As reported by the Boston Globe -- January 6, 2010 02:41 PM By Noah Bierman and Casey Ross, Globe Staff
A complex deal to redevelop the US Postal Service's massive facility in Boston and expand commuter rail service at neighboring South Station has fallen apart.
Massachusetts Transportation Secretary Jeffrey Mullan announced today that the deal "will not move forward," which could significantly delay the MBTA's efforts to expand rail service to southeastern and central Massachusetts.
The Postal Service had planned to relocate to South Boston and hand over the mail-sorting facility to a private developer that was planning to build a large mixed-used complex on the 16-acre site. That redevelopment would have also cleared the way for the MBTA to acquire more land in the area to add tracks for expanded commuter rail service.
Mullan offered few details. Neither the Postal Service nor its designated developer, Jones Lang LaSalle, would comment. Other agencies involved were not immediately available for comment.
The move involved complex negotiations with the Massachusetts Port Authority and the Department of Defense, both of which owned pieces of the land on Summer Street where the Postal Service was planning to relocate.
When the Postal Service selected Jones Lang LaSalle as developer in April 2008, a spokesman said the property was "key" to the redevelopment of the Fort Point Channel waterfront district, one of the city of Boston's top targets for growth.
The collapsed deal now puts the MBTA's planned expansion of commuter rail service to the Framingham-Worcester and New Bedford--Fall River areas at risk. Mullen said South Station's current train platforms are too crowded, and the agency needs more tracks to increase service to these areas.
Upcoming Events
HAPPENING NOW!
Stakeholder's conference call. Interested parties please feel free to call in at:
218-936-7979 Access Code: 425640
The Rail Plan Public Hearing will be held, Thursday, September 16th from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Union Station Intermodal Transportation Center, Union Hall (Second Floor), 2 Washington Square, Worcester, MA
Monday, September 20th, 12:00 NOON
Monday, September 20th, 12:00 NOON
Freight Rail Discussion - New England Rail Coalition-Freight Committee and Eastern Massachusetts Freight Rail Coalition - "Joint Caucus on Feedback to MassDOT on the Massachusetts Freight Rail Plan.
Stakeholder's conference call. Interested parties please feel free to call in at:
218-936-7979 Access Code: 425640
Our "Top 10" List...
- Drive Regional Economic Development -- Transportation Infrastructure as an Enabler...
- Address Growing Traffic Congestion in Metro-West and I-495 Corridor
- Provide MassDOT with Broad-Based Views within the Community of Transportation Users, Providers, and Host Communities
- Freight Distribution Capacity Within the 128 Belt
- Support Carrier Partnerships: Line Haul/Short Line Railroads, Truck/Rail, Ocean/Truck/Rail
- Joint Freight/Passenger use of Underutilized Rail Lines
- Reduce Sprawl Through Multi-Use Corridor Development
- Promote Green Transpoortation Initiatives
- Support Competition and Freight Transportation Options
- Promote Intermodal Transportation
Freight Rail Impact
One million+ additional truck trips would be needed to handle freight moved in Massachusetts by rail each year
If moved by highway, added pavement damage would = $32 million each year
Congestion cost to commuters = $15 million each year
Costs related to emissions, noise, traffic accidents = $10 million each year
Costs above = $57 million - reflect social benefits realized in MA
If moved by highway, added pavement damage would = $32 million each year
Congestion cost to commuters = $15 million each year
Costs related to emissions, noise, traffic accidents = $10 million each year
Costs above = $57 million - reflect social benefits realized in MA
Rail Reduces Congestion
Every railcar trip removes approximately three truck trips from congested highways
About EMFRC
EMFRC is an independent body formed to: "Provided the region with an open forum to build consensus among private sector freight interests -- including shippers, carriers and related services -- in order to advise the public sector regarding policy, regulatory issues and the infrastructure investments needed for an efficient, balanced freight transportation system in Eastern Massachusetts.
We are focused on education and outreach to demonstrate how freight rail transportation can reduce traffic congestion -- particularly within the I-495 belt -- reduce greenhouse gasses and emissions and support growth and economic development in the Eastern Massachusetts area.
With increased focus on passenger and commuter rail, now is the time to ensure we best utilize the rail assets for safe and efficient movement of both people and goods throughout the region.
We are focused on education and outreach to demonstrate how freight rail transportation can reduce traffic congestion -- particularly within the I-495 belt -- reduce greenhouse gasses and emissions and support growth and economic development in the Eastern Massachusetts area.
With increased focus on passenger and commuter rail, now is the time to ensure we best utilize the rail assets for safe and efficient movement of both people and goods throughout the region.
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