April 12, 2007
Ms. Kristin Kara, Economic Development
Boston Redevelopment Authority
One City Hall Square
Boston, MA 02201-1007
Subject: 311 Summer Street
Dear Ms. Kara:
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Small Project Review Application for 311 Summer Street. The Boston Groundwater Trust was established by the Boston City Council to monitor groundwater levels in sections of the City where the integrity of building foundations is threatened by lowered groundwater levels and to make recommendations for solving the problem. As such, my comments are limited to groundwater related issues.
The project is located in the area that the Authority has recommended to the Boston Zoning Commission be included in an expanded Groundwater Conservation Overlay District. Although this project is not covered by the proposed zoning because it has already begun the zoning process, it would be helpful for the proponents to at least address the groundwater issue. Although it does not appear that there will be any work below existing groundwater levels that would have the potential to cause a reduction in those levels, it would be helpful if the proponent would explicitly address this point. As you know, the version of the GCOD proposed for the Fort Point Channel area does not require recharge, but only requires that projects not have the ability to cause a reduction in local groundwater levels.
I look forward to continuing to work with the Authority and local residents and developers to maintain adequate groundwater levels in the Fort Point area.
Very truly yours,
Elliott Laffer
Executive Director
Cc: Kathleen Pederson, BRA
Maura Zlody, BED
