the utmost importance to Governor Baker. We have directed the staff at MassDOT to provide us with regular updates on the project. While some disagreement may remain, we hope that we can move forward together productively and ensure the success of this project. If you have any ideas whatsoever that may lead to improved communication and transparency, please do not hesitate to share those with us.

 

Thank you again for your advocacy and understanding.  Yours are the only emails I have.  Please feel free to share with the rest of the group.

 

Sincerely, 

Mindy  

 

Mindy d’Arbeloff

Deputy Chief of Staff

Office of the Governor

617-725-4005

Councilor Charles Yancey Speaks out on "Grave Concerns" About Casey Overpass Demolition

Councilor Yancey expressed grave concerns about the Casey Overpass project that will eliminate the overpass and replace it with a 6-lane to 7-lane roadway.  He is in the process of setting up a City Council hearing to give those who were not consulted or were completely ignored during the hurry-up planning process that led to the announcement the bridge was coming down a chance to hear about the project and voice concerns. Click here to view a video and read the article from the JP Gazette: http://www.jamaicaplainnews.com/2015/05/07/yancey-on-casey-i-have-grave-concerns-about-this-project/11446

MassDOT Meeting Shows Agency Fiddles While Forest Hills Chokes

Route 203 Casey Overpass Elimination Protested at May 7, 2015 Meeting 

Over 125 protested plans to demolish the Route 203 Casey Overpass in Forest Hills and replace it with a 6-lane to 7-lane surface

road with up to 5 new traffic signals.  Participants held "Forest Hills Needs a Bridge" sign and were asked to  call on Gov. Baker 

to pause the project to make see if the state is doing the right thing.

The bridge will be closed completely May 16. MassDOT officials and contractor personnel struggled throughout the meeting to answer questions, including why the variable message signs outside the project area say "construction" instead of "demolition"; why the upgrades to Forest Hills station—a whopping $11 million worth—are hidden from the public and NEVER described in any schedule; total construction cost ($74,115,000); and how many meetings were held in Mattapan. 

Councilor Charles Yancey spoke about the confusion and lack of awareness that still exists and announced the City Council will be holding a hearing soon.  He said hi responsibility is to determine the safety and health impacts—never analyzed—and make sure the project doesn't help one neighborhood while hurting another.  "I have grave concerns," Yancey said.

Contact Gov. Baker at 617-725-4005 and say a moratorium is needed NOW!

Save The Casey Online Petition

We’re making progress, and we need your help:

We believe it is wrong to spend $75 M+ to create a 6- or 7-lane highway amidst Emerald Necklace parklands, add up to 5 new traffic lights, impair pedestrian, bike and bus travel, and disenfranchise Boston’s poorest neighborhoods to relieve MassDOT of bridge maintenance at Forest Hills. The Casey Overpass was built to alleviate gridlock due to mixing of local and regional traffic in this already busy transportation hub. MassDOT’s at-grade plan reverses that. It’s not only a bad idea, but also tragic, maybe criminal, lethal, and at minimum a gross disservice to tens of thousands of citizens impacted by this decision.

That's why we created a petition to Governor Charlie Baker.

Will you sign this petition? Click here:

http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/governor-baker-save-the

AND DO PLEASE CIRCULATE THIS WIDELY to any and all you know who care about human rights, safety and health.  Post on your Facebook page, Tweet – whatever you can do.  Thanks!

Councilor Yancey Stands Up For Casey Overpass Users

Click the image below for coverage from The Bulletin, or click here to read the Hearing Order on the Casey Overpass filed by Councilor Yancey (opens PDF).

Opponents of MassDOT Route 203 Casey Overpass Elimination Plan Make Their Case at March 9, 2015 Meeting

Another big crowd attended a MassDOT meeting at The English High School about the upcoming Route 203 Casey Overpass demolition. 

The vast majority of the crowd opposed the plan, holding "Stop this Project" and "It's Just a Bridge; Let's Build it and Get Over it" signs and asked Gov. Baker to pause the project and take a second look at the lunacy of MassDOT's plans. 

Despite trying to bore the crowd into leaving by spending more time on the science of noise than on the traffic impacts, residents and business owners from Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, Roslindale, and Dorchester stated their dissatisfaction with MassDOT's bridge-elimination plan. 

Contact Gov. Baker at 617-725-4005, and e-mail Mayor Walsh to remind him he campaigned on stopping this project and has reneged on his promise (Mayor@boston.gov).

Letter: Casey Protesters Were Angry for Good Reasons

Jeffrey Ferris writes in to the J.P. Gazette, Feb. 13, 2015 - click here to read his letter to the editor.

Huge crowd says "Forest Hills Needs a Bridge" at MassDOT Casey construction meeting Jan. 21, 2015 Over 300 people packed The English High auditorium to hear MassDOT and its contractor talk about the upcoming Casey Overpass demolition and the overall construction period activities. More than 200 protested the project that will permanently eliminate the Route 203 bridge over Forest Hills, holding signs reading "Forest Hills Needs a Bridge" and calling MassDOT's plans for a 6- to 7-lane highway wrong. Rep. Liz Malia called for the new Baker administration to review the project before it advances. MassDOT failed to present a case for removing the bridge, describing the project purpose as "reconnecting" transit, pedestrians and bikes. The Department of Transportation couldn't come up with a single transportation reason removing the bridge is better than a plan with a new bridge and a reconfigured surface network. Not shocking; this has been the pattern on this project for three years. MassDOT said the presentation would be posted sometime to the website: www.massdot.state.ma.us/caseyarborway

Standing for a bridge at Forest Hills, not a 6- to 7-lane highway carrying all traffic through a place jammed with pedestrian, transit, bike and local traffic. Photo by Laura Wulf.

Attendees at MassDOT meeting on closing the Casey Overpass say, "Forest Hills Needs a Bridge"! Photo by Rhea Becker.

Above: the only signs in the standing-room crowd at The English High School call for MassDOT to replace the Casey Overpass, not remove it. Photo by Laura Wulf.

 

JP Gazette: "Walsh backs off call for Casey review"

Devil in the Details “Walk the Line” video: Check out this fascinating short video about some of the proposed new “enhanced” crosswalks at Forest Hills after the Arborway nightmare is built. Do you think the 115-foot-long crosswalk is the one Sec. of Transportation calls an improvement in his June letter?  Watch the 2:36-minute video on Facebook or YouTube.

Boston Globe Opinion section:  'Casey Overpass Plan is Flawed'

Boston Globe Opinion section published this piece by Cranston Rogers, P.E., retired civil engineer, and Kevin F. Moloney, Casey Advisory Group member from JP.  For entire piece, see: 

 

http://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/2014/05/05/casey-overpass-plan-flawed/ElaWyb4ewsxV2n8PMg4xPO/story.html

A key point the authors make is that MassDOT led people to believe the bridge could not be repaired, thereby skewing the "planning study" by not including that as an alternative. What other alternatives were omitted to skew the "planning study" in favor of the preferred solution, an at-grade scheme? 

The authors ask Mayor Walsh and Governor Patrick to act. "...Mayor Walsh has the duty to demand that moratorium. He has the right — and the obligation — to have his own people evaluate the situation. He should not rely on the attitude of the previ- ous city administration, which acquiesced to MassDOT at the expense of access and the quality of life. Governor Patrick should join Mayor Walsh in calling for this moratorium and not leave this flawed MassDOT project as his legacy in Boston.

      

MassDOT Secretary Davey Attempts Letter to BFH ‘Members’: Give MassDOT a B for effort. Sec. Davey’s letter 

 to BFH was clearly written with more care than previous communications that made unsupported and erroneous claims about the at-grade scheme. Click to see letter for how MassDOT now explains its support for the at-grade and BFH’s comments.

City Actively Promoted At-Grade Scheme While Claiming it Had no Position: E-mails bought through a $440 Public Records Request show that some members of the Menino administration called a hand-picked group of people to encourage them to attend the Sept. 13, 2011, public meeting on Casey alternatives. Although the e-mails do not describe the nature of the “messaging” mentioned by BTD Commissioner Tinlin, the City employees in the e-mails seemed intent on making sure a list of seven people not only attend the meeting but also speak. City officials in the JP Gazette (Aug. 3, 2013) denied prepping anyone on what to say despite discussing “messaging” for the calls. So if the City wasn’t promoting the at-grade scheme and wanted to escape scrutiny, why would BTD Commissioner Tinlin ask, “No fingerprints?”

  

Click here for redacted (by BFH) copies of the “No fingerprints” e-mails and other revealing e-mails.

Marty Walsh issued a statement Thursday, August 22, 2013 in support of a new bridge to replace the Casey Overpass:

"I am calling on Mass DOT to fairly evaluate the option of replacing the Casey Overpass with a beautiful modern bridge that reflects the Olmsted tradition that protected this area for so long, a bridge that will unite and connect communities."

Click here to download this Marty Walsh flyer as a PDF.