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

Nancy Boyd Webb, DSW, BCD, RPT-S
Distinguished Professor ofSocial Work Emerita
Fordham University Graduate School ofSocial Service
[H] 525 Main St. #2 Amesbury, MA 01913 978-0388-6916
TO:
Pamela S. Stephensen, Division Administrator
Federal Highway Administration
Richard K Sullivan. Jr., Secretary
Massachusetts Envrronmental Policy Act Office (MEPA)
Thomas F. Broderick, P. E., Acting ChiefEngineer
MassDOT Highway Division ; ,1 ') t'l fi I
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FROM: Nancy Boyd Webb, Whittier Point Abutter~;.f:,;'~IJt)f.-l·-'
r Date: December 8, 2011
RE: Whittier Bridge/I-95 Improvement Project v
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I am responding to the invitation for comments on the Environmental Assessment /Draft Environmental
Impact Report that was announced in the Press and in the public meeting on December 7 th •
I attended the meeting and took careful note ofall the proposed changes that will be made for the purpose
ofreplacing the Whittier Bridge.
Unfortunately the bridge replacement also involves widening of1-95, with all ofthe alterations to be made
on the East side that directly abuts the 4 condo units ofWhittier Point in which I live. Because the changes
will bring the highway 15 feet from our property, I and my neighbors are understandably very concerned
about the impact ofnoise, pollution, and possible destruction in the case ofaccidents on 1-95.
The noise issue involves not only AFTER the project is complete, but also during the construction
process. We have had a sample ofwhat 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 ofage and health considerations. Pounding and bright
lights at night will be a serious deterrent to sleep for the 3 children under 6 years ofage, 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 would block out enough
sound to permit the residents to carry out their usual activities without great stress.. There are serious
health and welfare issues here.
The Possibility ofSerious Accidents is very real. In the last year we know of2 very bad accidents that
were publicized in the newspaper. One involved a car flipping over the bridge barrier and ending up in the
Merrimack River. The second accident we know about involved a young driver who flipped offthe
highway near the Evans bridge. Either ofthese tragedies COULD HAVB OCCURRED WITIllN THE
WIDTTIER POINT PROPERTY. It's only a matter oftime.
I LOVE my home, but I no longer feel safe there, and it will get worse and worse with the addition of
numerous construction vehicles, cars and trucks speeding to get around them, and the frustration ofdrivers
who don't like to wait in long lines.
'
There has been a proposal to sell Whittier Point and convert it into a nature viewing locale. Although I
really don't want to leave, I know that it will be hell to live here during the 4 year construction period. I'm
sure that as planners you all are familiar with what the future holds for the residents ofWhittier Point.
Please do whatever you can to facilitate our sale ofthis property so that we do not have to live in daily
chaos for 4 years. Ifthe sale goes thru in a timely manner then there would be no need to concern
yourselves with the issues raised here.