Documents: Letters

BGwT comment letter to MEPA re: Lovejoy Wharf

February 8, 2005

Ms. Heather Campisano, Project Manager
Boston Redevelopment Authority
One City Hall Square
Boston, MA 02201-1007

Subject: Olmsted Green Project Notification Form

Dear Ms. Campisano:

The Boston Groundwater Trust was established by the Boston City Council to monitor groundwater levels in those sections of the city where foundations supported by wooden pilings are threatened with deterioration because of declining groundwater levels and to make recommendations about ways to solve the problem. As such, our comments are limited to groundwater issues.

Because the project is not located in a section of the city where wood pilings support building foundations, we would normally not comment on Olmsted Green. However, I would like to specifically commend the proponent for proposing the use of pervious pavements in the driveways and parking areas. This approach, which has not been used widely in Boston, has the potential to provide significant groundwater recharge in places where that potential resource has been channeled to the stormwater sewer system. A successful application will serve to encourage others, especially in areas where wooden pilings are used, to install similar systems.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment. We eagerly await the results of this application of pervious pavement.

Very truly yours,

Elliott Laffer
Executive Director

Cc: John Walser, BRA
Para Jayasinghe, City Engineer