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WEST ROXBURY
Both sides not switching lanes, so Centre St. debate still a jam
April 18, 2004

The long-running debate over reconstruction of Centre Street heated up last week with past and present District 6 city councilors Maura Hennigan and John Tobin trading jabs over final design of the $3.3 million public works project. Hennigan recommended the city try a three-lane configuration -- instead of the current four -- for six months to test the impact on traffic along the busy artery. Her suggestion prompted a blunt retort from Tobin, who branded the idea ''stupid," saying it would only cause further delays. It also has been rejected by Menino administration officials eager to break ground on the project.

Start-up on the project's second phase twice has been delayed in the past year for design change considerations, including lane reduction. Proponents, including members of several neighborhood associations, say the business district has deteriorated since the roadway was changed from two to four lanes in the 1970s, and that reducing lanes would help ease traffic flow, making it more attractive to drivers and shoppers. They've formed a new organization -- Walkable West Roxbury -- to advocate for more change.

City engineers, however, insist reducing lanes is a recipe for disaster, resulting in traffic gridlock and forcing cars onto otherwise quiet residential side streets. After several community meetings to review the project design, several changes have been incorporated, said Jay Walsh, West Roxbury coordinator for the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services. They include raised pedestrian walkways, a new traffic light at Mt. Vernon Street, and synchronized traffic signals. But the two sides remain divided over the lane reduction and city transportation officials now say the project will be put out to bid within the next two weeks.

JOE HEISLER