|
|
Newsletter #11 December 19, 2021 |
In this cold time of year, stay healthy and cozy!
Conservation Commission (ConCom) – IQHQ Notice of Intent (NOI) Continuation Meeting Monday, Dec 20, 7:00pm, on Zoom
On Monday, Dec 20 at 7:00pm, the City of Cambridge Conservation Commission will again discuss the effects of IQHQ’s site plans during and after construction, such as:
-
if the Alewife Brook floods onto their site,
-
how rainwater leaves their site during heavy storms, and
-
on wetlands, wildlife and habitat
ASG has met with IQHQ along with Friends of Jerry’s Pond in several small focused discussions to push IQHQ to do more than they originally planned regarding flood and rain storage on site, including finding ways to reduce the digging of contaminated soil and the loss of trees, while still meeting their legal requirements. IQHQ has been very responsive to our input and made these changes:
-
reduce digging of soil by about 50% in the contaminated four-acre open space area,
-
reduce cutting of mature trees from 218 to 112,
-
add stormwater storage to Whittemore Ave parking lots,
-
add green and purple roofs to plans even before the city green roof ordinance went into effect,
-
change the design and location of the parking garage, and
-
change grading to allow more stormwater to pool and be retained on site.
We continue to push for saving more high-value trees and for additional reductions in stormwater run-off. Some of these changes can be made administratively, even if the ConCom approves IQHQ’s overall plans, which may happen at this meeting.
To attend the ComCom meeting on Zoom, register at:: https://cambridgema.zoom.us/
Even if you choose not to speak, attending the meeting shows community interest. Large community attendance at the previous two ConCom meetings about the IQHQ site have resulted in more careful attention to issues important to our community.
There will be Conservation Commission meetings later next year to discuss the proposed changes around Jerry’s Pond.
For more information about ConCom and IQHQ’s NOI, see the ASG November 10 Newsletter
ASG comments to MEPA about IQHQ’s ENF
On December 13, ASG submitted a formal comment to the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act office (MEPA) regarding IQHQ’s Environmental Notice Form (ENF). As a reminder, the ENF process is required because of the estimated traffic generated by IQHQ’s project.
As a part of the state’s review process, IQHQ will need an access permit from MassDOT to utilize the Alewife Brook Parkway access road. This access permit is necessary for IQHQ to avoid routing all traffic through Whittemore Ave.
ASG’s comment gave our public support for IQHQ’s efforts so that they can secure the MassDOT access permit, recognizing that there are many details which still need to be ironed out as a part of Cambridge’s permitting process.
We additionally flagged the Alewife Station Access Road tunnel that passes under Alewife Brook Parkway to the west of the IQHQ site and to the north of Alewife station as an important connection point for pedestrians and cyclists. To improve these connections, ASG asks that MassDOT install bike/pedestrian lanes in both directions in this tunnel and on the access road along the Alewife station garage.
ASG’s entire comment letter to MEPA can be found on the ASG website in the [Regulations section] of the Explore Issues menu.
For more information about MEPA and IQHQ’s Environmental Notification Form (ENF), see the ASG November 10 Newsletter
ASG Newsletter
ASG will send email updates about once a month during this busy time in the development of the IQHQ site.
Click here for previous ASG Newsletters
Anyone can sign up for this newsletter by completing the Contact Form at the bottom of the ASG home page: alewife.org We also welcome your questions, comments, ideas, and offers of help!