March 30, 2006
Ms. Maria Faria, Assistant Director for Housing
Boston Redevelopment Authority
One City Hall Square
Boston, MA 02201
Subject: 79 Chandler Street
Dear Ms. Faria:
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Small Projects Review Application for 79 Chandler Street. The Boston Groundwater Trust was established by the Boston City Council to monitor groundwater levels in sections of the City where foundations are threatened by lowered groundwater levels and to make recommendations for solving the problem. As such, our comments are limited to groundwater related issues.
This is an important application because it is one of the first projects to be subject to the new Groundwater Conservation Overlay District zoning. In addition, it is in a particularly sensitive location, very close to buildings that have had documented groundwater related problems.
I was very pleased to hear the proponent state at the public meeting on March 14 that he would comply with the provisions of the GCOD and was pleased to have that reiterated during a telephone conversation with his geotechnical engineer. Because we have not yet seen how and where they propose to install the required recharge system, I cannot comment on its adequacy. This will have to be demonstrated to the Zoning Board of Appeals in order for the project to receive its conditional use permit.
I was also pleased to hear that the proponent maintains that the existing basement is dry. As part of the GCOD requirements, the proponent will be required to demonstrate that the proposed project will not cause a lowering of the groundwater level on the site or on abutting properties. The project extends a significant distance below ground level. It will be important to show that it is watertight and will be designed so that it will not ever pump groundwater.
Once again, I am pleased with the commitment of the proponent to meet the requirements. I look forward to working with the project team and the Authority in any way that we can help to meet these requirements and assure that the project can make a positive contribution to recharging the groundwater resource in the area.
Very truly yours,
Elliott Laffer
Executive Director
Cc: John Walser, BRA
Maura Zlody, BED
