A top priority at the meeting was the proposal for specific repairs in Charlestown, driven by the Transportation and Public Works Departments. Jumbunna Marcelli, a principal translation engineer, presented the plan, which includes curb realignment, sidewalk reconstruction, and the addition of pedestrian ramps and raised crosswalks. This initiative aims to address safety concerns at the Parker Hadley intersection, a critical area experiencing increased traffic due to nearby developments. The proposal also includes updates to street lighting and raised crossings to maintain flush sidewalks.

During the public testimony, Brian Callahan, a Charlestown resident, expressed gratitude for the proposed changes. Callahan described the area as “sandwiched” between busy traffic routes, complicating access to a local gas station. He advocated for additional enhancements, such as more trees and speed bumps, to further aid in traffic management and safety.

The agenda also included a crucial update on the 122 Drydock project, revisited due to a prior issue with public notification. Representatives described the project as part of an effort to preserve the area’s industrial character while facilitating truck traffic. Improvements to the bike path, adjustments to existing infrastructure, and the closure of a 78-foot wide driveway were key features of the plan. The proposal also included suburban-style tree plantings and new pedestrian crossings to enhance safety.

A discussion point involved the coordination with Massport on the design and operational aspects of the proposed cycle track in the northern area. The cycle track project aims to improve bicycle access by raising the sidewalk level and providing a gradual ramp to the street at the intersection with Drydock Avenue. Concerns were raised about the timing of related projects, such as the Twenty-Four Hour Time Street Project, to avoid overlapping construction efforts. The commission emphasized the importance of ensuring that infrastructure meets the needs of both cyclists and pedestrians.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) proposed repairs at the Ashmont Busway were also addressed, focusing on reconstructing pedestrian ramps at the intersections of Dorchester Avenue and Bailey Street. The improvements aim to enhance accessibility and comply with existing regulations. The presentation detailed the reconstruction of ramps on both corners of the intersection and the installation of a bump-up curb to facilitate safe crossings.

Further discussions covered a grant application related to the expansion of a green steam system by the Boston Energy Corporation. The project involves extending the steam line along Binford Street into the channel side development, requiring the offsetting of existing water mains. Concerns were raised about the impact of construction on accessible parking spaces, with assurances given that any loss of accessibility would be communicated in advance.

A update was provided regarding the installation of an electric thermal storage boiler at Kendall Station, which serves both Boston and Cambridge. The timeline for this project has shifted slightly, with expectations to have the boiler operational by November. Following this, there are plans for installing a large industrial heat system, which could be the largest of its kind in North America. The design phase is nearing completion, with bids expected by the end of the month and a target to have the system online by early 2018.

New business involved a grant application by Jupiter Power for constructing a battery storage facility connected to Mystic Station. The project aims to integrate renewable energy sources such as wind and solar into the grid, transforming a 20-acre contaminated oil terminal into a green energy site capable of delivering up to 700 megawatts of energy. Concerns about the safety implications of construction in a corridor known for serious accidents, including a pedestrian fatality, were addressed with a focus on developing a construction management plan to mitigate risks.

The meeting also included discussions on specific repairs proposed by 375 Cummins LLC, such as new sidewalks, curbing, trees, and ramps, and the granting of an easement to the city. The representative outlined plans to reconstruct the existing sidewalk on Highway West, extending its width to enhance pedestrian accessibility and compliance with regulations. Public comments highlighted the need for improved pedestrian infrastructure, particularly in areas deemed “transportation deserts.”