MAC: Impact of MBTA Proposals on Canton

DID YOU KNOW …

The proposed MBTA fare hikes and service changes will have a major impact on all Canton residents, especially on senior citizens and people with disabilities living in Canton. If passed, the scenarios would be implemented on July 1, 2012. The following three scenarios have the most impact on Canton: 1. There will be no commuter rail service to Canton after 10 p.m. Monday to Friday on both the Providence and Stoughton lines and no weekend commuter rail service at all to Canton; 2. The historic Cobb’s Corner to Mattapan bus, descended from a streetcar line that served Washington Street in the early 1900s and still currently known by many as the “JBL Bus,” will be eliminated; 3. Canton customers of “The Ride” para-transit service get put in premium territory and will have to pay $12 a ticket every time they use The Ride.

According to the office of Senator Brian A. Joyce, there will be a number of public hearings for Canton residents and town officials to attend to express and voice their concerns over the fare increase and proposed changes affecting the town of Canton and its residents.

The Canton Fire Department has announced that open burning season began on January 15 and will run through May 1. Anyone interested in burning brush or leaves must apply for a permit.

The John F. Kennedy School will be holding its Annual Winter Fling on Saturday, February 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be games, prizes, crafts, raffles, and much more. So come on down for fun for the whole family.

MAC hates to say it, but the average price for a gallon of gasoline has now reached $3.43, which is 35 cents per gallon higher than it was at this time last year and 65 cents higher than 2010.

When school is in session, MAC often eats lunch at the Chateau de Bleu at the Blue Hills Regional School, and he suggests you try it. The menu changes daily, and whatever they serve, it is excellent and very reasonably priced. Entrees are only $5.95. They also have an excellent selection of pastries.

Nomination papers have become available at the Town Clerk’s office for Canton’s annual town election on April 3. The last day to obtain nomination papers is February 10 at 5 p.m., and completed papers containing the signatures of at least 50 registered voters must be returned to the clerk’s office by February 14 at 7 p.m.

The Annual Town Meeting is scheduled to begin on Thursday, April 30, in the Canton High School Auditorium. The meeting will continue every Monday and Wednesday until all warrant articles are voted on.

The Chestnut Hill Mall (Atrium Mall) is up for sale. The mall has seen an exodus of customers to the newer Natick Mall and Legacy Place in Dedham.

The selectmen recently voted to merge the Canton Animal Control Department into the Canton Police Department. Animal Control Officer Nadya Branca, an academy-trained officer, will now serve as a special police officer with powers of enforcement and arrest.

The Massachusetts Oxycontin and Heroin Commission reported that in 2009, 3,265 people died of opiate-related overdoses in Massachusetts. According to the district attorney’s office, in Norfolk County in 2011, 60 deaths were reported from opiate-related overdoses. A single tablet of oxycontin sells for about $20 on the street. Many users are committing crimes such as burglaries to fuel their habit. In the last several years, many towns have seen an increase in crime in all areas. Drugs are a big problem, even in the suburbs.

The Hostess Brands Company, makers of the popular Twinkies, Sno-Balls, and Wonder Bread, is seeking bankruptcy protection. The 87-year-old company is fighting a battle over rising labor costs, increased competition, and a more health-conscious America.

The word “news” came from the first letters of the words north, east, west, and south. This was because information was being gathered from all different directions … and now you know the rest of the story.

We don’t always get what we deserve, but we often get what we ask for.

This is all for now folks. See you next week.

Joe DeFelice can be reached at manaboutcanton@aol.com.

Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=11294

Posted by Joe DeFelice on Feb 1 2012. Filed under Featured Content, Man About Canton, Opinion. Both comments and pings are currently closed.