Jamaica Plain Residents Discuss Casey Overpass at Department of Transportation Board Meeting

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation Board of Directors——met in Somerville Wednesday, and a handful of Jamaica Plain residents spoke to the board about its decision to tear down the Casey Overpass near the .

The state , and the decision has sparked serious debate in the JP community.

It seems the issue still lingers in the minds of some JP residents.

Heather Carito said, "There is always congestion there any day of the week." She didn't believe bringing the overpass down "will make driving any better," and she said, "I have great concerns with how the process is proceeding."

Jeffery Ferris, owner of , said MassDOT "did not prepare enough alternatives" to tearing down the overpass, and he said the decision was based on "a lousy process."

Others defended the state's decision.

"The process of the Casey Overpass has been transparent, professional … [and] based on facts," said Michael Epp.

"We think the process has been very thorough," said Sarah Freeman of the Arborway Coalition.

Pete Stidman, director of the Boston Cyclists Union, said, "The majority of support is for the at-grade decision." He said taking the overpass down will "make streets that everyone can use and enjoy safely."

Read more about the Casey Overpass here.