February 29, 2008
Ms. Kristin Kara, Project Manager
Boston Redevelopment Authority
One City Hall Square
Boston, MA 02201-1007
Subject: 5-10 St. George Street
Dear Ms. Kara:
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Small Project Review Application for 5-10 St. George 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 low groundwater levels and to make recommendations for solving the problem. As such, my comments are restricted to groundwater related issues.
The project is located within the area covered by the Groundwater Conservation Overlay District and appears to fall within its restrictions. The zoning analysis offered in the SPRA does not acknowledge that the project is in the GCOD. The document does not discuss how the project, which includes a single level underground garage, will comply with the GCOD requirements to not cause a reduction in groundwater levels on the site or on adjacent lots. It also does not discuss how the project will meet the recharge requirements of the GCOD.
Without the information that has not been included in the SPRA, it is impossible to determine the project’s potential impact on groundwater levels or whether it will comply with the requirements of Article 32.
Very truly yours,
Elliott Laffer
Executive Director
Cc: Kathleen Pederson, BRA
Maura Zlody, BED
