Community activists in Dorchester's Ashmont/Peabody Square neighborhood learned recently that Trinity Financial, the firm that is slated to develop a parcel adjacent to the Ashmont T station, did not get the state tax credits they sought to make the project financially feasible.

In September 2004, in front of TV news cameras, Governor Romney announced a $44 million dollar renovation of the Ashmont T station, and addressed the "transit-oriented development" (TOD) slated for the adjacent parcel. "Developing transportation, retail and housing in urban centers revitalizes our neighborhoods and makes them more attractive," Romney said. "We want this area to be more than just a stop on the Red Line. We want it to be a place to go shopping, a place to go out and eat and - with the new apartment construction - a place to live." Now that the cameras are gone, the promise seems to have vanished as well. The state wants to take money promised to this project and give it to suburban towns because the state does not believe our neighborhood is a top priority, despite public assurances to the contrary.

Please help us to get this crucial project back on track! Please call the following state officials and let them know that you support your neighbors' efforts to bring new business and new housing to Dorchester. Let them know that:

"I support the Ashmont Transit Oriented Development project and want the state to fulfill its promise to Dorchester."

1. You support the development project on its merits: Transit Oriented Development, SMART Growth, and Affordable Housing.

2. You support the development project because it will provide sorely needed commercial space and revitalize an urban business district that has huge potential but is currently woefully under-developed.

The officials to call are:
· Senator Jack Hart: 617-722-1150
· Rep. Linda Dorcena Forry: 617-722- 2460
· Councilor Maureen Feeney: 617-635- 3455
· Councilor Charles Yancey: 617-635- 3131
· Mayor Thomas Menino: 617-635- 4819
· Doug Foy, Secretary of Comm. Development: contact: Rob Garrity: 617-573- 1379

Thank you for your help!

Sincerely,