Boston Mayor Marty Walsh is among those catching heat from critics of a proposed 775-foot residential and commercial tower that requires a change in a state law restricting structures from casting shadows on the city’s historic common.
Walsh wants to sell a city-owned parcel containing a parking garage east of the common to a developer. Walsh wants the state legislature to modify a 1990s-era law to allow the transaction to go forward, but public criticism is running high.
Supporters of the current law, such as the Friends of the Public Garden, are concerned that a change in the legislation would open the floodgates for similar projects in the area. The brouhaha over shadows cast by high rises highlights the difficulty of getting residential sky scrapers permitted in densely packed cities.
A columnist in the Boston Globe wrote, “The obsession with shadows on Boston Common is ridiculous.” He added that the garage is an eyesore, and the project would help alleviate a shortage of housing in the city. Former governor and presidential candidate Michael Dukakis was among those expressing reservations about changing the law.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Dec 5, 2018
Canadian retailer builds net-zero stores
Other chains also boost green efforts with PVs, EV charging stations.
Codes and Standards | Dec 4, 2018
Action on building codes would spur low-carbon cities
Faster retrofit cycles, increased energy-efficiency requirements for existing buildings needed.
Codes and Standards | Nov 30, 2018
Best solution to prevent California wildfire disasters: Stop building in places likely to burn
Approach would be unpopular as people attracted to stunning wooded landscapes.
Codes and Standards | Nov 29, 2018
USGBC and BRE form partnership
Two green standards groups will collaborate on standards, platforms, and research.
Codes and Standards | Nov 29, 2018
Parking garages in N.Y. State will have to be inspected every three years
Professional engineer must assess conditions.
Codes and Standards | Nov 28, 2018
To build water-efficient cities, water managers and urban planners must coordinate better
Lack of time and resources, and practitioners not in habit of working together hamper efforts.
Codes and Standards | Nov 27, 2018
AAMA updates specification for roller assemblies in sliding doors, and lift and slide doors
Last update was in 2015.
Codes and Standards | Nov 26, 2018
All LEED-certified buildings eligible for LEED recertification
Projects must submit 12 months of data demonstrating continued or improved performance.
Codes and Standards | Nov 20, 2018
OSHA publishes updates to crane operator certification requirements
Long-delayed rules accept certifications by type or type and capacity.
Codes and Standards | Nov 19, 2018
Guide offers understanding of elements that create successful multi-floor communal spaces
CTBUH technical document analyzes how to approach tall urban habitat.
