The Boston 2024 Olympic bid is dead. While a majority Bostonians were opposed to hosting the games I’m disappointed, but not for the reason many might suspect. I had hoped that the planning required for hosting the Olympics would spur innovative ideas on improving our infrastructure and revitalizing parts of Boston. Those opposed to the Olympic bid have insisted this can be done without hosting the games, but I would like to ask when this might happen? The last time serious investment was made in our infrastructure was when the Big Dig was approved in 1987. That project’s reputation for delays and cost overruns alongside our City Hall’s bureaucracy has stymied any serious redevelopment (excluding the Seaport) and seen little if any investment in Boston’s infrastructure and public transportation system; anyone remember the MBTA’s woes last winter?
As a South End resident promised a Silver Line subway, I’m suspicious of empty promises to invest in Boston’s infrastructure.
To those who insisted that we don’t need the Olympics to invest in our city’s and the region’s infrastructure, I’d like to ask when I can expect to see something tangible? What is it about our current political climate that should make me optimistic? If only half the energy that was spent decrying the Olympics is diverted to making improvements we should see some wonderfully innovative suggestions and plans coming forward – but for now I’m waiting.
BosGuy 
Thank the goddess we aren’t on the hook for the inevitable cost overruns, but living relatively close to the proposed ‘Olympic village’ I was so looking forward to Grindr and Scruff hook ups DAMN 😉
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All last winter, I sat here in Portland, OR, as a bus operator for our transit system, and was completely dismayed by how the MBTA was handling the snow, and how awful it must have been for everyone who relies on public transit for their livelihoods. How many hundreds of people who needed to commute from the ‘burbs to downtown (especially service workers who already have been priced out of any region of the city that might make for a more reasonable/affordable commute) faced losing their jobs because of the lack of ability on the part of the MBTA and its ancient machinery and equipment? That kind of impact on the economy of Boston is deep, and surely needs to be mitigated in the future. While I was also confused about the Olympic bid, I too, like you, saw it as an opportunity to invest in infrastructure, highways, public transit, and especially public sport and recreational facilities. While that’s now all gone, I still think it’s up to Boston and her people to find a way to modernize and bring her up to speed for this century and for many years to come.
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“If only half the energy that was spent decrying the Olympics is diverted to making improvements we should see some wonderfully innovative suggestions and plans coming forward – but for now I’m waiting.”
It took very little energy to make these games DOA in only 6 months. Testament to the paternalistic attitude and lack of marketing savvy of the Boston2024 team.
Is the political climate you refer to the one in which politicians sit back and watch non-elected self-appointed “leaders” promise University venues without even consulting the universities, offer tax breaks to a self-selected developer worth double per year the current maximum being offered and lasting twice as long (40 years!), promise taxpayers won’t be on the hook for overruns yet reveal (3 days ago) that taxpayers would actually be on the hook for half a billion dollars in already-projected shortfalls?
The deception of Boston2024 organizers goes on and on.
It’s not the “move now” for the opponents of the Boston2024 plan. It’s the move now for EVERYONE to work together to determine what we really need (as opposed to VIP highways to Foxboro) for infrastructure and neighborhood development.
The USOC yesterday did not find fault with the people of Boston for their lack of support. Rather, the USOC pointedly rebuked the Boston2024 team for misleading them and the people of Boston.
If you sit back and expect answers from others all you’ll get is being passed by.
Vote. Attend planning meetings. Email your elected politicians. Engage with people from all neighborhoods in Boston, not just the South End. You’ll see progress if you do that.
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As a regular rider on the Red Line I can tell you it needs SERIOUS improvement. First is rolling stock but even the trackway needs serious replacement.
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