Amorello: Why the Big Dig Hasn’t Helped Air Pollution-Yet
Friday, March 02, 2012
Why is it coming up short? Because the there ramp parcels in downtown Boston have yet to be covered. The state is legally obligated to cover these ramps and by covering them can complete the compliance requirements set by MassDEP, Massachusetts state law and federal air quality standards.
When I was at the Turnpike Authority released three requests for proposals to cover the three ramp locations along the Artery in downtown Boston, the northern end by the North End, the middle ramps near the Dock Square parking garage, and the southern ramp parcel located in front of One International Place. Each of these parcels received some very exciting proposals that not only would meet the state's legal requirement to cover the ramps but provide Boston some new venues for residents and visitors alike.
The accepted proposal for the North End ramp parcel was a new location for the Greater Boston YMCA Headquarters which would include Y offices, recreational and neighborhood service facilities such as day care and gymnasium. Unfortunately early last year the Y removed itself from the project. The Y as part of its decision making removed itself, cited costs associated with covering the ramps. I am sure other factors played a role, no doubt raising funds in this extremely down economy would be a challenge.
The middle ramps were designated for the Boston Museum project. The Boston Museum had and incredible proposal that included a building that looked like the hull of a sailing ship. Again the building location would cover the ramps and provide the region with an new cultural institution to celebrate our history, and provide visitors to Boston a focal point to their visit, located near the Walk to the Sea, Freedom Trail, and the National Parks Visitor kiosk leading to the Boston Harbor Islands. The Board of Directors of the Museum project is who's who of Boston movers and shakers, the folks that have the reputation of "getting things done". But they too have pulled out of the location claiming the costs associated with covering the ramps was problematic to the $150 million dollar budget they have planned for the project. They have since been designated by the state for another parcel located in the foot print of the CA/T project known as Parcel 9. Parcel 9 is a nice location but it would be better for a commercial project as opposed to a non profit.
The third ramp parcel located by One International Place was designated for the "New Center for the Performing Arts". Another project with a spectacularly designed building, and a Board of Directors that is made of some of the most prominent people in Boston real estate circles. The Center would provide a first class venue for the performing arts as well as a gallery for rotating art exhibits.
The Center is planned to celebrate the cultural diversity of the Commonwealth. It too is being challenged by the cost of covering the ramps.
Each one of these projects would have provided hundreds of construction jobs, new jobs at the facilities once they were open, provided the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway with iconic buildings brought thousands of people into the parks for 18 hours a day, and meet the clean air commitments in covering the ramps.
What a shame these proposed projects have not moved forward in the last several years. What a shame that with $800 billion in stimulus money passed in 2009 the state and the proponents could not have formed a public private partnership to secure the funding, or at the very least the funding to meet the legal obligation of covering the ramps and improving the air quality in downtown.
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