Gloucester and Cape Ann town government leaders are responding to proposed cuts to Massachusetts Bay Commuter Rail service with a number of formal resolutions and letters, and by attending hearings and encouraging residents to contact the MBTA.
The Gloucester City Council agreed last week to back a resolution stating that it has "strong opposition to the elimination of weekend commuter rail service on the Rockport Line."
The proposed cuts, which would take effect in July, are in response to the MBTA's budget deficit of $161 million. In addition to cutting weekend service, service after 10 p.m. would also be cut under the current MBTA proposal, as would many bus lines.
Gloucester, Manchester and Rockport businesses all rely on tourism dollars that flow most heavily on weekends in the summer, according to residents and officials.
Manchester selectmen have attended the public hearings held by the MBTA in Salem and Lowell, asking the MBTA to reconsider the cuts.
"We're very concerned about it," said Manchester Town Administrator Wayne Melville. "For us, it threatens the viability of a self-sustaining beach and recreation program."
The Manchester commuter rail station is right near Singing Beach, which collects $5 from each visitor and is currently self-sustaining.
"We have seen 500 and 600 people at a time getting off the train and going to the beach," said Melville.
According to Melville, no one has estimated the possible damage to local businesses if the commuter rail does not run on weekends — though he said he expects that some of the beach-reliant businesses, like Captain Dusty's ice cream shop, would see a decrease.
"They're asking the MBTA to consider the difference between July and December," said Melville, meaning that cuts to service in the summer would be more damaging to the town than cuts in the winter.
Rockport officials are voicing similar concerns about their town's needs.
"The town certainly needs the commuter rail coming into Rockport," said Rockport Selectman Paul Murphy. "It's a very scary thought, especially when we're trying to encourage tourism."
Murphy said he wasn't just worried about the economy. "I'm very concerned about elderly people in Rockport," said Murphy.
The Rockport selectmen sent a letter to the MBTA stating their opposition to the plan, and have encouraged Rockporters to attend meetings held by the MBTA to express their feelings.
"As someone who doesn't drive into Boston myself unless I absolutely have to, I don't like this," said Rockport selectman Frances Fleming.
Fleming said she was concerned about those who do not own cars who rely on the commuter rail to get into Boston and around Massachusetts.
"I think we really have to fight this," said Fleming.
Paul McGeary, the Gloucester City Councilor who introduced the resolution, said he did it to get the city government on the record as opposing the cuts.
"We're asking other communities to join in the effort," McGeary said.
McGeary said that while he knows about the MBTA's financial problems, he thinks there are better options to resolving the problems than a dramatic service cut.
"It does seem draconian," said McGeary. "A lot of the people most dependent on the commuter rail have jobs that are 7 by 24, or where they could be commuting at any time. In this economy, not everyone has 9-to-5 jobs."
The Council passed McGeary's resolution unanimously last week.
"The reason we run things like public transit is not to make a profit," said McGeary. "It's a public good."
Stephanie Bergman can be reached at 978-283-7000, x3451, or at sbergman@gloucestertimes.com.
Vatican in Chaos After Butler Arrested for Leaks
Jimmy Carter Endorses Egypt's Election Results
Biden Addresses West Point Graduating Class
Dozens of Children Killed in New Syria Attack
Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
