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Boston
– As part of a comprehensive reform bill passed last week by the State
Senate, Senator Anthony D. Galluccio sponsored an amendment in response
to 60 new billboards that are being erected by the MBTA along eastern
highways, including several that have already been installed along I-93
in Somerville and Charlestown. The City of Somerville sued the MBTA in
2006 after Clear Channel and the MBTA sought to place billboards on
facilities located in Somerville and failed to seek permission from the
city. A decision last year by the Supreme Judicial Court upheld the
right of the MBTA to erect signs on its property without getting local
approval. Senator Galluccio's amendment would change the law to permit
billboards on MBTA land only if they comply with local zoning
regulations or the local governing body gives its approval.
"The
MBTA should not be able to place freestanding billboards wherever
they'd like and without input from the communities affected. We all
recognize how desperate the MBTA is for new revenue. This amendment
allows for ample commercial advertising opportunities while striking a
balance by involving communities in discussions about the construction
and placement of these potentially towering structures," Senator
Galluccio said. "Billboards have gone up rapidly in Charlestown and
Somerville. Unfortunately, this amendment was not adopted, but local
communities should have some say and this conversation has to take
place. I expect this issue will be revisited as the legislative session
proceeds."
The transportation reform legislation passed by the
Senate consolidates multiple agencies into an independent authority
known as the Massachusetts Surface Transportation Authority (MSTA). The
reform package will potentially save the Commonwealth up to $6.5
billion over 20 years.
The Senate's bill must now go to the House for further action.
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