Draft Project Impact Report - Boston Redevelopment Authority

Exeter Residences/888 Boylston
December 21
\\Mabos\projects\09916.00\docs\Permits\DPIR\Text\DPIR Chapter 5
Environmental.docx
Residences extend in a northeast direction adding a small section of shadow on
Exeter Street and the roof of the Boston Public Library. Despite shadows being long
in the afternoon on this date the proposed building shadows do not reach the library
courtyard.
155-feet Zoning Height
December 21 generally represents the longest shadows of the year. On this date the
155 foot Exeter Residences does not cast new shadow on public streets and sidewalks
at any time of the day.
A very minor triangle of shadow is cast on the plaza to the west of the Exeter
Residences but is limited to the 9 AM period.
The sun sets on this date at 4:15.
Proposed Program
On December 21, similar to the 155 foot condition, the Exeter Residences do not cast
shadows on the public way in the immediate vicinity of the site because the existing
shadows already shade Exeter Street and Boylston Street given that this date
typically represents the longest shadows of the year. However, at 9 AM the Exeter
Residences do cast a shadow on the sidewalk on the north side on Commonwealth
Avenue. This shadow does not land on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall space in the
middle of the avenue which is shaded by existing buildings.
The shadow on this date does not extend to the Boston Public Library Courtyard as
seen on the figures. In response to public comments the Proponent has also studied
shadows that may land on the courtyard wall. This analysis in included in the next
section.
Boston Public Library Interior Courtyard and Courtyard
Wall
In response to comments on the NPC/PNF the Proponent has prepared a specialized
shadow study to evaluate the shadow impacts that the Proposed Project may have on
the west facing wall of the inner courtyard of the original Boston Public Library
(“BPL”) building on Dartmouth Street.
The BRA requirements for shadow studies are limited to the impact of shadows on
the ground plane, specifically in public spaces such as roadway and sidewalk areas
and public parks. The BPL analysis however, goes beyond the requirements of
DRAFT - Environmental Protection 5-20