Wynn proposes footbridge over Mystic River

[keithn.livejournal.com]

In an interesting development that is sure to put the mayor in an awkward position, Wynn wants to build a footbridge over the Mystic river to connect the Wynn casino site to Assembly Square. I know the possibility of a bridge has had support from people who don't even plan on visiting the casino, but according to our mayor: “A footbridge would benefit Steve Wynn and Steve Wynn only."

Read more at http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2015/11/12/wynn-resorts-footbridge-span-mystic/2i7jPr6hCYwSjTCsWwoxpI/story.html

Comments

[ron_newman]

Will he actually pay for building it, as opposed to just paying for a study? That makes a big difference.

The Somerville Bicycle Committee has been lobbying for this bridge for years, even before Wynn entered the picture. (I was a member of the committee until April 2014, and helped write a letter from the committee to the state gaming commission, advocating for the bridge.)

It's ridiculous for the mayor to say the bridge would benefit Wynn only. It would benefit every business in Assembly Riow and everyone in either Everett or Somerville who wants to bike or walk to the other city. It would connect Assembly Row to a hotel, something the development now lacks.

[kelkyag]

I'd welcome a bridge to the Gateway Center -- getting there by foot as things are presently is the bad sort of exciting.

[ron_newman]

Not that it makes a huge difference, but when I use Google Maps to measure the distance from the Assembly T station to Wynn's property, I get 1100 feet, not 500.

500 feet might be just the distance over water, but you also have to walk through Draw Seven Park. (And add an east entrance to Assembly station, which it doesn't currently have.)

[teko.livejournal.com]

Our esteemed mayor comes off sounding like a cartoon bad-guy in this story, or at least, a grumpy old man shaking his cane at the kids in his yard. I get that he doesn't like gambling, and thinks Wynn scammed his way into this deal, but can he really get this angry about a pedestrian bridge?

[mem-winterhill.livejournal.com]

I just came across a non-Globe version if anyone wants to see another version of the story:

http://www.everettindependent.com/2015/08/14/wynn-everett-proposes-to-revive-mystic-river-bikefootbridge/