PUBLIC MEETING SLATED ON POSSIBLE SITES FOR BU BOATHOUSE

Public use of the Esplanade is the focus of independent evaluation

Newton, MA, September 24, 2001… A public meeting to present and discuss an independent analysis of alternative locations for Boston University’s (BU) proposed sailing pavilion has been scheduled for October 9^th by the Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA).  The 7 PM meeting will be held at the John Hancock Conference Center, Room 201, 40 Trinity Place, Boston.

Beals & Thomas, an environmental consulting firm commissioned by CRWA, will present an evaluation of site alternatives.  The consultant’s study examines six potential locations including the one BU has selected as its preferred site.  The university proposes to build a new 14,000 square foot facility on 1.45 acres of prime public parkland — the widest part of the Esplanade between the BU Bridge and the Mass. Ave. Bridge.

“We look forward to sharing the preliminary results of the Beals & Thomas study with the public,” said Margaret Van Deusen, CRWA’s deputy director.  “We expect a more even-handed analysis than the one previously presented by the university in its environmental notification form to the state.  Beals & Thomas was instructed to carry out an independent evaluation of sites with primary consideration given to protecting the public’s interest on the Esplanade.”

CRWA, along with 10 other environmental and neighborhood groups, has argued that BU’s preferred site is heavily used and enjoyed by the public.  The university’s proposed building and dock would completely overwhelm that space and curtail public access to the river, according to the association.

CRWA is a private, nonprofit environmental organization whose sole mission has been to protect the health, beauty, and accessibility of the Charles River since 1965. 

Others supporting CRWA’s challenge to BU include: Alliance of Boston Neighborhoods, Bay State Road Civic Ass’n., Boston GreenSpace Alliance, Boston University Environmental Students Organization, Charles River Conservancy, Conservation Law Foundation, Environmental League of Massachusetts, Esplanade Ass’n., Massachusetts Audubon Society, Neighborhood Ass’n. of Back Bay, State Rep. Paul Demakis.