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

TO:
Pamela S. Stephensen, Division Administrator
Federal Highway Administration
Richard K Sullivan. Jr., Secretary
Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act Office (MEPA)
Thomas F. Broderick, P. E., Acting ChiefEngineer
MassDOT Highway Division
FROM: Cindy and Scott Taylor, 525 Main Street (Whittier Point), Amesbury, Whittier Point Abutters
Date: December 21, 2011
RE: Whittier Bridge/I-95 Improvement Project
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We are 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 • We have reviewed the Report
and have several concerns about the proposed project and its impact on our property and quality oflife.
Unfortunately for ourselves and the other residents ofWhittier Point, the proposed widening of1-95 will impactl the
east side ofthe bridge, bringing the interstate within 15 feet ofour property, an alanningly close distance. As the
owners ofthe unit closest to the interstate, this is ofparticular concern to us. We currently have a beautiful property
but the noise and safety concerns that have arisen due to this impending project make staying here during and after
the construction untenable.
We are concerned about the quality ofour home life during construction, given the likely noise and pounding that is
anticipated not only during the day but also occasionally at night. We have three young children and this kind of
disruption to their lives is simply not acceptable. We are quite concerned about the long term effects on them ofthe
constant noise etc. As you are probably aware, the Hines Bridge (to the east ofour property a short way) is
currently under construction. This bridge is not as close to our property as the Whittier Bridge and we are·keenly
aware ofthe construction noise from this project. It's unimaginable how disruptive the Whittier Bridge will be to
our lives. We are aware that barriers have been proposed for this project, but it's hard to fathom that these would be
sufficient barriers for the residents ofWhittier Point.
In addition to the noise, we have serious concerns about the impact ofthe construction on our home (e.g. the
physical structure itself). With so much disruption ofthe earth around our home, it is likely that our physical
structure will experience negative side effects. This worries us for the safety ofour children. In addition, with
numerous construction vehicles, changing traffic patterns, and a highway very close to our home, we are quite
concerned about the possibility ofaccidents that could quite literally end up on our project, both during and after
construction. Once the project begins, our children will no longer beable to play outside as they do now. The
safety concerns are simply too frightening.
There are five families who will be most affected by the changes to the Whittier Bridge, and we have put forth a
proposal to sell our properties, allowing them to be used by the project team during construction and potentially
ultimately be developed as a park or other public venue. We have put forth this proposal because ofthe untenable
situation we are facing with the bridge project. There are many benefits for the project itself, as well as for the
residents most affected by this project. We ask that you please do whatever you can to facilitate the sale ofour
properties so that we do not have to experience the negative side effects ofthe construction and so that the project
can continue unimpeded.
Thank you for your attention to this very import~t.matter.