Sound Barrier Update
www.wabansoundbarrier.com for background and updatesAugust 15, 2007
In June representatives from Mass Highway met with residents of the Quinobequin Road section of Waban to discuss the construction of a sound barrier along Route 128/95. The project's Design Team was on hand to make its presentation and answer questions from residents. 54 homes have been identified as receptors and those residents were notified by mail that the barrier is within the parameters of Mass Highway's guidelines. This meeting also signified that the project is at 25% design ready. They project that the 75% design phase will be reached in November at which time another meeting will be held.
Residents are very pleased and anticipate construction to begin next year.
June 18, 2006
Dear Neighbors,
It is with great pride that we announce the decision made by MassHighway to advance the noise barrier project to the next critical phase, i.e., preliminary and final design. This decision was made after completion of an in-depth study which looked at the potential impacts of construction on nearby conservation land and wetlands. Residents, legislators and professionals from state agencies were invited to a closed meeting hosted by Mayor David Cohen at Newton City Hall on Tuesday, June 13, 2006. At that time, MassHighway made a power point presentation to those present which clearly defines the strategies associated with construction of the barrier. Their conclusions indicated that there was no significant impact to the wetlands, no infringement upon DCR land, and no detriment to the areas surrounding the proposed noise barrier.
After a lengthy question and answer period, Rep. Kay Khan asked all stakeholders to submit comments and letters of support to MassHighway within 2-3 weeks, so that the next phase of the process can begin. It is important to note that the majority of the funding of this project will be covered by federal funds. The state budget is only responsible for 20% of the total cost.
This is a HUGE step in reaching our goal. The technical and legal aspects of the last 6 months’ work were made possible by the involvement of our environmental attorney and consultants.
However, we are not finished. As stakeholders, we will be actively involved in the design process to ensure that the materials used are the safest and most absorbent as well as aesthetically pleasing. We are also looking to insure that once the barrier is built, the adjacent land will be provided with appropriate drainage and vegetation. It is comforting to know that the environmental agencies will be working with us to make appropriate choices of plants and shrubs. You will be notified of all public meetings on these topics or anything related to the project.
We have maintained our desire to protect our quality of life. Once our neighborhood is protected from the highway and its pollutants, we will then be able to involve ourselves in projects to reclaim use of the beautiful land which surrounds our homes.
WE STILL NEED YOUR HELP. Please make a donation to help offset the costs of the professionals who brought us to this point and who will take us to the final step: construction!
Please make checks payable to: Waban Sound Barrier Project
c/o Peter R. Brown, Esq. Nutter, McClennen & Fish, LLC World Trade Center West 155 Seaport Blvd. Boston, MA 02210-2604Please check our website at:
Our continued thanks for your support and financial contributions. ALL money collected is used strictly for professional services.
With appreciation,
Peter Brown
Valerie Hutchins
Richard Levin
George Nesgos
Sona Petrossian
Grace Spitz
Katharine Tumpowsky