An urgent public safety issue exists at the intersection of Stuart and Dartmouth Streets near Copley Place’s Neiman Marcus (where the Mass Turnpike exit crosses Stuart Street). The non-ADA-compliant intersection strands people walking and biking on narrow pedestrian islands, making them endure two long light cycles to cross. Meanwhile, there is fast-moving traffic making dedicated right and left turns into the “slip lanes.” Crossing is treacherous for tourists, workers, and locals alike.
Ward 4’s Nina Garfinkle organized a walkthrough of the area with City Councilor Ed Flynn, State Representative John Moran, and a group of concerned neighbors on August 28th. Her goal is to enlist attention—and concerted action—to ensure that the City of Boston budgets resources and money to simplify the geometry and light timing of the intersection (more in keeping with the now-cancelled Simon Properties’ Copley Place development proposal).
Nina points out, “The safety concerns are real. Within a block there are four hotels, Back Bay Station, the Boston Public Library, Copley Place, Copley Square, and the Southwest Corridor Park. Throngs of residents, tourists, seniors, people with mobility challenges, kids, and parents pushing strollers are all either trying to cross here, or are purposefully avoiding it. All options need to be on the table.”
A public meeting with Boston Transportation Department and Department of Public Works to explore next steps for the Stuart and Dartmouth Intersection is scheduled for September 20th at 6pm.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89877119977?pwd=aFVFR0lMTjBUNEhTa29CYUw0bDNPdz09
Meeting ID: 898 7711 9977
Passcode: 519271
