Town of Brookline

Yesterday Town Administrator Chas Carey joined Gov. Healey, Secretary Tibbetts-Nutt, MBTA General Manager Eng, Senators Warren and Markey, our federal partners at the FTA and other state and local officials to celebrate the $67 million federal grant for Green Line accessibility. “This award is a major leap for public transit accessibility in Brookline and beyond. Ensuring meaningful accessibility to our residents and visitors is crucial to Brookline’s continued growth as a nationally renowned community for people of all backgrounds to live, work, explore, and enjoy. The Town is grateful to the FTA, the Healy-Driscoll Administration, our congressional delegation, the MBTA, and all the federal and local staff who made this incredible opportunity a reality.”

Today Brookline, along with the rest of the Commonwealth, celebrates 20 years of marriage equality. On that historic day of inclusion, May 17, 2004, the Town Clerk’s office received 76 intentions of marriage for same sex couples. By the end of 2004, 187 marriage licenses were issued by the Town Clerk’s office to same sex couples. Making Brookline history on that day were Robyn Ochs and Peg Preble. The first same sex couple to be married in Brookline (and rumor has it, the second in the state), had their story covered by the Washington Post. Robyn Ochs recounts that day, expressing its significance to both them and their spouse, and reflecting on the unexpected display of love and support from friends, family, town staff, and even strangers on the street. The Town of Brookline will continue to celebrate marriage equality with Pride Month events in June at the Public Libraries of Brookline and inclusive Pride Crosswalks being painted by GSA students and their families in collaboration with the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Community Relations and Department of Public Works at various school locations.