OPINION: Ballot effort called misleading
Word on Street: An oddly worded measure

Supporters of a nonbinding question about the Mass. Ave. Corridor project have had 3,684 signatures certified, and the issue is expected to be placed on the April 6 town election ballot.

Town Clerk Stephanie Lucarelli confirmed Friday, Jan. 11, that signatures of at least 10 percent of the town's registered voters had been certified. She also said 531 signatures were rejected.

Based on advice Town Counsel Juliana Rice, Lucarelli wrote Tuesday, Jan. 15: "There is  nothing else that has to be done in regards to the Mass. Avenue Corridor petition.

"It will be placed on the 2013 Annual Town Election Ballot as a nonbinding question. whether further steps are needed."

In a letter to Selectmen Chairman Kevin Greeley, Eric Berger asked for this ballot question: "Shall the Town have four vehicular travel lanes on Massachusetts Avenue in East Arlington as currently practiced?  Yes___    No___"

Supporters of the ballot question began collecting signatures last October.

In December declined, in a unanimous vote, to place the measure on the ballot.

Selectmen turned down a similar request last February.

The planning process for the project is in its final phase, and work is expected to begin next summer.

Eric Berger, who has publicly opposed the project since 2009, was asked to comment Jan. 11. Early the next morning, he wrote: "I have no comment at this time."

[Mark Kaepplein has posted a comment in response to the opinion from the East Arlington Livable Streets Coaltion.]

Related links to Mass. Ave. project:

Oct. 17, 2012: Mass. Ave. critics again seek ballot question | Word on the Street, April 8, 2012: As many as 80 view plans | June 14, 2011: 4-1 selectmen vote pushes avenue project toward 75% goal | April 13, 2011: 345 hear speakers for, against

Globe, Aug. 8, 2009: Eric Berger's cause | E. Arlington Concerned Citizens (Part 2) | Livable Streets Coalition | Town project information

This story was published Friday, Jan. 11, 2013, and updated three times, the latest Jan. 19. Your comments are welcome at the link below this story. To be published, the comments must include your full name.