The Department of Revenue has produced new guidelines about the application of the software services tax. These are draft guidelines which are still subject to change. The important idea in the new interpretation, which is an idea that I had been pushing, is that the tax should apply to modifications of pre-written software only when …
Author Archives: Will Brownsberger
Bikepath from Belmont to Alewife Opening
The long awaited direct bike path connection from Belmont (next to where the Fitchburg line crosses Brighton Street — click for map) to Alewife is open! The overall project is in its final phase of construction, with connections to Cambridge Park Drive (previously open as a detour) and into the marsh currently closed. But you …
The Software Services Tax
I was pleased to report the successful completion of legislative efforts to pass a transportation funding package. It represented the main product of the first leg of the legislative session and was a very necessary and difficult thing to do. I fully supported it and accept full responsibility for every element of it. Unfortunately, it …
Fitchburg Line Shutdown
We’ve recently received expressions of concern about plans for the Fitchburg line to shut down during certain weekends to support construction activities. For more detail, please see the MBTA’s page on the issue. Overall, I don’t think this is a case of bureaucratic arrogance or incompetence. The MBTA actually does have a finite number of …
Public mtg for contraflow lane on Hemenway St.
Passing on a notice from the Boston Cyclists Union —————————————————- Cyclists in the Fenway neighborhood have a fabulous opportunity to host the first contraflow bike lane in the City of Boston on Hemenway Street. All you have to do, as a resident of the neighborhood or regular user of Hemenway, is attend a public meeting …
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The Governor’s Veto of the Transportation Plan
The legislature is tying up the last loose ends of the budget process. The year’s debate about taxes and spending is coming to a close. The final flurry came when the Governor vetoed the legislature’s transportation plan, expressing concern that tolls on the turnpike outside of 128 might come down. Under existing law, there is …
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