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
Page 18
Let's spend 20 years digging a giantic tunnel throught the city, show the world we know how to spend gazillions of dollars to play in the dirt and the first worldwide opportunity to showcase it, let's close it! Sounds wicked smaht to me, NOT!
C, stoneham
Sounds very overboard! It doesn't appear that this major deficency and affect on the public was ever raised as a concern prior to confirming the Fleet Center as the venue. Who shuts down a city's heart without proper thought! Looks like another planning blunder! The venues at the South Boston waterfront are ideal for such events, easier to secure, more public access by car, and less of an effect on the public. I support Romney with his opinion that it should be held in South Boston! Why are we developing that area if we aren't promoting it!
John, Charlestown, MA
This is just a bunch of selfish brats who only think of their own convenience, when we have a dictator to get out of power. Hey make other arrangements and quit complaining. If you don't like it, vote for Mr. Soft-on-Terrorism Bush. Hell never win Mass, so your votes are wasted anyway.
jim , south boston
This city does not have the infrastructure to support a function of this size and magnitude. Every resident has felt and known this from the beginning, yet Boston leaders just feel like this city has something to prove to the rest of the country. Being unable to get to work, drive my car, take the T, or get a reservation at any restaurant just substantiates my desire to leave Boston and seek out a more peaceful life in the burbs. This city is becoming unlivable for those that actually live here,. Well, what happens when all the visitors leave and leaders find that residents are on their way out too?
Amanda, Boston
Some of you really need to get a clue. Its not the Democrats who are making the decisions on security, its the Feds. And the convention center won't be finished in time, as Mr. Politics As Usual Romney is well aware.
Tom, Newton
The closure of North Station, which we've heard about for months, is a strong security risk, mainly because North Station is located beneath the Fleet Center. Closing all of 93, even in the jsut the evenings, is unreasonable. I understand truck bomb concerns, but there's no place near the Fleet to park...it's a through area with no exits. At minimum, 93 North should be left unaffected...it's further away. I know the need for security, and am thrilled to have the convention in Boston, but the Secret Service seems to be over stepping its bounds slightly, having no concern of the inconvenience they will now be causing to millions.
Regan, Madison, WI
I think the shut down of I-93 during the evening commute is outrageous! The people of this city have to work and go about their lives. I understand the need for security, but the issue of shutting down a major highway should have been thought about and addressed when determining location. I feel the convention should be moved to an alternate site as a result of these new developments.
Monica , Charlestown
Why not have the convention at 3 AM? The Democrats could show some concern for the working stiff (rather than living like annointed royalty) and still party in the evening. This is such an inposition that Mayor Menino will not be reelected and Kerry will not even carry Mass.
Marc , Needham
The closing of 93 is completely over the top? What are they closing in NY for the Republican convention? Nothing that I've heard of and the President is going to be there.
Wendy, New Hampshire
Has anyone noticed that the people who are telling us to "suck it up" for that week all seem to come from west and south of the city? Hmmm.
M., Salem
