What is your reaction to DNC road and rail closures?

3/31/2004

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?

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It would be interesting to note what other nightmares are being created by the Secret Service under the name of "security." Certainly there is no consideration of shutting down Penn Station in New York for the Republican Convention, which will have more inportant players at the site than the Democatic Convention. Instead tof asking what adjustments should be made to satisfy the Secret Service, we should know why. There is no comparison with the Madrid bombings. Next excuse?

Rose , Easton

The Mayor, his committee, and the entire city have dropped the ball on this one. Why are we builing new convention centers if the biggest and most important event this city has or will see for a while isn't even going to be held there? Not to mention what this is going to do to the tens-of-thousands of commuters that come into Boston each day either by train or car. They are as much the heart of Boston as the residence who live in the city. They can say it's the secret service, not them, closing down the commuter rail and 93, but for them not to think that was a possibility the moment they wanted the Fleet Center for the event is shortsighted. They may be happy the convention is being held here when they are crowning a local boy for nomination, but they have made many people very unhappy.

Charles , N. Chelmsford

I understand the need for security but the nightmare put on those of us who commute to work through No. Station is insane. I for one cannot afford to just take the week off because the convention is in town. I don't believe the City of Boston is ready for this and the plans reflect that. They are made in haste and are not feasible. On another note, my father is frequently admitted to MGH on an emergency basis. How is he expected to get there? I'm a died in the wool democrat but how on earth can the city allow this 4 day party to shut off the most direct link to hospitals? I dread that week in July.

Jo, Salem

I'm sick of people saying just take vacation days the week of the dem. convention. Why should the democrats and Mayor Menino dictate when I take my summer vacation. Also, EVERYBODY in every office who take the train into N. Station or who drives in can't just take a vacation that week. Just another reason to be annoyed with the democrats. The convention should be moved to South Boston.

Karen, Woburn

There is no logical reason to force a bad hand and have this event at the Fleet Center. Laborers busted their tails to get the convention center completed, we spent billions on a transportation infrastructure to support the convention center, and now you want to close two of the most vital and strategic transportation links in and out of the city. Use your heads guys. Put your political jockeying aside and make the right choice for the sake of your constituants.

Tim , Duxbury

It's official. I'm voting republican in the next election. I have no interest in voting for a party who would so freely screw citizens (the people they're supposed to be working for, by the way) so that they don't have to travel too far to their cushy hotel. It makes me sick.

M., Salem

Once again, a stunningly bad decision on the part of the city of Boston to allow the DNC to be held at the Fleet Center instead of at the new convention center. What moron in their right mind would think that it's reasonable for the tens of thousands of commuters who come from the north and western suburbs into the city every day via 93 or the commuter rail are just going to be able to take that week off? No. It's not justified. It's bad planning and paranoia working hand in hand. I don't honestly believe that the "benefits" are going to be measurable when you look at the impact that this will have on the surface artery traffic during that week. What kind of businessperson is going to want to bring their money into Boston when they can't get from point A to point B within a reasonable amount of time? This is posturing and posing on the part of the politicians who just wanted an excuse to throw a big block party in their backyard. I feel especially sorry for the hourly/temporary workers who are going to lose wages because they're stuck in gridlock trying to get to work - and the folks who have to drive the city streets for a living. They'll need an extra bottle of antacid for those 6 days.

Amy, Salem

GET A GRIP, BOSTON! Four days of traffic headaches are a *relatively* small price to pay for the money and media attention that will flow to the Hub. The US Secret Service -- not Menino or the State Police -- is in charge of security for the Convention, and it's THEIR call to make the closures, so take it up with John Ashcroft. Shame on carpetbagger Romney for whining in the press to win points with the national GOP -- watch, he'll take credit for the economic boost once the con is over! It won't kill us to take a different route to the city for a week -- what we need long term is a REAL transportation plan! Or, do what I did and sign up to VOLUNTEER AT THE CONVENTION! :-)

E. Durand, Somerville

Security is good and great, but all in all, I'm glad I don't live in Boston any more...

Sara, Rochester, NY

This is a total disregard for the needs of the commuters. Were we ever asked for our input ? NO this is all about the selfish wants of local pols who are only interested in their day in the sun.

dan , brookline