What is your reaction to DNC road and rail closures?
In a move that is certain to create major headaches for Boston commuters, security officials have announced that Interstate 93 will be shut down in both directions for all four evenings of the Democratic National Convention in July, and North Station will be closed to all commuter rail and subway service. What is your reaction? Are these security precautions justified, or is the Secret Service going overboard? Do the benefits the convention will bring to the city make the inconveniences worthwhile?
Read the story: North Station, I-93 to be shut down during convention
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ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! Close these roads so the politicians can whoop it up? Come on. Hard working people are being affected. Also, what if we need to go to MGH? If it was their families going through this, I bet they would find a solution but fast!! Our taxes pay for those roads, we should be able to use them.
Rose, Charlestown
The mayor should be ashamed. He should have known in advance the price we Bostonians would have to pay, and the price is too high. Send it to the convention center. If not, then don't re-elect the mayor.
Sick of it, Somerville
Now can someone tell me why the Convention Center is not a viable option? I drove by it yesterday, and it looks like it would be much less disruptive than the Fleet Center. It would showcase the new building and looks a lot easier to protect.
Jim P, Leominster
If the secret service get their way, the terrorists have won. Yes, I agree in security but this proposal is going overboard. Close down a federal highway? That's just ridulous! I disagree with Romney about moving the convention to South Boston. When Boston propositioned the DNC to come here, we advertised our Fleet Center venue. Moving the DNC to the convention center would be pulling a "bait and switch" and the space doesn't meet their needs. The solution is keeping the convention in the Fleet (Bank of America?) Center and keeping the highway / public transportation running just as they are in NY. How about putting up walls of sand bags in the 93 southbound breakdown lane or some other alternative? Let's not let paranoia ruin the quality of life in our city folks.
Aaron, Boston
I think a little inconvenience is better than having a tragedy. Whatever they need to do, they should do it.
Joe , dedham
This is not a surprise. Anyone following the DNC preparations knew about this over a month ago as part of the security plan. That's part of the reason Romney suggested the DNC move to the convention center. Instead, he was attacked as having a personal agenda against the Democrats. The Globe finally mentions something about it and NOW everyone is upset? The really sad part is that everyone will be steaming mad up until the convention and then the typical Massachusetts voter will elect the same guys again. You get what you deserve!
Becky, Weymouth
Outrageous. We spent a gigantic amount for a new convention center and instead of using it vanity insists that all citizens suffer for the Democratic Party. Amazing. If the Republicans had suggested such a situation the noise would be non stop. The mayor must make the change and make it now. He certainly loses credibility if he continues.
terence , Boston
Let me get this straight... for the tens (hundreds?) of thousands of commuters from the North Shore that work in Boston, we're supposed to use 128 as an alternate? Doesn't 128 go AROUND the city, not into it? This is the best we can do? Seriously... you can't drive from the North since I-93 will be closed. You can't take the T from the North because North Station will be closed. Can you imagine the traffic on 99 coming through Charlestown? How about Storrow/Memorial? It will be a nightmare. And the best they can give us is "Take 128" or "Take a Vacation"??? Simply unbelievable.
Greg, Charlestown
Certainly security has to be addressed and there are believable risks with having the train station and the highway right there. However, we do have to ask why the great, big (gargantuan, really) brand new convention center over in Southie isn't being used. What? Is parking that much better on Causeway Street? Oh right, the Fleet Center is better because of easier access to public transportation. Oh. Oops. I guess that's not a valid argument anymore, is it? --- The closures won't disrupt my personal schedule, but it is a shame that it will for so many - no matter how much notice has been given. It is a black eye on the otherwise shining image the city is promoting with this very convention.
Patrick, Boston
Today it was reported in the news that foreigners were dragged from their vehicle and killed in Iraq. The marines tried to get to these people and were dealing with an angry mob. To ensure the safety of our lives every precaution should be taken at this time. It is for a very good cause to protect and secure the democratic process. Isn't that why the Bush administration started the war with Iraq or is my family serving in the military to protect Bush's family and friends financial interests? It is such a small amount of time and it is wonderful thing to have the National Democratic Convention here in Massachusetts.
Susannah , Sudbury
