Final Environmental Impact Report - Whittier Bridge/I-95 ...

Whittier Bridge/I-95 Improvement Project FEIR
Chapter 2.0: Response to Comments on the Environmental Assessment/Draft Environmental Impact Report
MassDOT recognizes that the relocation of the I-95 northbound roadway and the elimination of the
vegetation currently existing between the roadway and the condominium property will result in an
impact to the existing visual character at the property. Consequently, MassDOT will reconstruct the
existing stone retaining wall and construct a jersey barrier topped with a snow fence and provide
vegetative screening and landscaping to mitigate the visual impact. The new retaining wall, jersey
barrier, and fence will be no closer than the existing retaining wall at the eastern edge of the I-95
ROW.
WPCA-3: Construction impact - the environmental study sights the need for some temporary right of way that will be
necessary on our property and we expect a barge will be placed in front of our property disturbing our dock and the
ability to enjoy our boating access. Our driveway is only one way in and out. Risk of disturbance to access to our
houses or driveway is a concern. Also any blasting necessary would cause foundation and septic system
disturbances that would cause serious financial implications and potential monitoring in each of our units that will
cause expense to the project and possible lawsuits if there is a problem.
Response: Barges will be staged in the middle of the Merrimack River and outside of any navigation
channels and will not interfere with access to any nearby docks or piers. No blasting will be required
for the project.
Access to the property will be maintained at all times.
WPCA-4: These are just a few concerns not to mention, the misery the residents will need to endure for three years
during construction, noise and devastation. The proposed barrier wall will be right up against the condo building and
will be exceedingly unattractive reducing the future value of our properties.
We have a unique situation here with only five impacted families - four condos and one home. It is also unique that all
of us are willing to give up our homes at reasonable buyout values to the state without argument or disagreement.
We have put together an extensive proposal for use of this property as staging area for building the bridge but more
importantly for post construction providing a valuable park and boat landing for the City of Amesbury and for the
State of Massachusetts.
I believe that those of you who are responsible for this project would be negligent in wanting to cause serious threats
to five families during and after construction of this bridge when there is a cost effective, win - win solution for
everyone. We do not want to be adversaries with the Department of Transportation and the state but you will force us
to protect ourselves and our properties through legal and public media means if you do not consider our proposal.
Response: The comment is noted.
2.6.6 Nancy Boyd Webb
Nancy Boyd Webb submitted a comment letter dated December 21, 2011.
NBW-1: The noise issue involves not only AFTER the project is complete, but also during the construction process.
We have had a sample of what will occur when there was dredging and pounding for the Hines Bridge. The loud
racket from this typically begins at 7 am and continues erratically during the 6 days of the week. I heard someone say
at the meeting that there would be some nighttime construction when the lanes would be reduced. HOW MUCH
NIGHT CONSTRUCTION IS ANTICIPATED Our 4 Units are occupied by people who need their rest because of
age and health considerations. Pounding and bright lights at night will be a serious deterrent to sleep for the 3
children under 6 years of age, and the 3 seniors over 70 years who reside at the Whittier Point condos. Others will
also be affected. It is impossible to believe that the 'SNOW BARRIER' as described and pictured in the presentation
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