Oct. 11, 2006
Mr. John Fitzgerald
Boston Redevelopment Authority
One City Hall Square
Boston, MA 02201
Subject: Apple Computer Store, 815 Boylston Street
Dear Mr. Fitzgerald:
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Application for Article 80 Small Project Review for the proposed Apple store. The Boston Groundwater Trust was established by the Boston City Council to monitor groundwater levels in sections of the City where building foundations are threatened by lowered groundwater levels and to make recommendations for solving the problem. Therefore, my comments are limited to groundwater related issues.
I was pleased to note that the application acknowledges that the project is located within the Groundwater Conservation Overlay District established under Article 32, and that the proponents will seek the required conditional use permit. Although the application does not say how the requirements of the GCOD will be met, I was pleased to hear the proponents state at the public meeting that they plan to meet the recharge requirement with engineered systems to be constructed on the project site, under the area to be occupied by the rear stairwells.
The application does not say how deep the basement will be, measured against Boston City Base. I look forward to seeing the explanation from their geotechnical engineer that shows how the project will not cause a reduction in groundwater levels on the site or on adjoining lots.
I look forward to working with the proponents and the Authority to assure that the project can have only positive effects on groundwater levels in the Back Bay.
Very truly yours,
Elliott Laffer
Executive Director
Cc: Maura Zlody, BED
