Disability Board Presses City on Blue Hill Ave Redesign

Disability Commission Advisory Board · Meeting of September 23, 2026

Boston disability board presses city on $124 million Blue Hill Avenue redesign, flags two access gaps. A Boston Transportation Department planner told the Disability Commission Advisory Board the corridor project, serving 40,000 daily bus riders, could begin construction as early as 2028, though he expects that date to slip. Board member Carl Richardson, who is deaf-blind, challenged plans for center-island bus platforms: "How do you know they're there?" Member Richard Glewski pressed on cyclist noise for hearing-impaired pedestrians: "It's not like a bicycle rider has a horn that, you know, even I can hear." Separately, Commissioner Kristen McClash said her office has spent "years" fighting for elevator access near Summer Street, and member Olivia Richard flagged that the Boston Housing Authority's new Butterfly MX door system is inaccessible to blind visitors.

Chief of staff Andrea Patton announced her departure to lead staff at Boston Centers for Youth and Families.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 3,615 words

Source: the Disability Commission Advisory Board meeting of September 23, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.