The Garlick Press – Thursday, December 3, 2020

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The MBTA is proposing a plan to cut services on the Needham line. The proposal is called “Forge Ahead” and is a response to decreased ridership due to COVID -19 restrictions. I am alarmed by this proposal because it seems to be a long-term solution for what we all hope, with the promise of a vaccine, is a short-term problem. Proposed changes to commuter rail services include: stopping service after 9:00 PM, cutting weekend service, and decreasing weekday and midday service.

It is difficult to stop a train but as we learned in Needham when we fought for Saturday service, it is herculean to re-start one. I am working on this issue with the Transportation Committee, the Select Board, and the Town Manager. I am asking for your help.

The MBTA is taking public feedback until tomorrow: December 4. I will fight to ensure that public transportation is available for individuals who need it now and when public health is more secure that it will exist to return people to their “normal routines.” Weigh-in, however briefly, and let the MBTA know that we need and want our stations, schedules, and services. It is one of the keys to the economic resiliency and vitality of our families, community, city of Boston, and Commonwealth.

If you would like to learn more about this proposal and submit feedback, click here.

Yours in Service,

Denise

• In Needham, applications for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program are due tomorrow, Friday, December 4. This program is to help residents who have lost income due to COVID-19 make rent payments in the coming months. To learn more, click here.
• In Dover, the Community Center Building Committee is seeking input on space and budget options for the Dover Community Center. Survey responses must be submitted by Sunday, December 6 at 12:00 PM. For information on the proposal and the survey, click here.
• In Medfield, Medfield TV will host a live broadcast of the Cultural Alliance’s 6th Annual Holiday Stroll and MEMO’s Tree Lighting on Friday, December 4 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Enjoy the festivities from the comfort of your own home this year. For more information, click here.

• On Sunday, the field hospital at the DCU Center in Worcester is expected to begin receiving patients. Additionally, another field hospital in Lowell will open in the coming weeks. To learn more, watch the Governor’s press conference.
• On Tuesday, the House of Representatives met in formal session to vote on law enforcement reform legislation. After voting for the legislation in the House in July, this is the final version of the bill with agreed-upon language between the House and Senate following negotiations of the conference committee. To learn more, click here.

• The State is currently in Phase 3 of Massachusetts Reopening. If you have questions, input, or comments regarding the Reopening Massachusetts plan, you can submit comments online. These comments can be used by the Administration to support efforts to methodically reopen the economy amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here for the form.

• If you are in need of resources, information, or support, please visit my website for a list of resources. Additionally, our local boards of health, the Department of Public Health, and the Centers for Disease Control are continuing to maintain websites with the most updated information regarding COVID-19 that you can access here:

• Needham Health Department Updates
• Medfield Updates
• Dover Updates
• Department of Public Health: Click here or Call 2-1-1.
• Reopening Massachusetts
• COVID-19 Travel Order
• Centers for Disease Control