Lynn Harbor Line Relocation Comment Letter

July 29, 2008

Secretary Ian Bowles
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900
Boston, MA 02114

RE: Environmental Notification Form (ENF) Lynn Harbor Line Relocation
MEPA # 14278

Dear Mr. Bowles:

WalkBoston has reviewed the ENF for the Lynn Harbor Line Relocation, which proposes the relocation of an electrical transmission line from its current route along the edge of the harbor, to a route at some distance inland. As the Commonwealth’s leading advocate for pedestrians and safe walking, with a responsibility to note projects that may affect large groups of pedestrians, we think this project may have significant and exciting potential for the City of Lynn and the state.

When this project removes the existing electric power transmission line directly abutting Lynn Harbor, the relocation will release the existing right-of-way at the edge of the harbor for potential reuse as a path or trail. The relocated power line, approximately a mile long, will be on a new right of way significantly distant from the present alignment.

In the short term, the existing right-of-way can be useful as a walkway/bikepath along the harbor. Over the long term, links could be made between this path and the existing Lynn Shore Drive waterfront paths (extending north) and the Rice Avenue/Revere Beach Parkway beach frontage in the Point of Pines section of Revere (to the south). In addition, the Bike to the Sea project, which is part of the long-distance East Coast Greenway, might also be connected to the seafront paths, as its alignment along a former rail line extends nearly into the harbor district.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this ENF. Please feel free to call if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Wendy Landman
Executive Director

Cc: Jim Cowdell, Executive Director, Lynn EDIC