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Unhappy Quincy residents meet to discuss Wollaston MBTA renovations

The Patriot Ledger - 6/22/2017

June 22--Anne Johansen, of Quincy, uses a wheelchair and lives a block away from the Wollaston MBTA station. Currently, Wollaston is the only Red Line station that's not handicapped accessible. When she heard about the MBTA's plan to renovate the station to include an elevator and wheelchair ramps, Johansen was "thrilled."

"Right now, it's completely inaccessible to me. We're 27 years past the ADA [American with Disabilities Act]," said Johansen. "It's way, way past time to do it."

The MBTA hosted a public meeting to highlight plans for major renovations at Wollaston Station Wednesday evening at the Central Middle School in Quincy. The project, in addition to making it accessible, will bring the station up to code compliance by adding a second and third exit from the platform and putting in all new utilities. During construction, the station will be closed for 20 months.

During the closure, the MBTA will run a bus line that brings people to North Quincy from the Wollaston station, said Joe Cheever, the project manager.

Sixty-seven residents signed up to speak at the meeting. Most were not in favor of the project.

"There are hourly employees, there are mothers trying to get home to get to the daycare that closes at 6," said Amy Zydanowicz, of Quincy. "I need to know what the plan is for this bus route with the traffic. We need to figure out a plan before you close this station."

Brooke Allen, a new resident of the Wollaston neighborhood, was also unhappy with the plan.

"I don't care what the station looks like as long as it works," said Brooke Allen, of Quincy. "I don't want a facelift of the MBTA. I want the train to get me into Boston."

Not all residents opposed the project. Sarah Meyrick of Quincy said she was "dealing with some short-term sacrifice for a longer term investment."

"It will be a safer station," said Meyrick.

State Sen. John Keenan, who represents Quincy and other parts of Norfolk County such as portions of Braintree, spoke in favor of the project.

"There's a lot of issues that have been raised," said Keenan. "We're going to do our very best to make this work."

Johansen said she was "distressed with the level of anger."

"In the end, it will be worth it because it will be accessible to everyone," said Johansen.

Zane Razzaq may be reached at zrazzaq@ledger.com.

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