Draft Project Impact Report - Boston Redevelopment Authority

Exeter Residences/888 Boylston
\\Mabos\projects\09916.00\docs\Permits\DPIR\Text\DPIR Chapter 5
Environmental.docx
building front of the northern side of Boylston Street opposite from the Boston Public
Library including a portion of the sidewalks along Boylston and Exeter Streets at this
location. Since temperatures at this time of year are low, any heat gain on
neighboring buildings or pedestrian pathways are likely to have a salutary in
December.
December 21, 12 noon EST: Figure 5-37 indicates a thin channel of reflected sunlight
striking the rooftops of several buildings located on the corner of Gloucester and
Boylston Streets, the Hynes Convention Center, and the Prudential Center Arcade. A
small number of north facing offices of the Prudential Tower, will be impacted at this
date and time with minor intensity glare.
December 21, 3pm EST: Figure 5-37 shows a number of narrow shafts of reflected
sunlight which affects the southern façade of the Mandarin Oriental Boston most
substantially. The glare is expected to be of minor intensity and as discussed
previously, heat gain during this cold season is likely to be a positive impact. The
Hynes Convention Center, Saks Fifth Avenue and Lord & Taylor rooftops also
receive several shafts of reflected sunlight.
Proposed Program – Exeter Residences & 888 Boylston
March 21, 9am EST: As shown in Figure 5-38, the solar glare effects during this day
and time are similar to those anticipated under the 155-feet scenario, however the
intensity level is lessened during the proposed condition. Thin shafts of light are
reflected onto rooftops of the Hynes Convention Center, the Prudential Center
Arcade, the Mandarin Oriental Boston, and the Boston Public Library. The south
façade of the Mandarin Oriental Boston and a small portion of the north facing
offices of the Prudential Tower will receive minor to average level intensity glare.
Although, compared to the 155-feet condition, impacts to the Saks Fifth Avenue and
Gloucester building are minimized, if not removed.
March 21, 12 noon EST: Figure 5-38 identifies a fluid panel of reflected sunlight
which affects the rooftop of the Prudential Center Arcade. Furthermore, three
variegated panels strike the rooftop of Shaw’s Supermarket and a small patch of
sidewalk along Huntington Avenue. In comparison to the 155-feet scenario, the
impacts expected during this day and time within the public way are reduced
thereby decreasing the glare experienced by pedestrians and/or cyclists.
March 21, 3pm EST: Figure 5-38 indicates shafts of reflected sunlight will strike the
rooftop of the Hynes Convention Center, the Prudential Center Arcade, Lord &
Taylor, and the Lenox Hotel. In several locations, the reflected sunlight is
interrupted or dotted, rather than a continuous panel of light which breaks up the
intensity and impact of the solar glare. Impacts are also expected along a small
section of the southwest façade of the Fairfield building with minor to average level
DRAFT - Environmental Protection 5-36