I'm baffled as to how the disagreement over this proposal could happen after a (already lengthy) planning process had taken place. Simply because a few people distrust traffic engineers and intuitivly feel that the surface road will be able to handle less traffic? Absolutely ridiculous. And what is so bad about opening up some parcels around this location for development? That would be a huge benifit! This area is AWFUL for anyone on foot or a bike. I've cycled through here often as this is the conly connection between Somerville, Charlestown and Everett. It is a huge barrier between Charlestown and Somerville. Desiring to keep a barrier between neighborhoods for any reason is not a legitimate argument. I don't agree that a surface road is inherently better than an elevated highway or an underpass, and don't quite understand why such an emphasis is placed on creating surface roads by those advocating for pedestrians and cyclists. But in this case, it seems like a good idea born out of a good planning process. I say enough 'listening' and just do it.

My mother was born on Seminary Street in Charlestown in 1912. she talked of going to buy a piece of penny candy on Rutherford Ave when ever they could get a penny. the redevelopment of the area in the 1950's? 1960's destroyed her former neighborhood and brought about pure ugliness . since Charlestown is a relatively small area and isn't a way to get to someplace else, Rutherford Ave seems like it was always overkill. is it something planners would do now? whatever can be done to make it more neighborhood friendly and more attractive is the way to go.