December 18, 2006
Mr. Rodney Sinclair, Economic Development
Boston Redevelopment Authority
One City Hall Square
Boston, MA 02201-1007
Subject: 179 Lincoln Street
Dear Mr. Sinclair:
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the expanded Project Notification Form for 179 Lincoln Street. The Boston Groundwater Trust was established by the Boston City Council to monitor groundwater levels in areas of the City where the integrity of building foundations is threatened by reduced groundwater levels and to make recommendations for solving the problem. As such, my comments are restricted to groundwater related issues.
As is noted in the PNF, the project is located within the Groundwater Conservation Overlay District, and the building itself is supported on wood pilings. The groundwater recharge requirements of the GCOD are important to help maintain adequate groundwater levels to protect the wooden pilings supporting many of the nearby buildings in the Leather District. It appears, as stated in the PNF, that the project has been designed so that it cannot have an adverse impact on groundwater levels since there is minimal below water table work, all penetrations will be permanently waterproofed or sealed, and there are to be no underdrains or pumping after construction..
As the proponent stated in the scoping session, he is having some difficulty siting a recharge system because the existing structure covers the entire lot and because of the density of underground utilities in the area. I appreciate the proponents promise to work toward finding a satisfactory resolution to this difficulty and look forward to working with the proponent in this effort.
I believe that, working together, the proponent, the Authority, and the Trust will be able to resolve this issue and assure that the project can make only a positive contribution to overcoming groundwater issues in Boston.
Very truly yours,
Elliott Laffer
Executive Director
Cc: Maura Zlody, BED
