Exploring the Economic Benefit of the 1-90 Allston Multimodal Project: A Panel Event
June 21, 2023
On Tuesday, June 20, 2023, A Better City hosted the Exploring the Economic Benefits of the I-90 Allston Multimodal Project Event to explore how the project will unlock economic opportunity and enhance mobility in Greater Boston and beyond. The event showcased the findings of the Economic Benefits of the I-90 Allston Multimodal Project Report, commissioned by A Better City and prepared by AECOM. The featured speakers and panelists offered unique perspectives about how the project is poised to support sustainable, equitable, and smart growth in the region.
The participants in the event included speakers:
Kate Dineen, President & CEO, A Better City
Richard Dimino, President Emeritus, A Better City
Douglas McGarrah, General Counsel, MassDOT & MBTA
Arthur Jemison, Chief of Planning & BPDA Director, City of Boston
Timothy Murray, President & CEO, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce
Jeanne Pinado, Executive Vice President, Colliers International
Jessica Robertson, Member, I-90 Allston Multimodal Project Task Force
Mr. Dimino provided an overview of the Multimodal Project, and the six findings of the study that focus on significant economic and employment benefits generated by construction of new development and associated recurring benefits including multiplier effects and fiscal benefits for the City and state, transportation benefits that support transit oriented development and the life sciences industry, and benefits that will be realized for the entire region as a result of investment in the Multimodal Project.
While there is a strong vision and support for the project, Mr. McGarrah mentioned the challenges for advancing the project, including the need for a finance plan, which he said was not an insurmountable challenge, but of critical importance, nonetheless. He said that notification of the next round of grants from the US Department of Transportation is expected shortly, with a deadline for proposals due 60 days thereafter.
Mr. Jemison emphasized the importance of the Multimodal Project including West Station for the City. He said that over the next 18 months, the City will oversee preparation of a study that will generate a shared vision for development of the project area.
Kate Dineen introduced members of the panel: Jeanne Pinado, Jessica Robertson, and Tim Murray. In her remarks in response to a question from Ms. Dineen, Ms. Pinado emphasized the portion of future development that will establish a mixed income neighborhood as one of the sets of uses on the available 40 acres. Ms. Robertson described the connections that will be possible with the new transportation facilities, pathways, and development. Mr. Murray spoke of the regional impact of the project and the support of projects like East/West Rail that will reinforce connections from Boston not only to Worcester and Central Massachusetts but also to Springfield and Holyoke in the west. Worcester is already the 15th largest life sciences cluster in the country, he said, and its connections to the number one cluster in Boston and Cambridge reinforced by the Multimodal Project can enhance that prominence even more.
Ms. Pinado burst one misconception that “it will never happen,” saying the implementing the Multimodal Project will take time, but it will be implemented.
Ms. Robertson and Mr. Murray underscored the opportunity enabled by West Station of a direct connection from Worcester to Kendall Square and North Station via the future Grand Junction rail line as well as Bus Rapid Transit connections via multimodal West Station to Harvard Square, Longwood, and Roxbury. As Ms. Pinado summarized, the project is all about connecting people to jobs.
As respondents, State Senator William Brownsberger thanked A Better City for organizing the event to discuss the benefits of this project, and Boston City Councilor Liz Breadon said that improved rail connections is the secret to success that will support needed economic diversity in the neighborhood. Stacy Thompson of the Livable Streets Alliance said that this is the year to get this project right to take advantage of the current alignment of political support and funding opportunities.
Members of the audience asked about use of toll revenue to support bonds for the project, and Mr. McGarrah said that many funding options are on the table for MassDOT to look at. There were comments on the importance of open space to accompany development, and consideration of using smaller grant opportunities to fund elements of the project separately.
In closing, Mr. Dimino thanked all those who have contributed to advancement of the Multimodal Project, and he suggested that a campaign may be needed to get a green light for the project.
