DiZoglio Urges DOT Secretary & RMV to Apply the Brakes on Proposed Move in Lawrence
LAWRENCE – State Representative Diana DiZoglio (D-Methuen) is urging Richard Davey, Secretary of MassDOT, and the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) to reconsider the recent proposal by Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera to move the Lawrence RMV branch from its current location on Route 114 in South Lawrence to Downtown Lawrence.
Rivera announced last month that he was looking to use the RMV to draw people to the downtown area of Lawrence
“For many decades, our downtown has been held together by large efforts of small and family businesses, while the Commonwealth; national, regional and local store chains and even the City of Lawrence itself abandoned Essex Street and Broadway for the outskirts of our community,” Rivera said during a press conference.
Representative DiZoglio represents the South Lawrence neighborhood where the current RMV is located.
Rep. DiZoglio said in a press release Friday that she was not included in any discussions regarding the proposed move of the state agency and was not invited to the press conference.
Rep. DiZoglio said it is her responsibility to speak up on behalf of her constituents who have not had a seat at the table on this matter.
“In recent weeks, countless residents from across my district have contacted me to express their concerns about this proposed move,” said DiZoglio, who represents portions of North Andover, Methuen, Lawrence and Haverhill in the Legislature.
“On a matter of this nature, which will affect residents from across my district, and throughout the Merrimack Valley, it is critical that we work together to ensure their concerns are heard loud and clear.”
From an economic perspective, the Representative argues, it could prove counterproductive to relocate the RMV branch.
“The RMV has proven critical to the economic vitality of businesses along Route 114,” said DiZoglio. “The proposed relocation also does not take into consideration what would happen at the current site. It could create severe blight that would be detrimental to future economic development, hurting surrounding businesses located along the 114 corridor.”
Additionally, DiZoglio says the RMV relocation makes little sense when it comes to convenience for Merrimack Valley residents.
“RMV customers want free, convenient, ample parking, which the current site affords and the downtown area does not offer,” said DiZoglio. “If other nearby RMV locations have easier, more affordable access, my constituents tell me that they will likely pay their visits elsewhere.”
DiZoglio has requested that immediate attention be given to this issue and that the Secretary meet with her and other local legislators from the region whose constituents the move would impact.
DiZoglio faces two male challengers in the September 9th State Primary: Oscar Camargo and Phil DeCologero both of North Andover.