Quincy DPW has mailed out the Fall/Winter 2018 newsletter, which is also posted on the City of Quincy website. It’s full of helpful information, including changes to the recycling program due to increased selectivity on the part of China, the nation that once imported up to 50% of America’s recycling. Learn about the recycling changes, yard waste collection schedule, and snow parking rules in the Fall / Winter newsletter.

We’re a seaside community in Squantum and we love our ocean! Thanks to many of our local residents, those waterways are cleaner today than they were a few decades ago. But increasingly and at a rapid pace – plastics are filling and choking our waterways. The best way to improve your recycling is to consider ways to reduce on the purchasing side. Here’s a round up of Quincy recycling guidelines and some tips to reduce your need to recycle.

View and keep on hand the new guide to recycling in Quincy.

Keep recycling costs down by learning what can and cannot be recycled

China has raised its quality standards for recycled imports and is now highly selective in what items they will accept for recycling. This impacts Quincy by converting what was once a source of income into a service the City needs to pay for. The City is looking for your help by asking everyone to follow the updated guidelines for what items can and cannot be recycled in order to keep contamination down.

Why should you care about contaminated recycling? Quincy pays more for contaminated recycling. Where Quincy once earned revenue for recycled products, the City now pays processing fees for recycling due to the changes in the global recycling market. The city pays an extra penalty fee for the portion of recycling that is contaminated.

You can help fight the rising cost of recycling by carefully adhering to the guidelines outlined in the City’s latest recycling guidelines flyer. Keep it nearby as a handy reference.

A few excerpts from the flyer…

What you can recycle:

• View the complete list in the flyer
• Plastics: #1 & #2 plastics only – check the number inside the recycling logo found on all recyclable items.
• NOTE!: all items must be clean – clean any glass or plastic items must of any food waste prior to recycling or they will be considered contaminated and will not be recycled

A few notable items that you cannot recycle:

• No plastic bags – instead bring to most grocery stores where you’ll find recycling bins for plastic bags
• No shredded paper
• No milk or juice cartons
• No frozen food boxes
• No plastic cups, straws, or cutlery, including no fast food drink cups or lids from spots like DD’s, Starbucks, etc.
• No take-out food plastic containers
• No prescription (Rx) bottles or caps
• No styrofoam cups or containers
• No gift wraps or bags
• View the complete list in the flyer

Textile recycling bins support school programs

Have old clothing, linens, hats, shoes to recycle? Bring them to the Textile Recycling Bins located at every school yard in the district and support our Parent/Teacher Organizations. Funds generated from the textile recycling program go directly to the PTO for each school and fund such things as computers and supplies. Items accepted include clothing, shoes, drapery, bedding, under garments, small toys and rugs.

By reducing on the consuming end, you can reduce your recycling and save money

You’ve heard it before…Reduce-Reuse-Recycle. The idea is to reduce and reuse and then as a last resort…recycle. Looks like we’re going to face more limitations in that last choice, so the onus is on us to really hone up on the Reduce/Reuse tactics. The best way to improve your recycling is to consider ways to reduce on the purchasing side. A quick search online will yield lots of tips for reducing household waste. Here are a few…

• Buy reusable containers (shopping bags, water bottles, food wraps)
• When you microwave food – instead of using plastic wrap to cover a dish, use an inverted plate or bowl, or try reusable food covers
• Try composting to reduce food waste
• Buy in bulk where you can to cut down on packaging waste, and save money while you’re at it. Avoid single-serve packaging. Your buying habits will be impacted by your lifestyle. If you’re cooking for one, smaller packing may make more sense to cut down on food waste. If you’re cooking for a group…buy in bulk and make smaller packages as needed using reusable containers. For cleaning and household products – buy in bulk to save cost and reduce packaging.
• Repair old items – contribute to the local economy by finding a local pro to repair what you have. Likely cheaper than buying new and cuts down on items going to a landfill – including the old item and the packing for the new item.

Recycling resources

• City of Quincy Recycling Program website: get tips on how to recycle special items such as appliances, metal, electronics, and textiles.
• Comprehensive list of tips on how to get rid of various items from City of Quincy
• City of Quincy Waste and Recycling website
• City of Quincy MyQ Portal (create an account, scroll to foot of page and subscribe to City of Quincy email alerts and notifications)

Review of Recycling Changes and news from the Fall/Winter report by City of Quincy Director of DPW John Sullivan, September, 28, 2018

This is the question on the minds of many a Squantumite since Mayor Walsh announced his intention to rebuild the bridge to Long Island during his inaugural speech on New Years Day, taking Quincy Mayor Koch and residents by surprise. On May 8, Mayor Koch, City Councilor Bill Harris, and Representative Bruce Ayers will host a informational meeting to review the public safety concerns of the proposed Long Island Bridge construction, what is known about the City of Boston’s plans, and what actions the City of Quincy is taking in opposition to the reconstruction.

The bridge to Long Island was demolished in 2015 following an abrupt closure on October 8, 2014 due to structural failures that left dozens of social services scrambling for alternate locations. The decision to rebuild the bridge is controversial, with many weighing in to propose alternate options, including using waterways to reach the Island, rather than traveling from Boston, through Quincy, and Squantum specifically, to reach the island.

Long Island Bridge Community Meeting
May 8, 6:30 PM
Squantum Elementary School
50 Huckins Avenue, Quincy, MA 02171 [map]
View invitation letter from City Councilor Bill Harris

Boston Mayor Walsh moves ahead with plans to reconstruct the bridge

In recent years, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh has expressed uncertainty about the decision to rebuild the bridge, citing issues in raising the estimated $40-$100 million price tag. However, in recent months Walsh has moved solidly forward with a plan to rebuild the bridge and has allocated up to $92 million in funds for the project. He is positioning the rebuilding of the bridge as a necessary component in fighting the opioid epidemic. According to a Patriot Ledger article, the city intends to begin bridge construction in 2019 and complete it within three years.

A Boston Globe article notes that city budget documents announcing the plan state that, “The mayor will also set the stage for planning the comprehensive, long-term recovery campus [on the island] that the city and state desperately need to tackle the opioid crisis.”

Quincy considering options to obstruct construction

In the days and weeks since the New Years’ announcement, Quincy Mayor Tom Koch and other city of Quincy officials have shared their thoughts on alternate proposals for access to the island in addition to demanding a seat at the table as the City of Boston plans the construction of the bridge. To date, aside from a phone call from Walsh to Koch shortly ahead of Walsh’s inaugural announcement, no engagement has occurred. While many agree that social programs are of paramount importance to fighting the opioid crisis, not everyone agrees that a bridge to Long Island is the single solution to providing access to programs and support.

Alternate proposals include using ferry services to and from the island. However, Mayor Walsh has expressed concern that island access via ferry could be disrupted during winter months which could be challenging for a medically vulnerable population.

As the City of Quincy considers options, Mayor Koch and Ward 6 Councilor Bill Harris have proposed a city ordinance that would ban commercial and construction vehicles from roads that lead to Long Island, specifically on the eastern end of Dorchester Street and Moon Island Road. The proposal was introduced to the council last week and protects delivery vehicles for businesses in the area, including the Nickerson VFW Post. Other ideas proposed at the meeting included filing an ordinance giving the Quincy City council final authority over any permits for bridge construction, and subpoenaing Mayor Walsh to testify before the council.

In a Quincy Sun Op Ed on April 19, Quincy councilor-at-large Anne Mahoney shared that she submitted a Massachusetts Public Records Act request to the City of Boston on April 3 for documentation related to the bridge work, including design and engineering costs and proposals, any studies related to ferry service to the island, any meeting minutes related to plans for use of the island, and any environmental studies related to the island and bridge.

Considering ferry service to Long Island

Following the bridge closure in 2014, Representative Bruce Ayers posted an opinion piece in the Patriot Ledger calling for a comprehensive cost-feasibility study to determine the most cost-effective means of transportation to the island. Since that posting, Rep. Ayers has filed legislation calling for a study to be conducted. A hearing was conducted with the Committee on Transportation in January 2018 and the matter has been referred to the committee on House Rules.

Ayers’ 2015 opinion piece noted that the average daily use of the Long Island bridge was approximately 400 vehicles per day and that, according to the MBTA, approximately $3.7 million was spent annually on bus transportation to and from the city services on Long Island prior to the closure of the bridge. At the time of the OpEd, Ayers shared that the estimated cost to construct a pier for Long Island that could handle a ferry service was $2 million, and estimates to operate a daily ferry to and from Long Island were $300,000 to $400,000 per year. As noted, he proposed a study be conducted to determine actual costs.

The next few months are sure to bring more debate. Attend the meeting Tuesday night to learn more about the actions being proposed by the City of Quincy.

Learn more in this news round up (updated May 7, 2018)

• Audio interview with Mayor Koch – The Codcast: No bridges make good neighbors; Mayor Thomas Koch sits down with CommonWealth Magazine to discuss rebuilding the Long Island Bridge; Jack Sullivan, May 7, 2018
• What’s Walsh’s real end game? New Long Island Bridge to treatment campus is unlikely Boston’s goal; Commonwealth Magazine, Opinion Editorial by Michael W. Morrissey, May 6, 2018
• Boston plans to float in parts for bridge to Long Island, Says barges would ease road traffic; Quincy still opposes; Boston Globe, Milton J. Valencia, May 2, 2018
• As Boston Takes Steps To Rebuild Long Island Bridge By 2021, Opposition Brews In Quincy; WBUR, Deborah Becker, May 2, 2018
• Walsh wants to build a bridge to Long Island. But will Quincy ever get over it?, Boston Globe, Milton J. Valencia, April 27, 2018
• Quincy councilors consider ramping up efforts against Long Island Bridge, Sean Philip Cotter, The Patriot Ledger, Apr 23, 2018
• Walsh’s push to rebuild Long Island Bridge couldn’t be more welcome, Letters to the Boston Globe, Jonathan D. Scott, Victory Programs, April 19, 2018
• Quincy mayor throws up potential roadblock to Boston’s Long Island bridge plans, Boston Globe, April 18, 2018
• Quincy moves to block Boston construction vehicles from Long Island Bridge site, Patriot Ledger, April 17, 2018
• Walsh commits $50 million to Long Island bridge in new budget, Boston Globe, April 10, 2018
• A new bridge to recovery on Long Island, Opinion section, Boston Globe, Martin J. Walsh, January 08, 2018
• For Mayor Walsh, a clash of values over the homeless; Boston Globe, Joan Vennochi, January 3, 2018
• Quincy mayor knocks Walsh’s plans to rebuild Long Island Bridge; Boston Globe, Milton J. Valencia, January 02, 2018
• Walsh says he will focus on issues affecting middle class in his second term; Boston Globe, Milton J. Valencia, January 1, 2018
• Transcript of Boston Mayor Marty Walsh’s second inauguration acceptance speech

• Long Island Bridge closure offers chance for cost savings, Patriot Ledger, Opinion By Rep. Bruce J. Ayers, Jan 27, 2015

Update May 9, 2018: News coverage of the bridge meeting

• Quincy residents assail plan to rebuild Long Island Bridge; Jill Terreri Ramos, Boston Globe, May 9, 2018
• Large crowd in Squantum opposes Long Island bridge; By Sean Philip Cotter, The Patriot Ledger, May 8, 2018

As Quincy residents, we know our gem of a city is an increasingly attractive location to set up home and business. Our robust public transportation services are part of the attraction, with the MBTA Red Line running through the spine of Quincy providing access to all parts of our city and allowing folks to avoid Route 93 and the Neponset bridge during commuter hours. The bridge can take over 30 minutes to cross in the morning…worth checking out our local yoga classes to calm those nerves!

This past year the MBTA announced major renovation projects are planned for all four Quincy Red Line stations, with many of these occurring simultaneously.

What should you expect for your commute? Here’s a round up of what’s coming.

At Wollaston station the MBTA is preparing for a major renovation scheduled to begin in January 2018 to provide accessibility to riders of all abilities and to address flooding issues. At Quincy Center, the MBTA plans to demolish the long-shuttered parking garage, while the garage at Quincy Adams is set to be renovated. At the North Quincy station parking lot, a private development team is planning stores, apartments, and a new parking garage. In addition, the Braintree garage and lobby will also undergo renovations.

State Senator John Keenan has formed an 11-person Citizens Advisory Committee to make sure the concerns of commuters and residents are heard and responded to by the MBTA. The senator also provides updates on the topic in a dedicated Red Line Updates section of his website.

Recent community meetings

• November 15, 2017, 6:30 p.m.: Wollaston Station Improvement Project Public Meeting at Quincy Central Middle School Auditorium, 875 Hancock St., Quincy, MA
• View the meeting, courtesy QATV video.
• Read the Patriot Ledger coverage of the meeting.

Wollaston Station renovation (2018–2020)

• November 12, 2017: starting this date, Red Line service between North Quincy and Braintree Stations will be replaced with shuttle buses from 9 p.m. through the end of service, Sundays through Thursdays
• January 8, 2018: Wollaston Station is scheduled to close for 20 months [updated from original plan of Jan 2]
• A shuttle bus will transport Wollaston commuters (appx 4,600 daily on weekdays) to the North Quincy Red Line station during construction, some parking remains available at Wollaston station
• Summer 2019: anticipated opening, with finishing work continuing through 2020
• Stay up to date on project plans and details on the MBTA site; contact the MBTA with wuestions at 617-222-3200
• View the June 2017 presentation which outlines mitigation strategies

Major accessibility improvements, state-of-the-art safety features, and parking lot site improvements are some of the enhancements to be made during the project renovating Wollaston Station. Currently the only non ADA-accessible station on the Red Line, Wollaston will be transformed into a modern, fully accessible facility, making the entirety of the Red Line 100% accessible. During the closure, Red Line trains will continue passing through Wollaston Station without stopping.

New features and upgrades to the station include 3 brand new elevators, 2 new escalators, and additional customer paths to / from the new station (including accessible entrances on Newport Ave and from the parking lot), including 2 additional stairways, new bathrooms, and energy efficient lighting. New electrical, fire protection, security, flooding mitigation, and site utility upgrades will also occur to support the accessible improvements.

Quincy Center Station Garage demolition

• Project information
• Current schedule projection is for a start in early 2018

The garage at Quincy Center has reportedly deteriorated beyond the point of repair and the MBTA plans to demolish three levels of the five-level garage that has been shuttered since 2012 due to safety concerns. The project also includes replacement of the existing elevator and addition of an accessible entrance at Burgin Parkway. Duration is expected to be 18 months once demolition begins. While the station will remain open during construction, at times the elevator use will be unavailable and shuttles will transport riders to Quincy Adams where elevator use will remain available.

The T hopes that the Quincy Center work will make way for a mixed-use development at the site and will put out a request for interested developers.

North Quincy station plans

At North Quincy station, plans are in development to construct a $205 million mixed-use complex, including a new parking garage, housing, and retail space.This work is reported to begin in 2018.

Quincy Adams and Braintree stations

Quincy Adams will be under construction for three years and three months. Parking space availability will be minimally impacted at these stations during construction.

Upgrades are planned at both the Quincy Adams and Braintree parking garages. Renovations to the garages at these stations will improve accessibility, and provide for more efficient and improved parking layout. Included are structural repairs, replaced drainage systems, upgraded fire alarm, electrical, and emergency power systems, and full replacement of lighting systems. Accessibility upgrades include two new elevators at Braintree Garage as well as improvements to both garages in wayfinding signage and better traffic circulation for accessibility vehicles, wheelchair access, and pedestrian movement. Construction of both garages is anticipated to begin in early 2018. Both garages will remain in service during the construction period.

How about parking?

The impacts of these renovations on parking availability is a real concern. The Wollaston lot currently offers 538 spaces. The Globe reported that, during construction at Wollaston, 115 spaces will be occupied by construction equipment. Parking will remain available and a shuttle bus will transport riders to North Quincy station. At North Quincy station 350 parking spaces are planned to remain open once construction begins there, down from 852 spaces currently available. Once the year-long project is complete, parking space availability is planned to return to 852.

The Globe reported in April that the MBTA is exploring different options to mitigate the parking squeeze, including using the Department of Conservation and Recreation parking lot in Squantum Point, or using North Quincy High School’s lot during the summer.

What are the commuting alternatives?

Check out your MBTA options using the MBTA trip planner tool.

Head for the water! A sea route may be our best option. Check out the new ferry running from Marina Bay. Local officials hope to bring full-time ferry service to Squantum Point Park and are testing out routes and schedules and observing ridership to inform a long-term plan and viability of the route.

• Destinations: Ferries bring riders to Seaport/Fan Pier, Rowes Wharf, and Winthrop
• Schedule: start at 7:25 AM – 10:35 AM; with evening return trips leaving Winthrop and Boston starting at 3 PM and arriving in Quincy at 5 PM – 6:45 PM
• Cost: $6–9 one way with discounts available for seniors, kids, and commuter packages
• See the full schedule and purchase tickets online
• Parking available at the DCR lot at Squantum Point Park. Rates are $1.25 per hour with a maximum of $5 for a full day. No charge for parking under an hour.

News coverage

• MBTA will discount Quincy commuter rail rides during Wollaston closure; Boston Globe, December 7, 2017
• T plans January start for Quincy Center garage demolition; Patriot Ledger, November 10, 2017
• MBTA sets date for 20-month Wollaston station closure: Jan. 2; Patriot Ledger, October 31, 2017
• How much pain can Red Line commuters endure?; Boston Globe, April 2017
• MBTA has plans to rehab Quincy stations — maybe all at once; Boston Globe, March 2017