The Gateway Development Commission (GDC) is facing criticism for its upcoming formal meeting scheduled for tomorrow, where public participation will be severely restricted. While commissioners will convene remotely via telephone, members of the public will be unable to provide live comments or engage directly in the proceedings. Instead, they can only watch the meeting through a video stream, with the opportunity to submit prerecorded video statements or advance written statements, which do not facilitate real-time interaction.
The resolutions that will be voted on during the meeting will not be made available until shortly before the event, raising concerns about transparency and public involvement. Advocates argue that if commissioners can call in remotely, the public should be afforded the same opportunity. Alternatively, since GDC staff will be present in person, allowing public attendance could enhance engagement and understanding of the meeting’s agenda.
Public access to information about the GDC’s activities is another point of contention. Monthly reports, known as Project Management Oversight Contractor (PMOC) reports, track construction progress and costs associated with the Gateway Program. Additionally, Quarterly Progress Reports are generated for any change orders exceeding $100,000. These documents are crucial for public accountability and should be made publicly available as soon as they are completed, rather than being limited to internal government entities such as the GDC and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
Tom Prendergast, the GDC’s Chief Executive Officer, has expressed his willingness to publish the PMOC reports, suggesting that the responsibility lies with the FTA to do so. Following his confirmation last month, Marc Molinaro, the new leader of the FTA and former congressman, should take immediate action to ensure that these reports are accessible online.
There is a pressing need for the FTA to establish a comprehensive document library that includes each monthly report for every project across the country. This would allow the public to track expenditures and project developments transparently. With billions in public funding at stake, it is essential for citizens to understand how their money is being utilized.
In light of these developments, the GDC is urged to reconsider its approach to public engagement and transparency. Allowing live comments and ensuring that critical reports are readily available could foster greater trust and collaboration between the commission and the communities it serves. As the meeting approaches, advocates continue to call for changes that reflect the public’s right to engage in significant infrastructure discussions.
