Meeting Minutes
SRA Construction update meeting:
Senior Center—27 Maple Street
November 19th, 2007
Sandi Wolchansky, SRA’s Development Manager introduced representatives from SRA, JPI, the NASDI and Kevin Nigro, the Designated Town Representative.
Sandi Wolchansky: SRA Development Manager
Michael Salguero: JPI Development
Jake Upton: SRA Development
Mark Theriault: JPI Construction
John Greeley: NPP Coordinator
Jeff Sullivan: JPI Development
Chris Berardi: President, North American Site Developers, Inc.
The meeting began with a welcome from Sandi Wolchansky where Sandi explained that she would be transitioning out of her role as the development manager for Arlington360, and that it would be Doug Manz that will be taking the lead on the project through its completion.
John Greeley, the NPP Coordinator, then began by explaining his role in the process. Mr. Greeley explained that he would be the primary point of contact for the neighbors and the DTR for all matters relating to NPP compliance. He then elaborated on his experience with the expansion of route 3 and the big dig, and indicated that he looked forward to working with the town, neighbors, and the development/construction teams. Mr. Greeley went on to state that all further correspondence with the development team and/or JPI Construction should go through either himself of the DTR, Kevin Nigro, so that they may ensure that all correspondence is addressed in a timely manner, in accordance with the NPP.
Mark Theriault then gave a brief update from the construction group. He stated that there has been no rodent activity found by Waltham Services to date. He went on to explain that with regards to erosion control, the silt fence/hay bail line was in place. Mark stated that the perimeter fencing required by the NPP is 75% complete. Mark explained that abatement was between 80 – 90% complete. He indicated that barring any unforeseen difficulties demolition is estimated to begin the week of 12/10.
Mark continued by introducing JPI Construction’s demolition contractor NASDI. He described NASDI as a local company, based in Waltham, with a breadth of experience with small and large-scale projects, emphasizing their work in areas more sensitive to demolition and dust control. Mark then explained the sequence of demolition in more detail. The main hospital will be demolished first, then the nurse’s building will be addressed. The demolition contractor’s sequence of operations will be as follows: interior demo - exterior façade - structure - subsurface. Mark then explained that the machinery to be used for this demolition will be primarily excavators (claw) pulling down the building piece-by-piece. The excavators are oversized and JPIC/NASDI will be coordinating with town and state officials to schedule this delivery off-hours. Mark further emphasized the work hours in the NPP – 7AM to 4PM.
Mark discussed the issue of dust mitigation during the demolition of the existing structure. He indicated SRA and JPIC’s consultants, Blackstone Environmental and Diversified Environmental, would be responsible for monitoring the dust. He then explained that the demolition contractor has had extensive experience working with the Department of Environmental Protection with regards to dust mitigation. The demo contractor discussed the use of a state of the art misting machine that sprays a fine mist over the area being demolished to suppress dust. NASDI representatives stated that there is a biodegradable additive used with the mister to prevent freezing during cold weather. NASDI also indicated that it recently purchased a fire-truck for additional dust control should that be necessary.
The first question from the audience was with regards to the timing of opening of the gates at Summer Street and the idling policy in this area. Mark explained that the Summer Street gate would be opened around 6:30 am and that all contractors will be notified of the no-idling policy. The neighbor also raised a concern that the small grassy area along the driveway at Summer Street would be used by idling vehicles, Mark indicated that he could put barriers or boulders in place to deal with this issue.
NASDI was asked a three-part question: “what are you taking off site? Are you recycling materials? Are you processing anything on-site?” Chris Berardi answered by explaining that there will not be any “processing” on-site, despite previous discussions. He explained that they would be extensive segregation of materials. He went on to state that any coated materials would be trucked out of state, and all metal will go to Everett for processing/recycling. Mark Theriault indicated that JPI Construction intends on using materials from the site work as opposed to using concrete from the demolition phase.
NASDI was then asked a follow-up question “what is the exact biodegradable product you’ll be using for dust suppression?” SRA, JPIC, and NASDI did not have the product’s name on hand but indicated that they would make available the specifications of the additive.
Sandi was asked a question about JPI’s future use pre-construction video surveys and the processing time of the reports. Sandi differed this question to Jeff Sullivan and he indicated that he expected the surveys to be sent via FedEx to each residence after the Thanksgiving holiday. Sandi followed-up his comments with a note that SRA will not be reviewing these documents for any purpose other than to determine potential issues that might arise, and as documentation of existing conditions prior to demolition.
A member of the audience asked about the residents that wanted their properties to be surveyed and have been denied. Kevin Nigro, the DTR, indicated those residents that feel strongly about having Wolsey Associates complete a pre-demo survey of their home would be able to do so, but at a direct cost to the homeowner. Mark Theriault added his experience that pre-demo video surveys are uncommon in any structure that is not directly adjacent to an existing structure. He went on to state that the 250’ survey zone is typically used only for blasting surveys. He indicated that the DTR and Inspectional services were involved in the selection and approval of the list of homes. Sandi added that JPI could help facilitate the scheduling of any additional surveys through the DTR and the NPP Coordinator.
A member of the audience asked a follow-up question regarding what she felt was an arbitrary selection process. Mark Theriault further explained that this process was not arbitrary and that SRA worked with the DTR and Inspectional Services, as well as the board of health, to determine the homes to be surveyed by SRA for pre-construction surveys.
Another member of the audience asked if there would be surveys conducted for both demolition and blasting. Mark explained that these surveys could stand in for the blasting surveys in the future, but that SRA and JPIC would need to address this later when a blasting contractor has been hired. Mark then explained the difference between the surveys for blasting and demolition. While they both use a 250’ radius, the scope of work is different and in some instances the blasting will take place closer to Woodside Lane and Summer Street, as opposed to the removal of a building in a central location on the site. Mark stated that he should have further information on the blasting contractor at the next meeting on February 4, 2008. JPIC and SRA will have preliminary discussions with the DTR and inspectional services in early to mid-January regarding the scope of the blasting surveys.
A member of the audience was concerned about the effect that construction will have on traffic in the area. The question was posed whether JPIC or SRA would consider opening both gates to traffic for the commuting contractors NOT trucks or equipment. The concern is whether the traffic on Summer Street would be adversely effected by the start of work. Mark responded by asking if the neighbors noticed any difference over the past few weeks. He went on to explain that over the past few weeks there have been up to sixty (60) contractors on site – which represents about 25% to 30% of the total construction crews in full production mode. The DTR and JPIC/SRA took the concern under advisement.
A neighbor was concerned about the presence of the town’s gas main line on the site with demo and site work slated to take place in the coming months. Mark responded by informing the gentleman that Keyspan has shut-off all supply to the property.
A neighbor at 23 Vista Circle was concerned about a damaged tree hanging from an adjacent tree. JPI Construction responded by asking the gentleman to leave his name and number at the end of the meeting and they would look into it for him.
A resident on Summer Street requested that some of the vegetation be cut back or “buzzed”. Mark mentioned that he’d look into this further.
A member of the audience asked that SRA summarize any and all conservation issues with Clarissa. Mark answered this question by explaining that she inspected and made some recommendations as to where fencing/hay bails should be placed. Mark also explained the conservation easements laid out in the NPP and the special permit. Mark further emphasized that SRA was primarily building on disturbed land.
There were two subsequent questions regarding fencing. The first was “how long will the fencing going to be up?” Mark responded twenty (20) months. There will be a permanent 6’ stockade fence in some areas.
Joe Curro asked whether Kevin O’Brien had the results of the Woodside Lane sidewalk vote. Kevin O’Brien could not comment yes or no at that time.
A concerned neighbor asked about the location of the bulletin boards and whether they may be more advantageous to the residents in another location closer to Summer Street. Kevin Nigro insinuated that we planned this location intentionally but we would evaluate the location and look to enhance the ease of use.
At this point, Mike Salguero began his summary of the “Temporary T-Mobile Tower” update. Mike explained that the tower is 80’ tall and will be located on the North side of the site by the staff parking area. He further indicated that because of the nature of the existing agreement, SRA has limited rights with regards to placement of this temporary tower.
There was a question about the appearance of the tower: “will this be one of those faux-tree looking towers or free standing?” Mike described that this will be a temporary, 80’ tall, freestanding tower, colored such that it will blend in with a blue and/or grey sky.
There was a follow-up question as to the appearance of the tower: “will there be an equipment building on site servicing this location?” Mike answered that there would be a structure housing the mechanical equipment, but that it will have a minimal impact. Jake Upton added that the height of the tower was engineered so as to have a single point for line of sight communications.
A resident asked whether ledge played a role in JPI Construction’s decision to use an excavator to demolish the building rather than other methods of demolition. Mark Theriault’s answer was that vibrations during demolition would be insignificant according to the reports SRA has received.
A resident concerned about snow removal asked about JPI Construction intentions for snow plowing during the winter months. Mark’s response was that demolition will be taking place during the winter months, and that he will only be plowing the points of egress and the immediate vicinity of the building. JPIC does not intend on plowing all of the parking lots at this time.
A resident asked about a water easement in the vicinity of 145-149 Brattle Street, where a “trickling stream” is persistent. JPIC’s comment was that SRA does not intend on removing an easement in this area and that the resident may want to speak with DTR or the DPW for further information.
A neighbor asked whether the storm water management plan would “take care” of the underground spring on-site. JPIC and SRA explained that they have no intention of doing anything with this spring”. The geotechnical engineer’s fracture report with special emphasis on oil-seepage did not indicate this as an action item.
A resident asked where renderings of the park, buildings, and overall site plan could be found. SRA and the DTR responded that they are at the town library for public viewing.
SRA and JPIC stayed around afterwards for questions from the community.
If there are any corrections or changes to this document, please contact
Mike Salguero at Michael.salguero@jpi.com
|
