point cover jan 13 - Boston Redevelopment Authority

Daylight
Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.
The Point, Boston
Each viewpoint (the centerlines of Boylston Street, centered on the southern façade of the building, and
Brookline Avenue, centered on the northern façade of the building) will experience an increase in skyplane
obstruction under the Build Condition. This effect is to be expected and cannot be avoided when replacing
low-rise building with a much taller building with the varied massing. The proposed redevelopment is
consistent with the planning goals for the Fenway neighborhood and these portions of the Boylston Street
and Brookline Avenue corridors (e.g., mixed-use development of higher densities than what currently exist).
While the desired density and massing of the Project necessitates obstructing a portion of the views at the
Site, the varied massing of the Project lessens the impact on daylight as compared to a build option that
would use a uniform massing. Additionally, pedestrian enjoyment of the urban experience along Boylston
Street and Brookline Avenue will be improved through public realm improvements where the net effect of
the Project will be a substantial enhancement of the public realm in this area.
Solar Glare
The Project will not result in solar glare impacts on streets (visual impairment vehicle traffic), or on public
open spaces and pedestrian areas (discomfort due to reflective spot glare). The Project will not produce solar
heat buildup on nearby buildings that may receive reflective sunlight from the proposed building. The
proposed building design specifications, such as façade design, glazing systems with specific solar and
optical characteristics as well as streetscape improvements (i.e., street trees) are considered to mitigate the
reflected glare from the viewers’ viewing directions. Additionally, the proposed building design aims to
minimize any negative solar glare effects on passing birds by creating a façade composed of a series of angled
elements that alternate between masonry and glazed panels, thus disconnecting visual reflections.
Air Quality
The Project Site is located in the Boston Metropolitan area, which has been classified as a “Maintenance” area
for CO and an attainment area for PM10 and PM2.5. The microscale (“hot spot”) air quality analysis
presented in Chapter 4, Environmental Protection demonstrates that the Project will meet and is well below the
Massachusetts DEP criteria and National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for CO, PM10, and
PM2.5. The Project will incorporate reasonable and feasible mitigation measures, including a Transportation
Demand Management Plan to reduce vehicle emissions.
Water Quality and Flood Hazard
The Project Site is located within the Groundwater Conservation Overlay District (GCOD), as defined in
Article 32 of the Zoning Code. This zoning article sets forth requirements that promote the infiltration of
runoff from impervious site areas within the district. The proposed stormwater management system has been
designed to address District requirements.
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panded_PNF\00d_ProjDescription_FINAL.doc S-14 Project Description