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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What happened to 'go about your business'? Folks, the Secret Service is a component of the administration. Isn't it curious that the Republican convention will occur without so much disruption to 'normal life' even though it's potential to become another ground zero is vastly greater than what will happen out here in the suburbs? But, if you really think something preventable is likely to happen in connection with the convention, why just shut down the Fleet Center. What about all the hotels, restaurants and other venues where people will be utilizing during the convention? And, by the way, what is being done to help regular folks cope when 'security measures' fail and we are faced again with pictures of first-responders cleaning up the mess? How will we know if we are safe where we are, if the people we care about are safe, of if we should go someplace else to be safe? Anyone got a plan?
mike, cambridge
have any of you morons considered the importance of this convention, and the fact that just a few weeks ago in madrid, there was an upcoming election, and terrorists felt that this was the perfect time to make an impact? Smarten up people. This is not to "Hide the ugly Stepchildren of Boston" Menino isnt doing this to make things "Difficult for the Average Citizen" The more I read these postings, the more infuriated I am with the uneducated narrow minded people who think that they have all the answers, and believe they should have a say. Until people understand the real issues, they should be voicing their opinions, PERIOD!!!
wayne, boston
Oh my god....what a logistical nightmare. All those commuters, bussed to the all the other commuter rail stations one station up from North Station! And the car traffic...Oh my god again! I dont commute into town, but I used to and this is a real mess. I think the MBTA should be compensated by the DNC for all the extra expense they will go through. I do think its worth it tho'. And I also think the Secret Servie is over the top here. Station a few marines or something around and call it a day.
Rob , W. Newton, MA
My GOD! I can't believe all the belly aching! Don't you all realize that 'WE' are the Democratic Party! WE control the political process in Massachusetts! You obviously can't see the forest through the trees and WE are not interested in how this decision will impact your miserable existance. What's important is how much power and influence we have in this city and that we can pretty much do anything we want regardless of what 'the people' think. (insert evil laugh here) "Its good to be the King!" Remember - we know what's best for you.....
Brett, Wilmington
This is finally Boston’s big chance to nationally show off the results of the infamous Big Dig and now people are just going to see unnecessary traffic congestion and chaos and continue to be mislead in thinking that it was a waste of money. Additionally, the brand new “convention center", which was built for “conventions”, will become the second wasted construction project in the city. This is not a matter of whether or not this is a necessary precaution, but it is an unnecessary political matter that is keeping the convention from being in the most ideal location (new convention center). Its time for Menino to suck it up and listen to Mitt.
J, Boston
The closings are unjustified. I'm not hearing about similar closures in New York City. Why the different rules? I'll probably have no choice but to take "vacation" those days rather than try to squeeze onto the Orange Line with all the commuter rail users and drivers forced to seek alternative commute options. And I do not think that the new convention center is a viable location because it lacks the facilities needed by this kind of convention.
Chris , Malden
This is absolutely crazy! They say that they will shut the roads down after the early rush hour in the evening.... rush "hour" is anywhere from 3 PM to 7 PM currently. Also, what about all the healthcare workers that don't work the typical 9 to 5 job. Boston is the mecca of healthcare and "inconveniencing" these workers could be a matter of life and death (i.e. nurses and doctors). Anyone living North of Boston takes 93 into the City and travels pass the Fleet Center. To name a few of these institutions: Boston University Medical Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Tufts New England Medical Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Children's Hospital; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Oh, that also brings another issue... what about emergency vehicles getting to these hospitals? They have to contend with the traffic issues now what about during that week? These are a matter of life or death and a delay of several minutes is cruical let alone the time the emergency vehicles will be in the middle of the gridlock. Are the Federal, City of Boston and State officials going to be held responsible in these instances? I think not. I, for one, will be taking the week off or, if need be, working at home. I guess I must be one of the lucky ones that has this option.
Jo-Ann, Methuen
The closings are not at all justified. What terror group is going to give two farts about the democratic convention? Only a POTENTIAL president will be present. The big score for them is in NY. The dems need to get over themselves and realize what they will be doing to the very demographic they covet.
MIke, Cambridge
This is the most ridiculous proposal I have ever heard. The fact that this is even being contemplated is frightening. Does anyone have any idea the chaos and hardship the people of Boston would have to endure for this political pep rally ? Due to the increasing terror threats abroad, the convention should be moved to the safest venue available. There is no doubt that it should be held in the new convention center to limit the disruption to commuters and potetnial impact of a terrorist attack. It is unfortunate that the new convention center lacks the luxury suites and skyboxes that the Fleet center offers but is that justification for putting the lives of thousands of Bostonians at risk?
Julie , Milton
While I don use either I-93 or North Station on a daily basis, I am very surprised that Boston is shutting down both for the convention. I ahve a number of questions for the city. Why did we just build a brand -new, very large convention center in South Boston if we are not using it for such a flagship event, and when this event is causing such massive disruption to tax payers? We have an LNG tanker routinely crossing under the Tobin Bridge (with attendant nightmare closing lines), yet we are worried that something might happen at the DNC... what about fixing the routine problem while we are at it? Why do tax payers, who have paid for the Big Dig in years of frustration, traffic snarls, and millions of cumulatively lost hours of time, now get saddled with yet more transportation nightmares when we are supposed to (finally) be enjoying the first results of the opening of the new highway and South Boston Projects?
Jay B, Lynn
