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

TO:
Pamela S. Stephenson, Division Administrator
Federal Highway Administration
Richard K Sullivan. Jr., Secretary
Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act Office (MEPA)
Thomas F. Broderick, P. E., Acting ChiefEngineer
Mass DOT Highway Division
FROM: Karen L. Amundsen, 525 Main Street Unit #l(Whittier Point), Amesbury, Whittier Point Abutters
Date: December 23, 2011
RE: Whittier Bridge/I-95 Improvement Project
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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 am an original owner and have resided at Whittier Point since its creation 20 years ago. Living here has been, until
recently, a source ofgreat enjoyment. I have been fortunate to see the ever changing aspects ofthe tidal Merriniack
River, derived pleasures from the close proximity ofviewing wildlife such as the Bald Eagles and Hawks as well as
Falcons at close range.\. Unfortunately, the increase oftraffic flow due to popularity of1-95 as a major passageway
for commercial vehicles plus the expansion will now result in more noise, more pollution, and significant disruption
ofopportunities to enjoy many outdoor activities. I feel that the barriers proposed are more to protect from land
erosion, not for sound protection.
When construction begins, I fear that our buildings will show signs ofsignificant stress fractures and settling ofthe.
land. The significant monies spent thus far to maintain and improve the appearance will be for naught. It is obvious
that this will result in a significant negative impact on the value ofour real estate.
I would like to ask you to address where your dump trucks, wire lathing machines, cement trucks, vans, personal
vehicles, etc will be stored on a daily basis during this construction period How will your workers get from their
cars to the worksite every day Will they be walking and driving through our residential areas, adding to this
already unsatisfactory lifestyle .
There has been an offer to consider a purchase these 5 residences which has a lot ofmerit. It has been said that there
was no room in the budget for a land acquisition; however, ifyou consider that this represents only 1110 of 1% of
the 280 Million Dollars already approved for the project, I feel that it is money well spent. The land could be used as
a staging area for all ofthe construction vehicles. This would be significantly easier than dealing with barges as it is
presently proposed. Tying up on a very tricky tidal river, especially during inclement weather is not easy. The
Merrimack River has massive ice floes in the winter and will be· difficult to keep the barges in place, or were you
planning to attach them to our land Upon completion ofthe project, the land could then be offered to the Town of
Amesbury for purchase. It could be used as an expansion ofthe Amesbury Welcome Center, a parking area, dock
for marina or hop offpoint for kayaks, and recreation area for birders, nature lovers looking up further into Point
Shore on the right, or Newburyport to the left. This parcel looks directly across to Mosley Park, another good area
for viewing wildlife.
Thank you for your consideration.