Comments for Planning Livable Communities

Comment on Urban mobility planning in Barcelona: Lecture in Cambridge by Infra

Infra — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:55:14 +0000

What is needed to “take back our streets?” How can communities become more livable? Join the discussion today at http://www.infrastructureusa.org, where you can share your unique perspective with concerned citizens, policy makers, and professionals throughout the country.

Comment on Hospital hypocrisy by maninthemirror

maninthemirror — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:35:44 +0000

I totally concur with your thoughts. The behavior of the Metrowest CEO has been appalling. He doesn’t have the good health of the patients as his agenda, it’s the bottom line profit that he’s responsible for.

Other good questions are raised in this blog:

http://bostonkayakguy.wordpress.com/2009/06/03/newton-wellesley-hospital-friend-or-foe-who-decides-in-framingham/

Comment on Hospital hypocrisy by Bill

Bill — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:15:55 +0000

Right on! We’re back to having one major retail medium-box store empty, joining former Filene’s Basement and Natick/Framingham line former Circuit City and Shopper’s World former Linen’s & Things…and soon close to 10 percent of the Natick Mall “Collection”. Milford could have waged the same kind of campaign against MWMC but didn’t and I for one really appreciate an option for services. Even an ER. Might that have cut wait times? Framingham won’t let CVS or Walgreen’s get their Minute Clinic (not sure of the name of the Walgreen’s version sitting mostly complete without an occupancy permit) open for competition. We will fight everything for the sake of trying to get 1950s Framingham back all the while we will get to pay more and more for health care and related services. And we get to wait for many hours in the ER and for X-ray and ultrasound services. Why do we do this to ourselves?

Comment on Hospital hypocrisy by Eric

Eric — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 22:04:33 +0000

Sharon: Excellent points, and ones I embrace entirely. I for one am extremely disappointed in this result…basically, the Town has decided to give MWMC a monopoly on medical services in the town. Disgusting.

Comment on Hospital hypocrisy by Pamela

Pamela — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 18:27:12 +0000

I couldn’t agree more!!!!!!! You said it all so perfectly. Maybe the town of Framingham will wake up one day. On the other hand, that’s not gonna happen. They would rather have empty buildings. The question is- did anyone interview the building’s abutters? I am pretty sure Barmakian’s and Midway Nissan were thrilled about the prospect of having NWH next door. Just think of all the patients dropping off family members for a colonoscopy for 3 hours and then shopping for a car or some jewelry!!! I bet they aren’t happy now that NWH was bullied into withdrawing its application. Sigh.

Comment on What we can learn from Block Island, R.I. by Lynda Durfee

Lynda Durfee — Fri, 29 May 2009 18:00:32 +0000

There are only about 900 people who live on the island in the winter. Not enough to support a Starbucks or McD’s year round! The hotels and restaurants have to import summer workers, and many commute daily from the mainland. No one who didn’t inherit property (I did) or has $$$$ can afford to live there. I can’t live there because it would cost twice as much to build a house on my lot than on the mainland.

Comment on Rte. 126 Corridor Study in the Works by Rte. 126 Corridor Study in the Works - The Sprawling From Grace Fuel Gauge | News and Information on Suburban Sprawl-Related Issues

Wed, 27 May 2009 10:02:19 +0000

[...] Planning Livable Communities A Route 126 Corridor Transportation Improvement Study will soon be underway in Framingham, Ashland, Holliston, Medway and Bellingham. The goal is to improve access to commercial, retail, educational and services. The study, under the aegis of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, will recommend design, traffic and other changes to the corridor. There will be “special emphasis [...] Go to Source Tags: [...]

Comment on I know Natick isn’t Manhattan, but… by PB

PB — Wed, 27 May 2009 06:47:23 +0000

Yeah. A pumpkin coach with white horses and footmen would be pretty excellent too! Sheesh.

Comment on Good news: Local officials get serious about mall-area walkability by Good news: Local officials get serious about mall-area walkability - The Sprawling From Grace Fuel Gauge | News and Information on Suburban Sprawl-Related Issues

Fri, 22 May 2009 10:01:44 +0000

[...] Planning Livable Communities I was heartened to see a piece in today’s Globe West focusing on attempts by Framingham and Natick officials “to make the retail sprawl of Route 9 more pedestrian friendly with better sidewalks, benches, and other amenities.” Great news! … especially for those of us who work within walking distance of the stores, but who can’t [...] Go to Source Tags: [...]

Comment on Life in downtown Framingham this weekend by Brett

Brett — Sat, 02 May 2009 10:45:33 +0000

Well, Sharon, there IS a “park once, walk to many” aspect of downtown Framingham, at night at least, that many people overlook: the live music scene.

Waverly Street near the intersection of Concord/Hollis St. is really its own entertainment district on weekend nights. The Chicken Bone Saloon, spiffed up under new ownership, packs them in with a great variety of bands, including rock, blues, funk, and top 40. Head west a few hundred feet to the Happy Swallow, my favorite, which has great blues and rock bands.

Then saunter up to the Old Station Steakhouse, for rock, blues, top 40, and Brazilian music in the second floor bar above the restaurant.

People walk between these locations frequently, popping in to see who’s playing, what friends are there, etc. And for naysayers who think downtown and/or these establishments are not safe, relax. I’ve walked around there alone numerous times late at night, feel welcomed everywhere, never had a problem. I’ve taken out of town friends and family who live in bedroom communities with no night life and they’re jealous of what I have in my hometown.

So get out and shake a leg, if you’re so inclined. No need to go all the way to Boston or Worcester!