July 24, 2007
Mr. Jay Rourke, Project Manager
Boston Redevelopment Authority
One City Hall Square
Boston, MA 02201-1007
Subject: Emerson College Colonial Residence Hall
Dear Mr. Rourke:
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Project Notification Form for the Colonial Residence Hall at Emerson College. 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.
I was pleased to see the acknowledgement in the PNF that the project would have to meet the Groundwater Conservation Overlay District requirements of Article 32. Although the PNF speaks of capturing rainwater in a basement tank and then discharging it into the BWSC drainage system at a reduced rate, I was also pleased that the proponent agreed at the scoping session that Emerson would have to provide recharge to meet the zoning requirements. I look forward to seeing the result of their decision on whether to provide that discharge on the Boylston Street or Allens Alley side of the building.
I look forward to working with the proponent and the Authority to assure that this project can have only a positive effect on groundwater levels in the area.
Very truly yours,
Elliott Laffer
Executive Director
Cc: Kathleen Pederson, BRA
Maura Zlody, BED
