Changes sought for Massport
Lawmakers want a say for neighbors

By Cynthia Roy, Globe Correspondent, 5/20/2003

Nearly a year after the Legislature rejected an overhaul of the Massachusetts Port Authority, a group of state lawmakers is again trying to change the oft-criticized agency charged with running Logan International Airport.

The latest proposal calls for forming a citizens advisory board similar to the ones that oversee the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority and the MBTA. The board would be composed of one representative from 21 communities around the state including Chelsea, Revere, Everett, and Worcester, and five from Boston. A hearing on the bill is planned today before the Joint Committee on Transportation.

Creating an advisory board would give the communities near Logan and Massport's other properties -- Hanscom Field, Worcester Regional Airport, and the Tobin Bridge -- a voice at the table, said Representative Robert A. DeLeo, a Winthrop Democrat and the lead sponsor of the measure.

''Communities have no say in planning or operations and they have to deal with the constant noise,'' he said.

One member of the advisory board would serve on the Massport board of directors, currently a seven-member panel appointed by the governor. The board would also oversee the authority's annual expenses.

Senator Steven A. Baddour, a Methuen Democrat and cochair of the Joint Committee on Transportation, said he is open to airing concerns of the bill's proponents, but is hesitant to pass any bill that could cost the state money.

''The burden is going to be on the proponents to show a real need for another board,'' Baddour said.

Massport officials see no need for such a board. ''Massport has a strong history of good relations with the citizens in the community,'' said Massport spokesman Jose Juvez. ''This is not something that is looked on favorably.''

But many citizens disagree. Donald Levi, cochair of the South Shore Jet Pollution Council, said he hopes the Legislature will take note of the neighbors' concerns.

''I think it's certainly appropriate to have the communities that are impacted involved in what Massport does,'' Levi said.

This story ran on page B2 of the Boston Globe on 5/20/2003.
© Copyright 2003 Globe Newspaper Company.
==========
**NOTICE: In accordance with 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.** ==========