LDNA Oct Meeting Notes

Our October LDNA meeting was a great one! We had a large turnout and we were very lucky to have Speaker of the MA State House Sal DiMasi as our special guest. Speaker DiMasi also happens to be the State Representative for the District that encompasses the LD. Speaker DiMasi discussed his background including growing up in the North End, attending Boston College and law school at Suffolk University. The Speaker also outlined achievements for the State House during his years as speaker including in the areas of health-care, education and economic development. Speaker DiMasi pledged his assistance to the LD in dealing with City issues as he indicated that he has a close working relationship with Mayor Menino. The Speaker also took questions regarding the Silverline, the Rose Kennedy Greenway and proposals to put surveillance cameras at busy intersections. The Speaker indicated that he would work with me to arrange to have a representative of the MBTA come to our next meeting to answer questions about the Silverline project and, specifically, whether the MBTA still plans to use the LD as a "staging area" for its Silverline tunnel plans. Speaker DiMasi made a strong statement in suport of the Rose Kennedy Greenway and indicated that he would be a staunch defender of the Greenway as park land and open space and against development. Thanks to those of you who attended the meeting. Also, a special thanks to Iron Mountain and, specifically, Dave and Cindy Weldon, for hosting us and making brownies!!! -- Chris Betke , LDNA Chair