Tag Archives: Green Line Extension

Governor Patrick Leads Green Line Extension Construction Kickoff

11 Dec
The speeches are done, and the Green Line Extension construction has officially begun.

The speeches are done, and the Green Line Extension construction has officially begun.

The first phase of construction on the Green Line Extension is officially underway, bringing with it a promise of light rail service to and from a new Union Square station by 2017. Speaking at the event, Governor Patrick and Congressman Capuano emphasized that both sustainable growth and environmental justice require investment for the long term, a sentiment echoed by Mayors Curtatone, Davis, and McGlynn.

I was happy to see so many members of state and local government at the event, but the attendance of local home- and business owners showed what this project is all about. The last two people to speak weren’t politicians but the owners of CasaB, a restaurant in Union Square. The “B” in CasaB refers to one of the owner’s grandfathers, whose love of Latin cuisine inspires the menus of chef Alberto Cabré. Alberto and his co-owner Angelina Jockovich were born in Puerto Rico and Colombia respectively, but they’ve chosen to start their business in Somerville, a decision they said was influenced by the promise of the Green Line Extension.

Alberto and Angelina, along with the tireless community leaders who made today possible, reflect the best of our community. Their speech was brief—they, and we, still have work to do.

Green Line Extension Phase 1 Construction Kickoff Tomorrow

10 Dec
A map of the proposed Green Line Extension. Image via MassDOT.

A map of the proposed Green Line Extension. Image via MassDOT.

Tomorrow, Governor Patrick and Congressman Capuano will join Mayor Curtatone and others for an historic construction kickoff event. Yes, at long last, the Green Line Extension is coming to Somerville!

The Green Line Extension is the fulfillment of a promise to the people of Somerville and Cambridge. Our district comprises some of the most densely populated portions of both our Commonwealth and our nation, and it is time to extend light rail service to the people living in these communities. The process has been challenging, but I have always believed that this is the right project for our district, and I will continue to fight for it.

I applaud the Governor, the Congressman, local advocates, and everyone who has worked so hard for so long to make this a reality. There’s still a lot left to be done, both on bridges and on balance sheets, but I know we can finish the job. If you’d like to join us, we’ll be at 180 Somerville Ave., in the Target parking lot, at 1:30pm.