B.U. Bridge is published by the Boston University Office of University Relations.

Contact Us

Staff

Statehouse hearing on sailing pavilion packed to the gunwales

By Brian Fitzgerald

Supporters and opponents of BU's proposal to build a new sailing pavilion seem to agree on one point: a new facility is sorely needed. During a public hearing April 23 before the Joint Committee on State Administration, there was a consensus that the current structure, on the Charles River next to the BU Bridge, is dilapidated and poses a hazard to boaters, joggers, and bikers.

Joggers, rollerbladers, and bicyclists sharing space on the same path face several blind spots as the path winds its way around the present BU sailing pavilion next to the BU Bridge. University officials want to build a new pavilion on a more open site to avoid the hazards of another "pinch point." Photo by Vernon Doucette

However, the question is where the new one should be built. And at the heart of this question is the proper procedure for relocating the pavilion from one site on a public space to another. Based on criteria suggested by the state's Metropolitan District Commission (MDC), BU wants to build the pavilion on a site on the riverbank near Sherborn Street, halfway between the Mass. Ave. Bridge and the BU Bridge. Some opponents favor a smaller site closer to the Mass. Ave. Bridge.

At the hearing, which drew an overflow crowd to a hot basement room at the Massachusetts Statehouse, BU representatives said that the University is following the same process that it complied with when constructing the DeWolfe Boathouse across the river.

Opponents countered that BU should have filed an environmental notification form (ENF) to begin the process.

Warin Dexter, director of physical education at BU, took exception to the accusation that BU is acting out of sequence. "We're following an established process, and following it to the letter" said Dexter. "We've been working diligently on this."

Leigh Gilligan, an attorney for the law firm Gadsby and Hannah, which is representing BU in the environmental aspect of the project, pointed out that the normal procedure is to file legislation prior to an environmental review. BU is "following the process established by the Massachusetts constitution," she said. "After this public hearing, Boston University expects to participate in statutory and regulatory review and permitting processes with a number of government agencies, including the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs and the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act, or MEPA." She said that BU will also consult with the Boston Conservation Commission, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, and the Massachusetts Historical Commission.

Thomas Walsh, director of state relations at BU, said in an interview that BU has agreed with Massachusetts Environmental Affairs Secretary Robert Durand to subject its proposal to MEPA while the bill continues to move through the legislature. "We have a team that is putting together the information that will be necessary to file an environmental notification form," he said. "We intend to file it by May 15."

Opponents also said that the University has not been actively seeking public input on the project, despite more than 20 meetings BU has arranged with neighborhood leaders and elected officials over the past year and a half.

The accusation that BU "locked in" the Sherborn Street site from the beginning was denied by Jeffreys Johnson, associate principal for Architectural Resources Cambridge, Inc., the firm that is designing the pavilion. He said that six sites were first considered, and that BU proposed a site east of the one it currently supports. However, during a public tour, residents pointed out that a building at that location would block a sight line to the city. The University then agreed to an alternative site to the west.

The MDC, which manages the Charles River Esplanade, originally approached the University in 1997 with concerns about dangers to pedestrian and boat traffic around BU's current pavilion. The relocation of the building is part of the MDC Master Plan, a document that examines how the Esplanade can best be preserved and enhanced in the years to come.

Under a bill filed by Sen. Robert Travaglini (D-East Boston), BU would lease a site near Sherborn Street from the MDC for 25 years and build a 6,000-square-foot building. BU said that the site, which has been endorsed by several neighborhood groups, would be more accessible to the community than its present pavilion -- and more accessible than a building at the alternative site closer to the Mass. Ave. Bridge. It would contain public rest rooms maintained by BU and have pay phones and emergency phones, a concession stand, and two drinking water fountains. BU would also renovate and expand an existing fitness area and spend more than $750,000 on public amenities for the project. The site would create a destination point for the public that will accommodate a greater number of people for a variety of activities, including picnicking, strolling, and sunbathing.

"By moving to this location, we accomplish many things," said BU Sailing Coordinator Brad Churchill in an interview. "There will be much less congestion on the river and on the paths. As it is now, powerboats go right in front of our dock to pass under the tallest span of the BU Bridge, throwing a wake along the way. Also, we get rid of the pinch point that has caused numerous collisions among bikers, rollerbladers, and joggers. The site that the opponents want, near the Mass. Ave. Bridge, is still too narrow for pedestrians."

In addition, the site preferred by BU and many members of the local community is near a footbridge over Storrow Drive, unlike the other site, which might pose a temptation for pedestrians to cross the highway illegally and unsafely.

The standing-room-only crowd at the Statehouse hearing included Boston residents who live near the Esplanade, environmental advocates, and many students from the BU sailing team, along with people affiliated with other area sailing programs. City councilors and state representatives also had their say. "This project is in the best interest of the people I represent," said Rep. Kevin Honan (D-Boston), who represents Allston and Brighton. "The benefits to the community are substantial." Rep. Brian Golden (D-Boston) said, "As a legislator and an attorney, I know that development on public land is bound to generate a great deal of controversy. But fundamentally, I think this project is a good idea. The technical concerns can be worked out."

Legislative approval for the new sailing pavilion requires a two-thirds vote.

11 May 2001
Boston University
Office of University Relations