We, the undersigned, urgently request that the imminent demolition of the Casey Overpass in Jamaica Plain be halted and a public review of this project be initiated, for the following reasons: 1) the proposed project represents a gross waste of state funds, as the facility can be restored to working condition for a fraction of the cost of the proposed demolition and reordering of the surface roadways, 2) if implemented as proposed the new roadway arrangement would drastically, and dangerously, increase the amount of air pollution in Jamaica Plain, as well as the surrounding towns of Hyde Park, Roslindale, and Roxbury, causing severe environmental damage, and increased healthcare costs for the residents, 3) as access to local businesses would be slowed and obstructed, the local economy would be degraded, 4) the area of the proposed changes, Forest Hills, is about to undergo a considerable expansion in population, as eight new construction projects, including a housing group with up to 1200 units, are set to begin in the Spring. This will necessitate more, not less, access to the Forest Hills area.

We therefore request that plans for the closing of the Casey Overpass be put on hold while these issues, of potentially great importance to the economy of the entire Boston area, can be sorted out in a rational manner, free of the undue pressure, cavalier treatment of health concerns, and gross misrepresentation of the facts as presented by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.