March 13, 2008
Mr. Jay Rourke, Senior Project Manager
Boston Redevelopment Authority
One City Hall Square
Boston, MA 02201-1007
Subject: 316-322 Summer Street
Dear Mr. Rourke:
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Notice of Project Change for 316-322 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 restricted to groundwater related issues.
As noted in the NPC, the project is now included in the Groundwater Conservation Overlay District, which was expanded to include the Fort Point Channel neighborhood of South Boston in 2007. Based on the information in the NPC and subsequent conversations Ruth Silman of Nixon Peabody, the proponent is in agreement that the requirements of the GCOD apply to the project.
The key mandate of the GCOD in the Fort Point Channel neighborhood is that the proponent demonstrate that the project cannot cause a reduction in groundwater levels on the site and adjoining lots. I look forward to seeing the stamped letter from an engineer licensed in Massachusetts that shows the steps that the proponent will take on this project to assure that the standard will be met. I am pleased that the proponent has asserted that the project will comply.
The provision of a recharge system is not required by the GCOD in the Fort Point Channel neighborhood. However, I am pleased that the proponent has pledged to investigate the feasibility of providing some recharge at the planned plaza along A Street. I hope that they will find a way to provide some recharge there.
I look forward to working with the proponent and the Authority to make sure that the requirements of Article 32 are met.
Very truly yours,
Elliott Laffer
Executive Director
Cc: Kathleen Pederson, BRA
Maura Zlody, BED
