April 12, 2007
Ms. Katelyn Sullivan, Program Assistant
Boston Redevelopment Authority
One City Hall Square
Boston, MA 02201-1007
Subject: Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
Dear Ms. Sullivan:
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Project Notification Form for the Tufts School of Dental Medicine. 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 within the Groundwater Conservation Overlay District. Under Article 32, it qualifies as a substantial renovation and is required to provide the specified amount of groundwater recharge. While the project is a vertical addition that has no below grade excavation and thus will not negatively affect groundwater levels, the recharge requirement still applies.
I look forward to working with the proponent and the Authority to help find the best location for recharge so that the project can join others in helping to raise groundwater levels in the area of concern.
Very truly yours,
Elliott Laffer
Executive Director
Cc: Kathleen Pederson, BRA
Maura Zlody, BED
