A letter from the Board of Selectmen:
The Town of Canton and a number of neighboring communities and their residents re
main deeply concerned about the impacts of the
proposed Westwood Station project on the local and regional roadway system. While the Town is not opposed to Westwood Station, it is our responsibility to do what we can to ensure that the developer and the state address the serious and significant traffic impacts of such an enormous development.
Local Impacts.
Local impacts are significant. The proposed Dedham Street ramp, for instance, would result in 1,900 vehicles heading into Canton on Dedham Street during the weekday afternoon, exceeding the capacity of the single lane serving that demand.
Regional Impacts.
Regional impacts are also significant. Route I-95 – a three lane roadway – will be packed with 6800 cars per hour in the afternoon after full build-out. This will exceed the per lane traffic volum
es on the Southeast Expressway by almost 20% – with no additional capacity proposed by Westwood Station to handle the increase.
What We Have Done.
Among other things, with your help, we submitted hundreds of letters to MEPA and Governor Patrick. Despite our best efforts, however, the Westwood Station project has received state and Town of Westwood approvals. The Town of Canton is preparing to appeal.
But the fight isn’t over, and your voice is now more important than ever!
Next Steps.
A number of federal permitting processes remain. Among other things, the Westwood Station project should be contingent on critical infrastructure improvements and the completion of a regional corridor study. As a Town, we are now seeking the assistance of our Congressman and other federal officials to address these issues of regional importance. Now is the time to raise our voice as a community.
What can you do?
Visit our website and urge our state and federal elected officials to address the regional impacts of Westwood Station and insist that the infrastructure improvements be built in conjunction with the development. The Town also needs your help with financial contributions to defray the Town’s legal expenses.
Thank you and have a safe and happy holiday season!
Town of Canton Board of Selectmen
Robert E. Burr, Jr.
John J. Connolly
Victor D. Del Vecchio
Avril T. Elkort
Gerald A. Salvatori, Jr.