NEWNC Hosting Haz-Mat Truck Meeting - June 2nd

PETRUCELLI, MICHLEWITZ, LAMATTINA INVITES THE PUBLIC TO A MEETING ON HAZMAT TRANSPORTATION

Federally mandated changes to regulations that govern the transport of hazardous materials through the City of Boston have raised a number of concerns among local residents and businesses. The North End / Waterfront Neighborhood Council’s Public Safety Committee will host a meeting on June 2nd to discuss the proposed changes and any recourse that opponents may have.

“We need to understand the impact that the new regulations will have on our residential neighborhoods, and we need to know what guarantees we have that appropriate safety measures are in place,” said District 1 City Councilor Sal LaMattina, “I am not satisfied that the federal government is hearing the concerns of the people on this matter.”

The Wednesday, June 2nd meeting, which begins at 6:30 p.m., will be held at the Fairmont Battery Wharf Hotel. State Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, Thomas Tinlin, the city’s Transportation Commissioner, and a representative from the Boston Police Department will be in attendance. “ I hope all concerned residents will attend Wednesday’s night meeting so we can hear feedback on how to bring this issue to a successful conclusion,” said Representative Aaron Michlewitz. Senator Petruccelli added, “My commitment is with the community. This impacts a major street in Boston and every effort should be made to resolve it in a timely manner and a safe way.”

Commissioner Tinlin has expressed concern that the city’s safety analysis of the new regulations will not be complete before the new guidelines are scheduled to go into effect on July 1. Trucks carrying hazardous material would then be allowed to cut through the city during daylight hours.

“This is a very serious issue and we must keep the safety of the people of Boston as our first priority,” said LaMattina. “We cannot allow industry concerns to trump those of the community.”