New Security Measures could make Providence Bay more Secure: A plan to bring additional security cameras and radar to the shipping port in Providence could make the port one of the most secure ports in the country. The additional technology would give officials the ability to watch virtually every ship from the Atlantic all the way into the port. The equipment will come from Raytheon Co., who will provide four cameras and a limited radar system for the port. Source: Providence Journal
New Oversight Bill Excludes Private Development: Governor Deval Patrick recently signed a bill that required independent oversight on any state project that cost over $50 million. Specifically, this bill was designed to prevent another fiasco such as the Big Dig. Some people, however, feel as if the bill should also apply to private developments that would have a significant impact on the city. One example would be the long delayed Columbus Center air rights project, a controversial $800 million proposal that would feature a 35-story tower and would cover Parcels 16 through 19 over the Mass. Turnpike (next to the Hancock Tower). Some argue that such a large and important project should be required to have independent oversight as well, to help prevent what has happened to the Columbus Center in the thirteen years since it was originally brought to the table (delays, insufficient funding, and broken promises). The response on Beacon Hill has been that, if that emerges as a serious issue in the future, the correct wording would be added, but, at this point, they do not feel like it is enough of a problem to do so. Source: Boston Herald
Filed under: Boston, Government, Infrastructure, Massachusetts, Providence, Rhode Island
