DNC security to affect I-93 from Canton to Woburn

The Democratic National Convention brings the need for security at a high-profile event into conflict with ordinary people's needs to get to get to work or home. Do current plans balance those two sets of needs well?

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They really blew it here. We have a brand new convention center available which is a lot more accessible and would not cause the delays that we are going to see. I can't believe the arrogance the DNC had when Romney suggested this option a while back. But, as always, the government isn't going to do anything about it however obvious it may be.

Chris

Thank God for telecommuting. Maybe I can work from home during the convention. I know we need security for this event but this will all but shut down the city.

Sonia

Why are the highways going to be closed so far out? What exactly is the economic benefit to Boston if most of N.Station area shops will be closed and no one can get to the ones that are open? I can't wait 'til Boston gets the Oympics! What a bunch of arrogant fools are the people who advocated and planned this circus!

JIM

Personally I think this is a ridiculous request. Why 15 miles? How is this going to bring in all the supposed revenue when the common person can't even get close to Boston for 4 days. Not to mention that getting to and from work, which can be hard enough as is, will be nearly impossible. I never really thought of myself as either a Democrat or Republican, but this is going to weigh heavily on my next vote.

Scott

The restrictions are probably necessary for security, but this whole situation has got to terrible for Boston's long-term economic health. What a great way to encourage businesses to move to the suburbs! I would hope that had Menino and crew had foreseen this security nightmare, they would not have solicited the convention in the first place.

Jason

This could be the dumbest idea ever. It ranks up there with "New Coke" & leaving Pedro in game 7. Typical Democrats. This will provide a solid week of unproductive employees and millions in lost revenues. And why bother? Bush is going to win anyway.

Brian

This thing is more trouble than its worth. My fiance who works in town at a hospital is going to have extreme difficulty getting to and from work because of the ridiculous traffic changes. This should have been taken into accout when Boston was trying to get the convention to come, the lack of foresight and disregard for the people of Boston is amazing. The city should not have to bend over backwards because of something like this.

Phil

This seems a bit severe! I understand that the Convention is concerned with security but rather than close Storrow and 93; effectively shutting down the north and south routes out of the city (and some evening airport flights) hold the convention in Southie. The traffic impact is far more residential and business in Boston can continue.

A

From the article - To help ease the volume of traffic, hospitals have agreed to cancel elective surgeries that week Thank god. Because we all know that the traffic associated with elective surgery is at least 200,000 to 300,000 cars per week. Thanks Dems for shutting down the whole city for a week. Nothing like shutting down the main source of your tax dollars - the businesses and the people who's income you tax. Insane.

Mike

Close to 250,000 people will be affected in a negative way by the closings of I-93 and North Station. If that is the way the Dems believe they can win votes.....you won my vote, NADER for President 2004!

Alex