Mayor-Elect Ruthanne Fuller’s Transition Team has completed its final report, a more than 100 page document with recommendations for the new administration.
The report, entitled “Community Voices: Thoughts, Findings, Strategies and Ideas for the Future of Newton,” will be used to inform policy discussions of Mayor-Elect Fuller’s administration.
Put together by the transition team of 37 volunteers and a number of other community members with interests and expertise in a wide range of subjects, the report includes detailed information and policy suggestions in six areas: Community Engagement & Community Life; An All-Age Friendly Newton; Village Vitality, Economic Development & Housing Affordability; Environmental Sustainability; Transportation & Infrastructure; and Public Safety & Public Health.
“An extraordinary amount of thought and detail were put into this report by a group of dedicated volunteers,” said Mayor-Elect Fuller. “I want to thank each and every one of the people who worked so hard and devoted so many hours toward producing this informative report,” she said. “Their ideas and suggestions are already helping me.”
The transition team was assembled by Mayor-Elect Fuller just after her election in November 2017. It was led by a three-member executive committee of co-chairs Sarah Ecker, Gloria Gavris, and Aaron Goldman.
Sarah Ecker is a community leader and former Community Engagement Director and interim Chief Financial Officer for Mayor Setti Warren and lives in Newtonville. Gloria Gavris is a community leader and Chair of the West Suburban YMCA and lives in Chestnut Hill. Aaron Goldman served as a long-time aide to Mayor Setti Warren throughout his two terms and lives in West Newton.
Transition Team members Include: Alicia Bowman, Nicole Castillo, Al Cecchinelli, John Dalzell, Seana Gaherin, Tom Gloria, Holly Gunner, Kalpana Guttman, Adrienne Hartzell, Reverend Howard Haywood, Jennifer Huntington, Judy Jacobson, David Jellinek, Jonathan Kantar, Eli Katzoff, Anne Larner, Lois Levin, Jennifer MacIntyre, Arthur Magni, Howard Mintz, Srdjan Nedeljkovic, Chloe O’Neil (Newton North HS ’18), Nathan Phillips, Angela Pitter-Wright, Tyrone Powell, Joe Prestejohn, Jack Prior, Jeffrey Sacks, City Councilor Amy Mah Sangiolo, Teresa Sauro, Sydra Schnipper, John Sisson, Rabbi Keith Stern, and Jay Walter.
Thanks for posting this, Village 14.
I just read through the entire report. For the most part, it’s a solid document that’s put together by some really great people. In my opinion, it’s missing some important points. I’ll enumerate a few in no particular order. (I’d write more, but I don’t have the time right now.)
First, there is zero mention of the Newton Housing Authority (herein “NHA”). Given the strong emphasis on doing better with our seniors and economically disadvantaged, that is a significant omission. While the Mayor cannot control the NHA, she 1) appoints the majority of its board and 2) could and should partner with it to achieve meaningful results for those in need. A specific plan of action should be created with the NHA and those affected by it to maximize what we can accomplish for our many seniors and economically disadvantaged residents affiliated with it. Keep in mind, too, that there is supposed to be independent funding for these types of things.
Second, although diversity and inclusion are importantly and consistently stressed through the report, there are few if any specific recommendations regarding how to do better. Given that Mayor Warren’s disappointing lack of diversity, for the sake of better and more equal representation, Mayor Fuller needs to do a better job at appointing people from diverse backgrounds to city positions. I would recommend creating an application protocal that 1) ensures everyone interested may apply to all available positions (whether commissions, councils, etc.) and 2) is transparent. One of the reasons that I believe Mayor Warren was so ineffective is because he did not sufficiently appoint people to such positions. The main way that we’re going to tackle the serious problems we face is by getting this right. Mayor Warren taught us what not to do, so hopefully we get it right this time around.
Third, there is zero mention of the Summer Food Service Program (which Mayor-elect Fuller knows about) nor is there talk about working with Newton-Wellesley Hospital (herein “NWH”) to help fund such efforts. Given that NWH is on record subsidizing such programs in Waltham, we need to work with them to help kids in need in our very own community.
Fourth, there is no talk about working with our many tax-exempt institutions to better collect PILOT fees or find some fair alternative to collecting PILOT fees. For starters, I would recommend putting together a proven team that has the ability to negotiate with said institutions to create valuable programs for those in need. For example, I am very confident that we could leverage our local colleges and universities and get them to work with us to create and implement a paid youth summer jobs program. Unlike the current summer internship program, such an initiative would more tangibly change the lives of so many kids in our community who deserve a shot at doing better. The NHA should be part of this.
Finally (for now – I’ve got twelve other specific points I’d like to raise), there was no talk about revitalizing all of our boards, committees, councils, etc. There was only talk about doing so in regard to our Human Rights Commission, which I agree with. Mayor Warren notoriously appointed unqualified individuals to some really important roles. I hope Mayor-elect Fuller takes seriously her appointment power and puts the right people in the right place. In my opinion, we need more people with credibility – those with proven track records specific to the task at hand – being selected to such roles.
As a closing thought, does anyone know why Mayor Warren got rid of our Diversion Clinician? I recall the Tab doing a big piece on this role and how important it was to combating our opioid crisis. What happened?
Just to add one fact in answer to Tom Davis. The police social worker (“Diversion Clinician”) not only is still with the Police Department, her salary which came from a grant has been taken over by the City.
@Tom, I agree that the document is a great idea and definitely shows that Newton’s lucky to have a population of smart, thoughtful people, and I applaud Mayor Elect Fuller and her executive team for reaching out to them. However, to me the document is difficult to read in its current form and not quite ready for prime time. Perhaps an example of too many cooks spoiling the broth? It’s less a report and more a mishmash of some good ideas as well as occasional haphazard thoughts without being knit together. As a result, there are lots of holes. What’s missing? An executive voice. If this report represents the backbone of the next 4 years, I’d do major edits to clean it up and create added value. It’s a good start but, at least in my opinion, not a finished product. B-
@Dori: Thank you for commenting. I wish you’d have commented here more frequently over the years. From the official report released by the Mayor-elect’s Transition Team (page 44):
“The Police Department recently lost a critical ”diversion clinician.” This social worker played a pivotal role in the community, helping to prevent or “divert” unnecessary arrests and directing potential defendants to mental health treatment or other services. This individual also accompanied the police on visits to the last known address of every person who overdosed in our community.[1] The City needs to hire a new diversion clinician.”
If possible, please clarify what this means.
@Lauren: I agree. For the record, although I offered my services to the Mayor-elect after she was elected and would gladly help transform this into an action oriented document, I had no part in this.
One of my largest concerns with Fuller is that I don’t know if income equality will be seriously addressed in her administration. This document did little to relieve my concerns.
Tom, Im disappointed to hear you offered to help and the Mayor didnt utilize you.
Aileen Walsh is listed on the Newton Police Department webpage as the Clinician. Her email address is [email protected], and her direct office line is 617-796-2167. I’m guessing this means it’s a safe bet that she’s still employed. No idea why the transition doc says otherwise.
Dori must be really clueless. The police Department socialworker quit over two weeks ago to go to Somerville.
Just to clarify….the police clinician left the City of Newton to take a job elsewhere. Her last day in Newton was Dec 15. So the position may be in the city budget but there is no body in the position.
Guess it was not a safe bet…
Well, @Tom, I hope they take you up on your generous offer to help transform this material into an organized, prioritized, holistic, and actionable document. There’s some good material in it which needs to be culled out.
At over 100 pages I haven’t even made a dent. I’m sure there is some excellent insights and ideas in the report but it is a bit overwhelming and I will be interested how the report informs an actual prioritized, actionable plan.
I will say one section that jumped put at me:
“What should the Fuller Administration accomplish at the end of 4 years?
Plan & Develop Senior Center
Fund a feasibility study to create a new Senior Center, possibly in the Washington Street development,
with more space, more parking and greater accessibility. Possibly, 100 year lease could be offered on the
current space with the proviso that the developer help finance the new Senior Center. Or as another
alternative consider opening Senior/Village Centers in each of 13 villages rather than expanding a single
Senior Center serving the entire City.”
I would hope that after four years more is accomplished in regards to a better Senior Center than funding a feasability study. I like the idea of maybe a main Senior Center and then smaller village centers which would seen to make more sense than a single certalized center. But in 4 years I would hope something comes to fruition vs completing a feasability study. Again maybe it’s in the report and I just haven’t seen it yet.
Again, I’ll be interested in seeing a prioritized actionable plan on all of this. Better not to try an “boil the ocean” but rather to focus on a manageable list of priorities
A valued voice that has been missing here on V14 since the election is Jack Prior and I believe he was involved in the effort. I would appreciate if he could weigh in with his observations
I didn’t know that Aileen Walsh had left if she has, but the position still exists and the City committed to funding it, so the Police Department can hire a new social worker and the important work with opioid addicts should continue.
Dori, who replaces your role? And is Terri Crowley being retained or replaced? I am having a hard time tracking.
@Dori: Aileen was the only person performing this important role. Consequently, if true, I find it concerning that it wasn’t known she had quit working for Newton. As you likely know, opioid and other mental health issues often surface in January. The reason for that is because most addicts badly struggle during the holiday season. If the Warren administration didn’t have someone performing Aileen’s role during this crucial time period, I’ll be beyond disappointed.
There is a proposal to institute a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee and if established will work on enhancing diversity of appointed and elected bodies. The work plan for year one is to undertake the activities necessary to get a group of experts established to do the work such as to revitalize the Human Rights Commission. This kind of diversity work can take time but worth the effort.
@Tom,
I think Dori gets a pass on not knowing that Ms.Walsh moved on. In all fairness, I imagine the last few weeks have been quite hectic in the Executive Office and with planning for her retirement, information on the comings and goings of City employees may have slipped by Dori. Cut her a break.
@Claire “I would appreciate if [Jack] could weigh in with his observations”
Thanks Claire — here are a few personal notes. First the topics Ruthanne chose for the sub-teams were not intended to be all-encompassing of her top priorities (e.g. financial health not included) so I wouldn’t read too much into the gaps noted above.
Second, I think the report’s length is along the lines of Mark Twain’s “I didn’t have time to write a short letter, so I wrote a long one instead.”” Ruthanne asked the 6 subcommittees for 3-5 page memos, so in theory the roll up should have been 18-30 pages total, but she also allowed for as much content as groups wanted to provide, so the end result was on the long side.
While the groups had six weeks to work with, Thanksgiving travel and the pre-holiday run up to the 12/22 deadline left very limited time for condensing and distilling discussions and raw material into the concise and measurable action plans she had hoped for.
Ultimately it will be up to her to pick and choose which ideas and strategies to prioritize regardless of the document’s length. I was able to attend many of her out of office hours sessions over the last several weeks– one thing was clear — people look to the mayor to solve a lot of problems! Between years on the council, a year on the campaign trail, those recent sessions, and the raw material in this report, I’m confident she has a tight finger on the pulse of what those problems are as well as some key ideas on how to address them.
Finally on a personal note I really enjoyed getting to know the folks on my subcommittee, as well as our discussions, which focused on many of the issues central to the charter debate. I was honored to participate. It was educational for me and I thought there was a surprising amount of common ground on next steps toward shared goals.
The topics chosen by the mayor-elect were not intended to be all encompassing (e.g. city financial health purposely left out) so gaps shouldn’t be seen as low priorities.
@JackPrior Thanks for sharing your perspective
I’m glad to see discussion of accessibility for people with disabilities. I hope that when policy is made to help seniors facing financial difficulty with property taxes and other issues, disabilities will be included in the discussions there as well.
@TheWholeTruth: I understand your point. If Aileen had been serving in nearly any other role, I’d agree with you. But her role wasn’t any other role, and the timing is problematic because of the fact that many mental health and opioid related issues surface during the holidays. Perhaps the Warren administration found a temporary replacement. If it did, we deserve to know. Given that Dori went out of her way to assert “facts,” maybe she’ll clarify the record. Do we currently have a Diversion Clinician in place or not?
I’d further point out that people don’t generally just up and decide to quit. That’s usually a prolonged process. I’d be curious to learn whether she left Newton for better professional opportunities or for some other reason.
@Tom Davis ” I’d be curious to learn whether she left Newton for better professional opportunities or for some other reason.”
I’m guessing it is fairly likely that she was told that she would not be retained by the new administration. I believe in an earlier post here it was reported via a press release that she was retiring. But “retiring” is often a label used when someone is told they will be replaced. Nothing unusual there. But it is quite likely that she had already been transitioning out. From my perspective, this is a transition issue that should have been (and may very well have been) managed jointly by Warren and Fuller. As you write “perhaps the Warren administration found a temporary replacement”.
@Tom,
It would be a safe bet to assume Ms.Walsh left to take a better position (with better compensation) elsewhere. And the position of Diversion Clinician probably would take time to fill. It’s not a job just anyone can do…
As you noted, the timing of this loss is difficult but is there ever a good time? I would also suggest that there are other systems in place to assist with the current opioid crisis. The City has a Health and Human Services department with qualified clinicians that could step up if /when necessary. It may not be the best option, but something is better than nothing. And there are many outside options as well.
Lets hope the City finds a qualified candidate to take over where Ms.Walsh left off.
And let’s also hope they are willing to pay the person a fair, competitive wage.
Claire, you are mixing up different posts and positions. The social worker from the police department did not retire. Dori Zaleznik, the COO under Setti Warren, is retiring. Dori gave many great years of service to the city, on the School Committee, as Chair of the School Committee, and as Chief Administrative Officer, or COO, whatever they are calling it now. Dori will be sorely missed. Ruthanne Fuller just appointed Jonathan Yeo as her new COO. There is a separate thread on V14 about that announcement.
Thanks Jo-Louise. I do see where I got those two conflated. I was more weighing in on what seemed like some harsh comments about Dori (implication that she was out of the loop) when it was reported her that she was retiring. It’s not clear if Dori is still on the job, although I know Jonathan Yeo doesn’t start until the 15th
@Meredith, I agree ADA accessibility needs to be a priority. Inclusion in Newton was mentioned but can only happen with physical infrastructure accessibility changes. The City of Newton appears to be far behind other cities such as Cambridge in making websites accessible, and focusing on universal designs to include everyone. I am not aware that Newton has completed ADA self-assessments of all programs as has been required since 1990. There is a large demographic of young people as well as seniors with disabilities in Newton. I was honored to be able to offer ideas in this transition report. We have a lot of work to do. Happy New Year everyone!
@Tom – Curious what led you to write “Mayor Warren got rid of our Diversion Clinician?” Quite a jump to conclusion, my friend. People leave to pursue other opportunities all the time. Hard as you may try to prove otherwise, not every single thing that is less than perfect in the city is a direct result of some sort of failure on the part of Mayor Warren.
@Aaron: Hard as you may try to prove otherwise, in the areas of concern that I’ve raise, Mayor Warren did not do a good job. I’m really disappointed that you don’t see or understand that.
To specifically answer your question, I believe that Mayor Warren is responsible for the loss of our Diversion Clinician because he has not invested anywhere near enough resources into the role nor combating the opioid crisis in Newton. In fact, Deborah Youngblood effectively told me that very same thing when I spoke with her about this particular issue.
Are you saying or suggestion that the Mayor should not take responsibility for sufficiently allocating resources in a way that ensures we have the people and tools needed to tackle the very serious problems we face? If so, who else should? Why?
On a similar note, since Dori won’t answer, I’ll ask you: Did Mayor Warren ensure we that have a Diversion Clinician in place during the aforementioned crucial time frame?
Tom – Time for you to move on.
@Jane: Move on from what?
The All-Age Friendly Newton section was very interesting. I strongly support its call for ‘the development of at least 500 single floor housing units with an elevator.’ Aging in Place is not for all seniors, even though many of them think they want to remain in their own home. It can be very socially isolating and dangerous, both for the senior and the community.
I just returned from visiting my parents in a non-profit Continuing Care Retirement Community, Oakwood Villages, in Wisconsin. My dad had to be strong-armed into the place but now he agrees it was a wise move. We went there after a friend back home recommended it. She, also, strong-armed her father, into it. He had insisted on aging in place, but home-care aides kept canceling at the last minute forcing her to take off from work. He, also, appreciated it once he was there. The community is very social and dining, shops, barbers, libraries, gyms, social workers and more are all accessible on interior walkways to people using walkers or wheelchairs.
Lucia, any room for me??
Jane, why should Tom move on?? Pretty offputting, hes not getting any real answers from people….did you back down when you werent getting answers regarding the NNHS issue you were involved in years ago….so why should he?….oh yea its on Warrens watch…oops.
Tom – I most definitely moved on. In fact, I literally moved! NNHS was merely one fairly short chapter in my life. All those people whom I fought with over that issue? In the intervening years, we’ve worked together on other projects and initiatives. When I ran into former Mayor Cohen in the halls of NNHS (yes, I worked there for 7 years), we greeted one another warmly and had a great conversation.
Though other chapters of my life may not be known to you or others in Newton, they are far more significant to me than that one. Letting go is a freeing experience.
Jane, did you listen to anyone who told you to move on. I remember you as a pitbull for the issues that concerned you…One of the things I liked about you. Tom has some real questions that should get your support…along with everyone else concerned about other peoples welfare. These questions need to be asked and answered and we should be relentless until we get real answers.
@Lucia, I think some people may benefit from moving into community facilities as you mentioned but often the fear is this becomes a slippery slope into a nursing home. Also the disruption and stress of moving into a larger community may Cause worsening of health and quality of life. Some people on hospice also may wish to stay or die at home. Research has shown it costs less for persons with chronic disabilities to live at home with PCA (personal care attendants) services than in institutions. It may be that Newton can look into increasing available funding to be used for individuals to make their homes more accessible as they age in place, with wheelchair entrances, stair lifts, accessible showers, moving bedrooms to a first floor, and increase funding for PCA services. The funds for PCA’s was cut and threatened in Massachusetts this year but in my opinion should be increased. More seniors and persons with disabilities should have choices to stay in their homes as their mobility needs change over time. Newton also should take the lead in creating universal design public buildings and infrastructure. Additionally, support the reopening of the shuttered branch libraries with increased accessible computers and programs geared to filling the social isolation gap.
Maryan – Where my parents live is an independent apartment, there is nursing home like facilities in a separate building, but most people stay independent. Their apartment is larger than their house was. It has a full kitchen and allows pets. I’ve been in nursing homes and Oakwood Village is not a nursing home. It is a vibrant community that is fully accessible. People living there are mentally sharp and active, including being part of the governance of Oakwood with elected representatives.
There is a great deal of research on the mental and physical damage social isolation does. “Social isolation and loneliness are associated with increased mortality in older adults. Social isolation also has been linked to other adverse health effects, including dementia, increased risk for hospital readmission and increased risk of falls. However, research consistently shows that feeling connected and involved benefits both mental and physical health.” https://healthjournalism.org/blog/2017/03/social-isolation-loneliness-negatively-affect-health-for-seniors/
My parents are much happier in their apartment than they were alone in their home. Many of their friends are also in Oakwood, they see them in the halls, cafes, art studio and at events in the Oakwood theater.
@Lucia, the residential community sounds wonderful. yes, I read loneliness can cause depression and mental health issues. But sometimes people can be surrounded by people and still feel lonely. Also, people with disabilities who live independently in their homes with PCA help may be engaged with friends and community if they age in place. In Newton, I am not aware that we have nonprofit community living. I am aware of for profit assistive living, etc. I think my point was give people a choice. If this new Newton administration focuses on enabling persons with disabilities and elders to make their homes accessible with additional funding, and if the infrastructure is made accessible with planning for universal design, then those who wish to stay home might have more options. The MBTA the RIDE, PCA services, and other community transportation services could also increase options for travel and supports in the community. Active groups of persons with disabilities are actively pushing to keep services so as to stay out of nursing homes.
The other problem is that not everyone can afford assisted living. I have a friend who afforded it by moving to Kansas, where she had once lived and still had friends – she could not have afforded it up here. Neither could I. Many of us don’t want to retire far from our friends and families.
My mother lives in a Manhattan apartment building and has been able to stay independent in her own home far longer than she would have in Newton. She can afford someone to come in biweekly to do her cleaning, she has neighbors and doormen who would notice if they didn’t see her for a few days, and when she fell in her hallway someone saw and helped her. If she gets to the point where she needs some home help, it will still cost less than assisted living.
The term “aging in place” has different meanings for different people. Some seniors do want to stay in their homes with home care assistance or in accessory apartments but many would just prefer to stay in the general area where their friends are. This could mean downsizing or transitioning to a one floor condo or apartment. It could also mean moving to an independent living facility with or without the option for assisted living or a nursing home if needed.
A couple of years after my dad died, my mom downsized to a condo in an independent living community. We “kids” were the ones who wanted her keep the family home but it was too much for her. She and 2 other friends in their 70’s decided on the same place, Alexian Village, not far from their homes. She continued to go to her church and shopped at her favorite places. Alexian has assisted living and a nursing home in the same complex. The beauty of that arrangement became evident when any of her friends needed to be under temporary nursing care as she could easily visit them.
Ten years ago I downsized from my home in CT to a one floor nice sized place in Newtonville. I wasn’t a senior then but am now. As nice as many of those independent living places are, I prefer to live around people of all ages and within a walk to town. I like having a place large enough for visitors and for my grandchildren to crash. I don’t know what the future holds but I’m hoping to stay where I am for many years to come.
I’m glad Mayor Fuller has commissioned a study for a larger, more community oriented Senior Center. Selfishly I hope it stays in Newtonville.
It is nice that this topic is on the table. @Meredith, good points about affordability. If we look at the existing private for-profit assistive living facilities in Newton, we find they are limited in number and excessive cost leads them to be outside of the reach of many family members. This leaves options that they move out of home and out of state. If they have mobility related disabilities, and hospital, often the route is nursing facility. Assistive living facilities may look attractive but one gives up privacy, autonomy and control. Some may not know that the government does not have same oversight of the skilled nursing care of private assistive living as nursing homes, and these businesses can exercise options to remove residents. People with disabilities who are younger and receiving Medicare and Medicaid usually qualify for PCA services to enable them to live at home, or apartments. A fund in the new Fuller Administration earmarked for low income housing accessibility improvements in Newton might help fill the gap.
Maryan, Newton’s seniors need choices. Independent living facilities here are economically out of reach for many but staying in their homes or going to a nursing home shouldn’t be the only options. Most homes here are more than one story and have things such a laundry room in the basement and high maintenance fees along with real estate taxes. It is in the best interest of many seniors to sell their homes and transition to an easier lifestyle, particularly if they live alone.
Going from living on your own to a nursing home is a huge step that’s not a necessity for most seniors, even those with disabilities. Independent one floor living either in an apartment or a condo lessens the burden which lessens the stress. Assisted living facilities aren’t a bad idea – certainly a next step before a nursing home.
Newton would more than likely have to form a public-private/non-profit partnership of some kind to be able to build an economically feasible senior living community. I would like to see such a project investigated fully.
Newton’s incredibly poor/almost nonexistent intra-city public transportation system is a key reason that living alone in a single-family house is isolating for older Newtonians. Unlike the example of a mother living on her own in a Manhattan apartment (my mother lived there, too), we can’t just take the elevator downstairs, go out on the street, catch a bus within one or two blocks of our front door at all hours and days of the week to meet a friend, go the movies or whatever. Even if we live near a bus stop (I live two blocks from a 52 bus stop on Centre street), the bus doesn’t run at all in the evening, on week-ends or on holidays. And, it doesn’t reliably run on its s0-called schedule. And, what about the vast majority of Newtonians who don’t live even half a mile from public transit? Try living in Oak Hill Park and see how far you can get without a car. People’s driving lifetime is shorter than their living lifetime, as a rule.
So, now we have three problems that Newton’s physical setup causes for most older people: almost no readily-available low-cost transportation, an inadequate number of single-floor housing units in multi-family elevator buildings, and very few and not all types of establishments that provide services for those elders who need a little or a lot of help on a daily basis.
I heartily agree that people need options. Different types of living arrangements will work for different people, and also for he same person at different stages of life. Without a transit network, it’s all severely constrained.
Marti, yes, there needs to be multiple options of housing, and as Holly mentioned, if I might paraphrase, there is fluid change of needs both individually and over the life span. Interesting idea about partnership to build a larger senior community. Holly, agree with you regarding the problems with the existing public transportation system. People who qualify for the MBTA the RIDE can get door to door drop off, but relying on the Newton bus and trains is very difficult. The commuter rail lack of accessibility, and limited buses to the main library present barriers. This topic came up with the shuttering of the branch libraries and all resources dedicated building a larger central library instead of village libraries. Many other communities embrace branch libraries to provide more resources for seniors and younger persons with disabilities in village centers.
The discussion in this report included increasing diversity as a goal for this administration. I agree. What percentage of the employees and elected body are wheelchair users or have other visible disabilities? This appears to be an area that needs to be reviewed for a truly diverse and inclusive administration.
Hope all stay safe in today’s blizzard.
Just to clarify about the Ride — As you mention, Maryan, it’s not available to everyone, as public buses are. A person has to qualify as medically handicapped. And, although I’ve not personally ever used it, I’ve many times heard people who use it say that it’s inconvenient because of long wait times beyond its promised schedule and because reservations need to be made far ahead. It’s not really reliable. And, it costs more than the 85-cent senior fare for a bus.
@Holly, yes, I agree. The MBTA the RIDE has an application process for persons with disabilities unable to fully access the MBTA bus and trains based on disability. I have heard complaints in the past but they have a new system for scheduling. It may be flawed but I believe it is great for those who would otherwise be unable to attend work, or shopping or an event, or even go to the Newton Main Library or Newton City Hall due to bus 52 or other transportation unavailable in the evening. In the past Newton had a shuttle but this transportation service was removed. Unfortunately, as I think we would all like better, the Mayor Fuller administration will have limits on what they can do in 4 years, and cannot directly change state transportation . But this new administration can focus on making ADA access a priority in Newton on sidewalks, buildings, etc. My hope is universal design principles used in public spaces and improved pedestrian access in Newton villages, additional community spaces local in villages will allow the greatest quality of life.
Another advocacy point is an accessible ADA map of Newton, and website that is accessible for everyone with use of AT and close captioning of videos.
@Maryan – I’ve mostly agreed with what you’ve said, but have problems with your question What percentage of the employees and elected body are wheelchair users or have other visible disabilities? I don’t care whether the disabilities are visible or not. In the context of transportation, it may make sense to specify physical disabilities, but many physical disabilities are not visible – something that can cause serious problems when people with them need accommodations or assistance, including accusations of faking it (“but you don’t look disabled”. )
Holly, has anyone considered subsidized Uber/Lift rides, either through a partnership or other means? Where mass transit is not an option, how many Uber rides could be subsidized compared to the cost of running a local shuttle?
Meredith, excellent point and Thank you for pointing this out for I need to clarify I agree. Although some peopkes disabilities may be more visible, many disabilities as you mentioned are invisible. Given the stigma associated also with mental health or hidden disabilities, people may choose to not identify or disclose their disability at work. My hope is that the new administration will hire more people with identified disabilities in multiple roles and elected positions
@Marti Bowen: Your proposal for a public private partnership for an economically feasible senior community is a 10 strike. This from an 80 year old who has spent many hours contemplating all the option.
@Adam,
I don’t believe there’s any subsidized Uber/Lyft ride program. But Newton’s Senior Department has a limited subsidized ride program for seniors with Veterans Taxi (put out to bid every few years). The program is pretty restricted as to time and destinations. Almost all destinations are limited to Newton (except for a few medical facilities not too far from Newton–e.g., VA hospitals). It’s available only M-F between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., except for attending religious services at a house of worship, a Newton City program, or the Newton Library on Sundays. Permissible destinations are Newton grocery stores, medical facilities, specific blocks in village centers (a recent welcome addition), long term care facilities to visit a loved one (limited to twice a week), the Senior Center and Newton City Hall. For each ride, a senior buys a voucher. 90% of the riders pay $4 for each voucher. 10% who are low-income pay $2. These payments go into a revolving fund for the program. The City pays Veterans Taxi $13 for each ride. There are 1,000 riders using this service, annually taking 25,000 rides. These numbers came from Jayne Colino, Senior Department Director, when a few of us transition team members talked with her a few weeks ago as part of our information-gathering. As the number of seniors has increased, use of this program has increased rapidly. There’s a concern that the demand will outstrip the budget, which has not increased.
Right now, 27% of Newton’s population is seniors (almost 22,000 people), including 14% of the total population that’s 75 or older. In the past three years, that 75+ age cohort grew by 9.5%. The 70-75 year-old age cohort grew by 36%. So, you can see why there’s a concern that demand for this taxi voucher program will soon exceed its supply.
Several of the Transition Team committees found that lack of intra-city transportation was a serious constraint on programs for kids and on businesses’ ability to attract the employees they need, or on businesses’ decisions whether or not to locate in Newton. So, better public transit would help lots of folks, not just seniors.
@Adam,
One more restriction on the Senior taxi voucher program I forgot — You have to reserve three business days in advance, except to go to the Senior Center. For that, you must reserve a day ahead.
Holly, I’m suggesting we look at a 21st century way to solve the problem. We must strengthen public transit in Newton, but it’s unrealistic to expect the public transit network to cover the last mile problem for everyone, especially for seniors who require much closer coverage and are less likely to follow hub-spoke patterns like public transit does. They need short-haul, door to door service, and companies like Uber have far more efficient and cost-effective solutions than taxis or shuttle buses that provide local service and also connect to public transit for longer trips. Shared ride services like Uber pool, applied to seniors, would have an even lower cost.
Other communities have tried this. It’s time for Newton to take a look.
…and seniors could enjoy the same flexibility millennials do. No need to book three days in advance!
One thing that our city is blessed with is a highly skilled, innovative, and respected director of senior services, Jayne Colino, and an active and engaged Council On Aging led by the tireless Marian Knapp. What we have lacked is the support of the past administration and, of course, sufficient funding. These thoughts and ideas are great, but I invite you to share them by attending a Council On Aging meeting. Get involved; help us to get the word to the new administration. Mayor Fuller seems to be supportive and the time may just be right.
Definitely worth looking into Uber/Lyft. 3 days in advance is way too long. Also, it would be worth looking into the use of Uber Pool or the Lyft equivalent, which use ride-sharing. If multiple people from the same neighborhood or along the route are going to the same program at the library or senior center, there’s no need to send multiple cars unless someone needs the entire back seat for assistive equipment or the like.
It would also be good if there were a certain number of vehicles that were handicapped accessible or wheelchair accessible.
@Adam, the MBTA has a relatively recent pilot program with Uber and Lyft so as to respond to needs of passengers with disabilities for flexible scheduling (presently schedule day in advance) and flexible route (RIDE is on fixed route). There have been serious problems of disability discrimination with untrained drivers, no wheelchair accessible vans, etc. Anyone can still get the app and use Uber and Lyft, and the MBTA opens invitation for people to voice concerns and join their advisory committees.
My focus of request for this administration is to increase the ADA self-assessments in each village and public building to come up with an ADA City of Newton plan. I am not aware that Newton has an ADA plan yet.
@Adam,
Better late than never. This is belated reply to your comments of Jan 4 about seniors using Uber/Lyft/Uber Pool and, as you wrote, “it’s unrealistic to expect the public transit network to cover the last mile problem for everyone, especially for seniors who require much closer coverage and are less likely to follow hub-spoke patterns like public transit does. They need short-haul, door to door service, and thus having “the same flexibility as millenials.”
First, the dearth of public transit in Newton is a serious constraint on many people, not just older people. A key theme that emerged from most of the Transition Team sub-committees was that lack of transportation was a limiting factor, including for existing businesses, for attracting new businesses to the city, for organizations that offer after-school activities for kids, and for their working and also at-home parents who’d like to see them occupied with constructive after-school activities. In fact, as you may know, Newton’s Chamber of Commerce is currently circulating an online survey about transportation in the city–presumably because this is a concern for businesses.
Second, I know you mean to use “the last mile” as a figure of speech. But in actual fact, Newton is so spread out geographically that it’s actually the “last” two, three or four miles of transit that are missing for most people. And, as this past week’s snowstorm reminds us, bicycles are frequently a very limited solution.
To move on to Uber and Lyft . . . The Senior Center had at least one presentation by Uber about how to use its services. The session was well-attended. And, for those who can afford it, or Uber Pool, it’s a very handy service. (I check my phone apps a couple of times a week to see if Uber and Lyft cars are cruising around Newton. I find a bunch of Ubers, but not as yet many Lyfts.) But I think we need to understand the Uber/Lyft business model and how it differs from a taxi service, such as Veterans, to think realistically about the likelihood of getting senior discounts from those newer companies. Like any service business (e.g., hotels, airlines), the primary key to profitability and staying in business is capacity utilization to pay for high fixed costs. A taxi company generally buys its fleet of cars. Veterans, I know, has drivers who are paid a guaranteed income (in the form of a salary, I think) and benefits. It invests in these drivers by screening and training them, and thus wants to retain them. So, Veterans or another taxi company has high fixed costs to cover, and needs to keep its fleet and drivers working at high capacity to generate revenue throughout the day and evening. For this business model, having contracts with governments and businesses for reduced-fare rides during times of low demand makes business sense. It balances supply with demand and increases capacity-utilization. It makes revenue come in all the time. The Uber business model is totally different. The drivers own their vehicles. Matching supply and demand is done “naturally” because the drivers decide when they’re going to work. Presumably they do this at times when they think there will be demand for their service. And, in any case, the drivers bear the risk, not the Uber company. What Uber invests in is the technology that makes it possible for these drivers to get passengers and get paid. Uber isn’t really a taxi company. It’s an electronic marketplace and a payments system. So, it really doesn’t have an incentive to discount its rates during periods of low demand.
All, or even most, Seniors don’t necessarily need portal-to-portal transportation service. What they need, if they don’t drive at some or all times, is not to have to walk long distances to get to public transportation (e.g, a bus stop), particularly in freezing cold or boiling hot weather. That’s probably true for most people, actually.
The 20th century saw Newton develop itself as a bedroom community designed around the automobile. In the 21st Century, it needs to diversify its housing, its tax base and its methods for getting from place to place. That has to include some sort of bus-like transit that most people can afford.
There is a significant hole in the MBTA’s inadequate bus system. The Ward 4 section of the city (Lower Falls/Auburndale) has virtually non-existent transit. The Framingham-Newton Corner bus line was privatized over the vigorous objections of the late Alderman Dick McGrath and then run into the ground by the contractor. The MetroWest Regional Transit Authority runs service into Newton Wellesley hospital and the Woodland T station along Washington Street, but it’s virtually invisible even on the part of Lower Falls that it runs through. What’s even more infuriating is that several additional entities to the MRTA (Wellesley College, Mass. Bay Community College, etc.) run bus service through Lower Falls to Riverside on Concord Street and Grove Street past the Senior Housing in the former Hamilton School. We need them to open their doors both literally and figuratively.
So long as the Community Development Block Grant survives the on-slaught of the Trump Administration, the housing rehab program should be made as accessible as possible to seniors for railings and lifts on stairs that can enable seniors to age in place for many more years in the neighborhoods that they know so well.
Holly,
Yes, I was using “last mile” figuratively, but it’s probably not that far from accurate. A large number (but certainly not all) Newtonians are near public transit of some sort, and I don’t think anyone in Newton has four miles to get to our most frequent service (Riverside Line)
I’m well aware of the differences in business models and I’m not suggesting that Uber would subsidize anything. I’m suggesting that Newton, for a small fraction of what they pay Veterans or what the state puts into the Ride, could buy far more service from a company like Uber (at retail) . Structure that however you like. Vouchers of a limited number, perhaps for certain distances or destinations. Uber is a disruptive technology. While it might be nice to help out Veterans’ business, that’s not necessarily going to provide the best services and value to the city or its seniors.
As Maryan points out, a service for those with certain types of disabilities is going to take a lot more effort and may be more than Uber can deliver.
@Brian
It is interesting to talk about the failing of the privatizing of the bus line, as this history may shed insight that privatizing may not work again. Great point about the absence of access to areas of Newton despite a line traveling by these stops. Possibly our state reps would look into this.
I also found the dearth of accessible public transportation around the city, especially absence of accessible commuter rails. However, thanks to Rep Kay Kahn, at least one accessible plan is underway with the Auburndale Commuter line. Although the plans are drawing pushback, I hope that it will finally provides access. As it is now, wheelchair users need to travel into Boston to access the commuter line. Many of the MBTA stops, especially the bus stops, are not fully accessible, lack curbcuts, and ramps that have greater than ADA compliant slopes. I hope this administration can work with the MBTA to improve access.
Good points about the CDBG grants providing access to low income owner occupied and rental housing, at least under some circumstances (homeowner, unit occupied, etc). This is such an important program for persons of all ages who may need ADA compliant access and assistance.
@Adam, I found that in 2016, Massachusetts joined with other states in the federal lawsuits against Uber by National Federation for the Blind and DLC. Specifically it is mandated that Uber must have wheelchair accessible vehicles and cannot discriminate based on disability. Given the recent track-record for Uber and Lyft, a partnership appears to not be the best choice
How about if the MBTA the RIDE’s services could expand services to increase coverage areas outside of the fixed route and change from 24 hour notice to same day scheduling. However, this change would increase the cost of the RIDE for users. Transportation that is ADA compliant should be included as part of the mandated self-assessment review to date is apparently not available. Another suggestion may be to hire wheelchair users to drive a wheelchair accessible van or two in Newton to provide emergency access for accessibility as needed. But most importantly, the federal regulations of nondiscrimination for transportation need to be at the helm of all discussions.
@Adam
As you know, the Riverside line (as you say, “our most frequent service”) goes east-west. Newton, like any territory on the planet, also has a north-south dimension, and ours is considerable.
For example, supposing someone wants to take a Franklin School student to the Newton Free Library on Homer Street. My Googlemap shows it’s about a 2.5 mile walk one-way. Google shows a sadly comical multi-hour, multi-bus bus trip (with buses that run on a once-every-90-minutes schedule) that also includes walking (and, in a way I can’t quite follow, one route that involves taking the commuter rail). The Riverside line is nowhere in the picture. So, yes, the Riverside line is relatively frequent. But for getting around most places in Newton, it’s usually irrelevant.
It’s clear that Franklin School – Newton Library route is never going to support mass transit. Like most trips within Newton, ride sharing is probably the most cost-effective and convenient option.