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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It is premature to have the convention here when Boston is still a construction nightmare. However, the convention is good for the city and it should be celebrated. But it could have been planned better and having it in the convention center should have been the top priority for the democratic leadership here. While inconvenience is to be expected, the scale of the inconvenience by shutting down a major highway and major commuter rail systems is ludicrous. Surely security measures need to be taken, but at what cost to the city and to her ever present labor force? This is just one of many example of poor planning by our benevolent politicians. Party of the people my foot.
Rebekah, Lowell
Why they don't move the convention to the new convention center in South Boston is ridiculous. It is the perfect event to mark the opening of the new center, and show it's possibilities for Boston. Doing this would not affect traffic or transportation in any way. Having it at the Fleet Center is turning out to be more of a hassle than it's worth.
Aaron, Brighton
I think it's absolutely outrageous that we have a brand new convention center but the DNC will be at the Fleet Center disrupting commuters at the heart of the commute. It makes no sense at all. Jean Pembroke
Jean, Beverly, MA
Ridiculous! If its such a risk to have the city's main thoroughfare nearby, why can't the event be moved to the new convention center?
Patrick, Boylston
One question, is Penn Station in NYC going to be closed down for the Republican Convention? After all, Madison Sq Garden is literally on top of Penn Station. I knew that getting the convention was a dumb idea and have already booked my trip to the Carribean that week. See Ya!
Dante Mann, Watertown
And I thought the circus left town... I can see the lawsuits now.. couldn't get to hospital on time because of what? Get real Menino and call off closing main highways for a boondoggle.
Chaz, Quincy
This is a completely over-the-top knee-jerk reaction that will not make Boston more "secure." Never mind the gross inconvenience to people trying to make a living downtown; how much is this going to cost businesses? How is shutting down major transportation systems making anyone more secure? Wouldn't a terrorist simply walk into the convention anyway? At this rate, we may as well hand over everything to the terrorists now, because they've already won.
Carla, Wakefield
Why was the Convention Center built if not to host conventions?? Commuters from the North Shore and environs will be unable to take the train or to drive. Even if they take an alternative route, where will any available parking come from??
CONNIE, NORFOLK
Tell me, will they close Penn Station in NYC when the Republicans have their convention @ Madson Square Garden? Last time I looked, Madison Square Garden was still over Penn Station! Carol
Carol A. Stearns, Boston
send them to new york.. what a joke.. might as well close all business for the week. that ought to help the economy localy. thanks john kerry and your cronnies...!!!!!!!!!
DAVE DELUTE, BRIDGEWATER
