►
From YouTube: Committee on Government Operations on March 18, 2019
Description
Docket #0250 - An ordinance protecting local wetlands and promoting climate change adaptation in the City of Boston
A
Our
resources
flood
prone
areas
in
adjoining
areas
of
the
city
of
Boston,
from
net
loss
of
their
function,
value
in
acreage
by
controlling
activities
and
mitigating
effects
deemed
by
the
Boston
Conservation
Commission
to
have
an
ad
for
adverse
impact
on
the
resource
areas.
This
matter
was
sponsored
by
my
colleague,
City
Council
Michele
Wu
in
district
6
city
councilor,
Matt
O'malley
was
referred
to
the
committee
back
on
government
operations
on
January.
A
The
30th
of
2019
I'd
like
to
note
that
this
hearing
is
being
streamed
on
Boston
City,
Council
TV
online
is
being
recorded
and
will
be
broadcast
at
a
later
date
on
comcast
channel
8
r
CN
channel
82
in
Verizon
1964
like
to
make
this
note
at
this
time
that
our
colleague,
one
of
the
lead
sponsors,
sent
me
a
letter.
That
says
as
follows:
to
Chairman
Flaherty
I
regret
to
inform
you
that
I
will
be
attending
the
funeral
for
my
aunt
this
morning.
A
A
I,
look
forward
to
reviewing
the
testimony
and
partnering
with
Council
Michele
Wu
and
advocates
on
passing
local
wetlands
and
open
space
ordinances
that
address
climate
change
in
resiliency
in
the
city
of
Boston,
sincerely
Matt
O'malley,
we're
joined
here
by
the
co-lead
sponsor
City
Council
Michelle
whoo,
my
colleague
at
large
City
Council,
are
nice
rossabi
George
and
my
colleague
from
Austin
Brighton
City
Council
mark
co-moh.
So
with
that
I'll
turn
it
over
to
my
colleagues.
If
they
want
to
make
any
introductory
comments
and
we'll
get
right
into
the
panel,
we
have
obviously
administration
panel.
A
B
B
This
is
very
important
to
him
as
well
and
we
are
eager
to
continue
the
conversation
it
has
and
a
long
one
from
my
office's
perspective
and
an
even
longer
one
because
I
know
it
started
before
I
even
came
into
office
in
some
ways
and
our
goal.
Our
motivation
has
just
said:
I
think
we're
all
in
agreement
that
Boston
is
very
vulnerable
from
a
climate
perspective
and
we,
as
a
human
species,
are
running
out
of
time
when
it
comes
to
taking
action
on
climate
change.
B
So
there
should
just
be
an
acknowledgement
that
we
are
taking
up
every
possible
tool
in
the
toolbox
now
and
I
know
that
the
administration
I
think
as
early
as
2014
had
already
committed
to
doing
some
version
of
wetlands
ordinance
and
has
been
working
on
versions
of
it
and
even
prior
to
that.
In
the
last
administration
had
even
proposed
a
wetlands
ordinance,
so
just
recognizing
that
Boston
is
one
of
only
three
coastal
cities
in
the
Commonwealth.
At
our
last
check,
we
may
be
fewer
than
that
at
this
point,
but
we
are
not
taking
the
lead.
B
We
are
not
in
the
leadership
position
that
we
should
be
when
it
comes
to
making
sure
we
are
using
this
authority
given
to
us
by
state
law
to
make
sure
that
we're
addressing
concerns
when
it
comes
to
climate
change
and
resiliency
and
adaptation.
I
know
that
the
I'm
very
grateful
for
the
chairs
scheduling
of
this
hearing
and
the
the
ability
to
have
it
on
in
a
very
crowded
schedule.
B
We
were
hoping
to
have
this
as
a
working
session,
given
that
the
advocates
and
and
many
others
had
come
for
hearing
last
year,
although
there
was
not
specific
language
at
that
time,
we're
hoping
to
continue
to
compare
versions
with
the
administration
as
I
hear,
there
is
a
draft
now,
although
we
have
not
been
able
to
see
it
to
make
sure
that
we
are
coming
at
this
from
a
collaborative
place
and
I
know.
I
speak
on
behalf
of
everyone.
B
Who's
been
involved
with
the
Coalition
in
that
the
number
one
goal
is
to
work
at
work
together
on
something
that
is
implementable
for
the
city
and
that
will
make
sure
to
that
we'll
take
advantage
of
the
opportunities
that
we
have
to
act
at
the
local
level.
I
think
we
are
hoping
that
this
set
of
proposed
language
is
a
good
starting
point
and
that
we
will
get
feedback
on
versions
that
others
may
have
been
working
on
and
that
this
will
be
the
the
time
that
we
can
come
together
and
compare
side-by-side.
B
A
You
counsel
and
my
colleagues,
so
waiving
any
additional
opening
statements
so
we'll
turn
it
right
over
to
the
administration.
Great
to
see
you,
chief
Chief,
Chris
Cook,
has
also
joined
by
Commissioner
collected,
also
joined
by
floodplain
manager,
Emilia
croteau
and
also
Deputy
Director
of
waterfront
planning,
rich
McGinnis,
so
good
to
see
all
of
you
this
morning.
So
you
have
the
floor
if
he
can
give
introductory
remarks
and
take
it
from
there
also
been
joined
by
my
colleague,
city
counsel,
Tim
McCarthy,
Thank,.
C
C
I
just
want
to
give
proper
credit
where
it's
due
we're
joined
by
the
staff
for
the
Conservation
Commission
here
today,
Amelio
croto
and
also
nick
moreno,
and
I
thank
them
for
everything
they
do
in
the
Environment
Department
their
hard
work,
but
also
I
want
to
thank
the
citizen,
volunteers
of
the
Conservation
Commission,
as
well
as
the
members
of
the
advocacy
community
who
have
given
up
their
precious
time
to
join
us
today
on
this
important
subject.
So
with
that,
I
would
defer
the
balance
of
my
time
to
our
environment.
D
Councillor
Flaherty,
thank
you
for
the
opportunity
to
testify
today
concerning
the
importance
of
Boston's
wetlands
and
the
steps
that
we
can
all
take
to
protect
them
or
effectively.
As
you
all
pointed
out,
wetlands
and
other
green
and
open
spaces
provided
benefits
to
the
Boston
community.
Stormwater
management,
wildlife,
habitat
recreation,
beauty
and
more
wetlands
and
Boston
are
subject
to
many
pressures,
including
the
effects
of
climate
change,
particularly
sea-level
rise.
For
this
reason,
the
Boston
Conservation
Commission
protects
wetlands
through
its
enforcement
of
the
Massachusetts
wetlands
Protection
Act
under
the
Act.
D
The
city
of
Boston
may
create
a
local
wetlands
ordinance
that
can
provide
even
stronger
protections
than
those
available
under
state
law.
The
Conservation
Commission
held
informational
hearing
several
years
ago
to
discuss
the
elements
of
a
local
ordinance
in
December
2016.
The
city's
climate
ready
Boston
report,
which
laid
out
a
long-term
framework
for
preparing
Boston
for
the
effects
of
climate
change,
looked
toward
the
development
of
a
local
wetlands,
ordinance
I
appreciate
the
leadership
that
you
and
counsel
and
counsel
or
O'malley
are
showing
and
bringing
this
into
consideration
of
the
council.
D
To
be
clear,
we
strongly
support
development
of
a
local
ordinance,
because
wetlands
protection
involves
many
interacting
forces
and
complex
interests.
It's
important
to
get
the
details
right.
My
brief
comments
on
the
current
proposal
fall
into
three
areas.
First,
the
proposal
introduced
as
some
change
is
not
related
to
the
effects
of
climate
change.
In
the
last
few
years,
the
Conservation
Commission
and
many
people
in
the
community
have
been
frustrated
by
the
Commission's
lack
of
jurisdiction
over
vernal
pools
and
isolated
vegetated
wetlands,
as
these
areas
contain
important
habitats
and
contribute
significantly
to
stormwater
management.
D
The
current
proposal
would
extend
the
city's
oversight
to
these
areas,
a
step
we
support.
Second,
there
are
changes
that
are
related
to
climate
change,
as
the
proposal
recognizes
foreseeable
rises
in
sea
level.
Coastal
storm
strength
and
precipitation
intensity
mean
that
it
is
no
longer
sensible
to
confine
our
oversight
to
the
current
100-year
plain.
It
appears
that
to
remedy
this
in
part,
the
proposal
would
extend
Conservation
Commission
jurisdiction
to
the
500-year
plain
and
also
established
special
transition
zones.
D
D
Furthermore,
those
Maps
the
projections
with
the
sea
level
rise
show
that
sea
level
rise
within
the
next
few
decades
is
much
more
consequential
than
the
difference
between
the
current
100-year
and
500
year.
Flood.
The
Boston
planning
and
development
agency
now
requires
that
all
new
development
projects
evaluate
the
project
relative
to
the
extent
and
elevation
of
the
100-year
floodplain
associated
with
40
inches
of
sea
level
rise.
There
is
a
detailed
public
facing
map
of
this
condition,
which
we
expect
to
see
before
the
end
of
the
century.
D
It
would
be
useful
to
give
the
Conservation
Commission
the
authority
and
flexibility
to
extend
its
jurisdiction
to
a
similar
extent.
Perhaps
in
several
steps.
The
proposed
special
transition
area
for
marshes,
banks
and
beaches
is
an
interesting
idea.
The
fate
of
Belle
Isle
Marsh
in
particular,
is
for
me
a
nagging
question.
However,
we
are
concerned
about
the
practicality
of
predicting
likely
migration
routes
for
these
vulnerable
areas.
I
look
forward
to
hearing
additional
testimony
on
ecological
and
legal
aspects
of
this
idea.
D
An
overriding
concern
for
us
in
any
new
ordinance
is
the
room
that
it
makes
for
implementation
of
major
Walsh's
vision
for
a
resilient
Boston
Harbor.
As
you
know,
the
mayor
presented
this
Harbor
wide
picture
last
October
and
it
builds
on
detailed
plans
previously
released
for
East
Boston
in
Charlestown
and
South
Boston.
We
have
recently
started
planning
for
downtown
and
the
North
End,
and
later
this
year
we
will
watch
a
similar
initiative
for
the
Dorchester
coastline.
D
D
Finally,
a
few
words
on
the
administrative
and
procedural
aspects
of
the
proposal
in
its
existing
jurisdiction
about
3,000
parcels
of
land
are
already
subject
to
the
oversight
of
the
Conservation
Commission.
We
will
need
to
be
clear
about
how
many
more
may
be
encompassed
in
any
expansion
of
jurisdiction.
I
know
that
we
share
the
goal
of
ensuring
that
our
wetlands
laws
and
regulations
are
both
effective
and
protecting
the
public
interest
and
safety
and
respectful
of
the
time
and
private
interests
of
Boston
residents
and
businesses.
D
We
will
need
to
make
sure
that
we
develop
necessary
internal
resources
to
administer
any
ordinance
and
clear
straightforward
guidance
and
procedures
for
those
who
must
comply
with
it.
As
one
example,
we
should
carefully
consider
the
appropriate
distance
for
defining
of
butter's
of
any
project.
Thank
you
once
again
for
the
opportunity
to
be
here
today.
I
look
forward
to
a
robust
of
their
words
of
process
and
working
with
you
to
develop
a
fair
and
effective
ordinance.
I
would
be
happy
to
answer
any
questions
ago.
Thank
you.
E
Thank
You
councillor
clarity
and
members
of
the
council.
My
name
is
Richard
McGinnis
I'm,
deputy
director
for
climate
change
and
environmental
planning
from
the
Boston
Planning
and
Development
Agency.
As
a
former
executive,
the
second
of
secretary
of
the
Boston
Conservation
Commission
I
developed
my
planning
career
through
the
lens
of
wetlands
and
coastal
resources
in
urban
areas,
with
the
benefit
they
provide
to
the
city
of
Boston
with
the
challenges
of
climate
change
before
us.
The
value
of
wetlands
in
addressing
extreme
precipitation,
heat
waves
and
coastal
flooding
is
even
more
needed.
E
I'm
joined
today
by
Brian
Glasscock
and
Chris
Bush
of
the
BPD,
a
planning
department,
both
former
executive
secretaries
of
the
Boston
Conservation
Commission
as
well
up
in
the
audience.
We
support
a
local
wetlands
ordinance
and
believe
one
of
its
primary
benefits,
its
public
awareness
of
future
flooding
risks.
E
Last
October
mayor
Walsh
announced
over
16
initiatives
related
to
climate
change
in
the
challenges
of
sea
level
rise
and
coastal
storms,
initiatives
that
ranged
from
new
flood
resilient
zoning
to
a
system
of
open
space
that
will
protect
the
city
from
storm
surges.
We
are
currently
developing
a
sea
level
rise.
Zoning
overlay
district
that
could
complement
a
wetlands
ordinance
in
overlap
with
the
wetlands
or
Ness.
Other
zoning
will
provide
guidance
on
how
to
retrofit
various
buildings
topologies
at
risk
and
also
modify
the
zone.
E
Zoning
to
allow
for
these
retrofits
we're
developing
requirements
for
a
new
growth
to
design
for
future
flooding
risk.
So
less
voluntary
and
more
requirement
for
for
new
developments
in
the
future.
Floodplain
public
process
on
the
overlay
district
will
commence
in
April.
The
draft
weightless
ordinance
is
a
good
start,
but
requires
some
revisions
to
address
the
unique
urban
context
for
the
City
of
Boston.
There's
over
5,000
acres
of
land
filling
in
in
Boston.
Our
shoreline
has
been
altered.
It
needs
to
be
reflected
in
any
promulgated
regulations.
E
Our
hardened
shoreline
has
limited
potential
to
be
reclaimed
or
naturally,
transition
back
to
wetlands
without
dramatic
actions.
Also,
as
we
look
at
modifying
our
shoreline
to
protect
the
city
from
flooding
through
elevation
changes
living
shorelines
along
our
shoreline
and
new
land
filling,
we
need
to
make
sure
that
this
ordinance
doesn't
preclude
the
ability
for
us
to
protect
the
city,
we're
pleased
to
see
reference
to
understanding
the
public
value
of
wetlands
wetlands
resources
and
if
they
can
be
improved
to
be
trained
to
transition
to
other
types
of
wetland.
E
Resource
areas,
for
example,
lands
subject
to
coastal
storm
flow,
which
may
not
have
a
lot
of
value
in
the
city
of
Boston,
but
a
coastal
bank
or
a
dune
that
could
be
augmented
to
protect
the
city
from
flooding,
could
actually
have
greater
public
value
and
benefit
for
the
city.
The
proposed
language
that
requires
further
analysis
and
discussion.
We're
happy
to
to
join
the
council
and
those
for
example.
E
Special
transition
areas
are
flagged
as
a
possible
resource
area,
but
we
need
to
acknowledge
that
they
are
highly
developed
and
may
not
naturally,
transition
to
Natural
Area,
also
the
25-foot
no
disturbance
zone
would
limit
flood
barriers.
Our
ability
to
build
flood
barriers,
expand,
harbor,
walk
and
maintain
an
already
densely
developed
shoreline.
E
Our
shoreline
is
very
developed,
almost
up
to
the
water's
edge
and
then
our
land
subject
to
coastal
storm
flowage
has
limited
value
compared
to
other
type
of
wetlands
resources
that
we
could
achieve
through
resilient,
open
space
and
design
along
the
waterfront
I
just
want
to
thank
the
council
for
this
opportunity
to
comment.
We
look
forward
to
getting
to
more
specific
comments
and
questions
to
working
sessions.
Thank
you.
Thank
you.
F
A
B
A
G
Panel,
thank
you.
How
are
you
today
rich
in
fact
good
to
see
you,
sir?
He
won
ASU.
One
thing
they
said
was
preclude
us
from
protecting
the
city.
Is
that
the
25-foot,
so
we
won't
be
able
to
build
the
berms
and
some
of
the
protections
right
in
that
space?
Is
that
what
you
meant
by
that
comment?
There.
E
If
there's
a
no
disturb
area
that
that
means
that
no
disturbing
for
any
type
of
a
infrastructure
that
could
limit
our
ability
to
build
a
flood
barrier,
for
example,
we
filed
for
a
FEMA
grant
to
build
a
berm
along
the
full
point,
channel
mm-hmm
at
the
water's
edge,
which
is
within
the
25
foot
buffer
zone.
So
it
would
preclude
something
like
that.
E
I
think
in
this
draft
a
transition
area
is,
you
know,
with
more
flooding
and
even
high
tides.
That
would
flood
the
city
at
monthly
that
current
kind
of
flood
prone
areas
for
extreme
storms
could
transition
back
to
a
natural
environment
which
we
believe
would
be
hard
to
do
in
the
downtown
area,
particularly
because
it's
already
landfill,
it's
not
doesn't
have
the
right
hydrology,
so
it
couldn't
transition.
G
E
G
E
Think
both
to
absorb
a
heavy
rain
event,
but
also
something
that
could
dissipate
wave
action
but
also
hold
floodwaters
back
into
the
city
I
think
we
just
want
to
recognize
that
a
lot
of
the
landfill
isn't
great
soil,
yeah
and
while
it
may
be,
you
know,
fall
into
the
category
of
land
subject
to
coastal
storm
Flowage.
It
doesn't
have
a
lot
of
value
and
that
and
it's
already
densely
populated,
so
we
just
want
that
kind
of
recognized
in
this
draft.
Okay.
Thank
you.
Thank.
A
A
If
you
can
hang
tight
just
in
case,
we
have
any
back
and
forth,
but
I'm
gonna
call
upon
Pam
Harvey
who's,
the
vice
president
advocacy
for
for
the
Masters
Massachusetts
Association
of
Conservation
Commission,
and
also
Nathaniel
Stevens,
who
is
with
the
McGregor
and
lugia
if
they
could
come
down
and
offer
some
testimony
and
then
we'll
go
to
the
number
13
will
be
after
that.
So
very
good.
Thank
you.
A
H
Good
morning,
thank
you
very
much
for
having
me
my
name
is
Nathaniel
Stevens
I'm
from
the
law
firm
of
McGregor
and
Legere.
Here
in
Boston,
we
focus
on
in
land
use
and
environmental
law
and
related
litigation.
We
represent
a
diversity
of
clients,
developers,
private
property
owners,
opponents
to
projects,
citizen
groups.
We
also
work
for
municipalities,
particularly
Conservation
Commission's,
by
helping
them
defend
their
decisions
as
well
as
help
them
with
enforcement
matters.
H
Our
firm
and
I
also
do
some
training
for
the
Massachusetts
Association
of
conservation
commissioners,
I'm
Pam's
here
on
their
behalf
today
and
just
last
last
month,
at
their
annual
meeting,
I
was
featured
this
a
draft
of
the
proposed
Boston
ordinance
in
a
workshop
that
I
was
giving
to
conservation
commissioners
about
how
they
could
incorporate
climate
change
resiliency
into
their
wetlands
by
laws
or
ordinances.
So
I'm
happy
to
be
here
today
to
do
further
of
that
work.
Just
a
number
of
comments
about
this
ordinance.
H
This
ordinance
would
give
the
city
greater
permitting
control
control
about
what
happens
in
these
wetland
resource
areas
and
the
floodplains
then
the
Commission
currently
has
or
the
city
has
under
the
wetlands
Protection
Act.
As
you
know,
may
know
this.
The
wetlands
Protection
Act
is
a
state
law,
it's
administered
first
by
the
Conservation
Commission,
but
any
decision
can
be
appealed
to
DEP.
So
DEP
s
decision
is
ultimately
what
controls
a
local,
wetlands,
ordinance
or
local
by
law
in
any
municipality,
gives
a
municipality
such
as
Austin
greater
control.
H
Any
any
decision
there
that
the
Conservation
Commission
makes
under
local
wetlands
ordinance
is
appealed
to
court.
So
in
essence,
the
city
is
the
final
decider
on
these
matters
rather
than
DEP
under
the
wetlands
Protection
Act.
This
ordinance,
as
we've
heard
heard
from
the
prior
panel,
would
cover
a
greater
geographic
area
than
the
wetlands
Protection
Act
would,
for
instance,
the
wetlands
Protection
Act
only
covers
and
regulates
the
100-year
floodplain.
H
As
you
know,
those
are
the
areas
that
have
a
1%
chance
of
flooding
and
this
would
expand
it
to
the
500-year
floodplain,
which
would
our
areas
which
have
a
point
2%
chance
of
flooding.
In
addition,
isolated
wetlands,
not
just
bordering
vegetated,
wetlands
are
proposed
to
be
regulated
and
vernal
pools
would
be
proposed
to
be
regulated
on
their
own.
Presently,
the
wetlands
Protection
Act
only
regulates
vernal
pools
in
certain
circumstances,
as
mentioned
also
on
the
prior
panel.
H
Special
transition
areas
would
be
created
which
would
allow
salt
marsh
as
barrier
beaches
and
banks
to
migrate
as
sea
levels
rise.
Land
board
the
greater
jurisdiction
combined
with
greater
standards,
they're
called
performance
performance
standards
would
are
necessary
to
have
a
strong
local
wetlands
regulatory
program,
including
provisions
for
climate
change.
Resiliency
in
this
wetlands
ordinance
is
a
natural
fit.
Many
resource
areas
already
serve
to
mitigate
many
of
the
effects
of
climate
change,
such
as
flood
control,
storm
damage,
prevention,
rising
temperature,
etc.
H
So
this
is
really
a
logical
place
for
the
city
to
try
to
prepare
for
climate
change
resiliency
through
weapons
program.
This
ordinance
would
enhance
the
city's
lead
in
addressing
climate
change
resiliency
and
very
much
help
it
prepare
for
the
effects
of
climate
change.
This
draft
I
notice
reflects
approaches
that
other
municipalities
has
have
taken,
such
as
arlington,
but
also
Duxbury,
Hingham
and
kingston,
among
others,
and
I
think
it
builds
nicely
upon
those
so
I
commend.
H
Commend
the
drafters
for
taking
a
look
at
those
other
communities
and
and
adding
to
it,
I
note
that
it's
important
for
any
any
conversation
or
any
regulatory
program
that
deals
with
climate
change
to
have
depth,
to
define
many
of
the
terms.
It's
new
vocabulary
for
many
of
us
for
myself
still
and
I.
Think
it's
an
important
thing
to
have
in
this
bylaw
includes
many
good
many
good
definitions.
I
Pamela
Harvey
I'm
vice
president
for
advocacy
at
the
Massachusetts
Association
of
Conservation
Commission's
MACC
I'm.
Also
an
environmental
lawyer,
a
member
of
the
Brookline
conservation
commission
providing
store
and
I
actually
also
worked
at
the
department
of
iron
mental
protection
for
24
years,
with
a
lot
of
work
involving
wetlands
and
regulatory
programs.
So
my
comments
may
reflect
that
background
as
well.
Macc
encourages
the
development
of
local
programs
to
regulate
wetlands
that
are
tailored
to
their
local
needs.
I
As
Nathaniel
mentioned,
you
know,
the
state
act
and
the
local
local
bylaw
does
work
together
and
their
jurisdictional
areas
and
and
I
want
to
make
clear
that
wetlands
they're
not
just
in
Boston,
there's
a
lot
of
discussion
about
the
Harbourfront,
but
there
are
many
other
wetland
areas
and
including
areas
that
flood
rivers,
streams
and
and
vernal
pools
among
others.
Well,
it's
true
that
many
of
these
areas
in
Boston
have
been
altered,
filled
they're
no
longer
in
their
natural
form.
I
That
may
mean
that
it's
even
more
important
to
protect,
what's
left
and
for
the
beneficial
values
that
they
provide,
and
perhaps
most
importantly
at
this
point,
I
think
it's
a
reduction
of
reducing
pollution
and
and
also
for
flood
control,
which
is
very
important
and,
in
light
of
of
climate
change.
I
want
to
make
three
points
first,
that
the
local
wetlands
ordinance,
such
as
Boston's,
can
work
well
in
in
urban
conditions.
I
I
Pervious
pavement
to
help
infiltration
and
provide
flood
control
benefits
even
planting
of
more
trees,
which
is
something
I
think
Boston's
been
been
interested
in.
So
in
any
event,
I
think
that
there
are
tools
to
be
used
to
make
it.
The
regulation
specifically
work
well
in
areas
that
have
been
quite
quite
altered
at
this
point,
second
about
being
tailored
to
fit
in
with
other
permit
and
plan
programs,
which
Boston
clearly
has
climate
ready,
Boston
resilient
Harbor
plan.
I
Floodplain
zoning
and
wetlands
protection
programs
do
work
in
tandem
and
other
communities
that
have
local
programs
so
that
that
can
be
coordinated
and
that
the
requirements
will
be
specified
in
by
the
Commission's
regulations,
and
applicants
will
know
about
them
in
time
of
project
review,
so
they
can
take
those
into
account.
And
finally,
implementation
by
the
by
the
conk
on
the
local
ordinance
is
administered
in
tandem
with
the
wetlands
Act
permitting.
So
it
fits
in
on
the
same
timeframe
and
the
additional
requirements
are
taken
into
account.
I
I
Boundary
that
was
just
mentioned
about
the
hundred
year,
plus
the
forty
feet
of
sea
level
rise
that
can
that
maps
can
really
help
with
implementation,
making
that
easier
for
for
applicants
and
and
clarity
and
getting
getting
permits
issued.
There
can
be
in
practice
provisions
for
administrative
review
that
can
help
and
continuing
conditions
for
ongoing
maintenance,
so
that
can
make
it
more
effective
about
200
municipalities
have
local
ordinances
or
bylaws,
and
they
that
I
think
itself
is
a
testament
to
their
success
and
in
the
Commonwealth.
I
So,
in
conclusion,
I
would
just
say
that
the
local
wetlands
ordinance
can
be
really
an
excellent
tool
to
better
protect
wetlands
for
the
beneficial
functions
they
provide,
and
it's
even
more
important
now
in
the
face
of
climate
change,
and
also
really
for
urban
areas
that
are
vulnerable
and
many
ways
that
that
more
rural
areas
or
not
so
I
would
be
my
comments.
Thank.
A
J
Good
afternoon
I'm
Julie
wood
I'm
with
the
Charles
River
Watershed
Association
I
manage
our
science
and
research
program.
So
not.
This
is
a
non-attorney
side
of
the
table.
I'm
here
representing
Charles
River
Watershed
Association,
in
support
of
the
ordinance
protecting
local
wetlands
and
promoting
climate
change
adaptation
in
the
city
of
Boston.
We
support
this
action,
which
will
protect
both
the
natural
and
built
environments
and
will
help
us
adapt
to
climate
change.
Climate
change
is
a
public
threat
that
should
factor
into
every
decision.
This
body,
as
well
as
the
city
administration,
is
making.
J
The
ordinance
is
a
good
first
step
by
codifying
this
into
wetlands
permitting
processes.
This
action
was
specifically
recommended
by
the
climate
ready
Boston
process,
a
robust
and
inclusive
process
that
vetted
and
prioritized
ideas
for
helping
the
city
thrive.
In
the
non
steady
state
of
a
changing
climate,
the
ordinance
will
protect
our
existing
natural
resources
and
the
functions
and
values
they
provide.
J
J
According
to
that
the
National
Institute
of
Building
Sciences,
every
$1
invested
in
disaster
mitigation
saves
$6
for
riverine
flooding.
In
particular,
the
savings
were
found
to
be
$1
mitigation.
Seven
dollars
in
savings
recovering
the
area's
the
ordinance
proposes
to
protect
our
areas
that
are
wet
or
areas
that
are
likely
to
be
wet.
The
city
should
take
action
to
protect
these
areas,
as
well
as
potential
impacts
to
existing
surrounding
properties.
The
conservation
commission
has
specific
expertise
and
experience
that
will
allow
them
to
do
this.
J
This
group
can
review
individual
projects
in
light
of
cumulative
impacts
to
the
health
and
safety
of
natural
systems
and
the
built
environment.
The
commissioners
understand
the
values
of
these
local
resources.
What
they're
providing
to
the
city,
as
well
as
the
potential
impacts
to
the
city
if
their
health
is
degraded
further,
we
support
the
resource
area
as
defined,
or
at
least
more
inclusive
is
better.
I
will
note
some
communities
in
our
watershed
do
use
local
wetlands
ordinance
as
a
tool
to
actually
expand
wetlands
permitting
to
the
entire
community.
B
You
very
much
for
your
time
in
your
expertise.
I
just
wanted
to,
because,
unfortunately,
the
way
we're
doing
with
all
the
separate
panels,
I'm
gonna
try
to
convey
some
of
the
questions
that
I
am
seeing
in
the
testimony
from
I.
Think
folks
will
be
on
later
panels
or
represented
later
panels,
just
to
get
your
perspective
as
well,
and
then
we'll
try
to
ask
that
way
too.
B
So
I
think
you
kind
of
mentioned
this
in
terms
of
how
an
ordinance
might
fit
in
with
other
regulatory
tools
or
programs
or
projects.
But
one
good
point
that
a
better
City
brings
up
in
their
testimony
is
that
there
is
a
lot
happening
with
the
vulnerability
assessment
and
plan
climate,
rainy,
Boston
and
all
the
the
potential
zoning
overlay
district,
any
thoughts
from
either
any
of
the
panelists
on
how
to
kind
of
do
this
in
tandem.
B
So
you
know
one
suggestion
is:
do
we
just
wait
until
decisions
are
made
about
what
a
zoning
overlay
district
might
look
like
versus
what
the
timeline
of
their
resilient
Boston
program,
or
how
can
we
do
this
so
that
it
still
leaves
room
for
everything
to
be
integrated?
And
if
you
have
examples
from
other
municipalities
who
do
this
well,
and
that
would
be
helpful
to.
I
Most
communities
do
have
some
kind
of
floodplain
zoning
and
and
I
think
I'm,
not
sure
that
why
it
would
be
necessary
to
wait
on
this
until
that
was
in
place.
But
certainly
you
would
want
to
sit
down
again
before
I'm,
not
sure
I,
don't
think
there
was
anything
in
the
the
ordinance
that
would
not
be
on
its
face,
not
complimentary,
but
I
think
you
would
want
to
sit
down
in
in
writing
the
regulations
to
put
put
all
the
pieces
together
so
that
so
that
they
are
compatible
in.
I
Yes,
yeah
yeah
got
it
yeah
the
Commission
may
have
you
know
the
further
views
on
this
I
certainly
hope
they
do,
but
anyway,
but
I
think
that
it's
again
it's
not
on
auto
unusual.
As
a
matter
of
fact,
it's
customary
for
there
to
be
floodplain
zoning
of
some
kind
and
it
works
along
with
the
I
think
most
screeners
already
have
that,
but
it
works
along
with
that
local
program.
B
H
Would
agree
with
Pam's
comments,
I
think.
A
lot
of
that
can
be
any
potential
inconsistency.
Can
work
be
worked
out
in
the
regulations
that
the
Conservation
Commission
issues
in
Arlington?
We
actually
the
Conservation
Commission,
actually
provides
input
as
into
where
the
wetland
where
the
floodplain
overlay
district
is
and
then
what
we
also
have
a
wetlands
overlay
district
as
to
where,
where
that
map
is
drawn.
So
there's
communication
between
the
Conservation
Commission
and
the
Planning
Department
about
that.
B
Okay,
so
just
looking
at
some
of
the
points
that
my
app
will
bring
up
later,
I
believe
you
talked
a
little
bit
about
the
interaction
with
the
resilient
Boston
and
hardening
the
coastline.
Could
you
comment
anyone
have
any
thoughts
on
the
administration
had
brought
this
up
to
the
five
hundred
year,
storm
versus
100-year
storm
events,
and
what
that
might
mean
the
comment
here
is
that
that
could
moving
from
a
hundred
year,
storm
event
and
coverage
to
the
500
year
could
envelope
most
of
East
Boston
and
South
Boston
I.
I
Have
not
looked
at
that
a
comparison
of
how
that
how
that
would
be,
how
far
the
extent
would
be
on
a
map,
so
I
not
going
to
comment
on
that.
I
I
wouldn't
comment
that
and
that
it
is
good
I
think
to
have
something:
that's
clear
on
a
map,
because
that
helps
applicants
to
be
able
to
come
in.
So
whether
or
not
I
think
that
the
500
year
storm
may
have
been
selected
because
that
that
is
mapped
and
has
been
used.
I
J
Do
think
it's
important
to
be
inclusive
of
areas
where
flooding
is
likely
to
occur
and
more
inclusive
rather
than
less,
because
the
city
is
in
a
unique
pitch,
or
in
this
case
that
you
know
city
as
represented
by
the
Commission,
is
in
a
unique
position
to
take
a
broader
view.
So
so
certainly
well,
you
know
a
property
may
a
development.
Let's
say
you
know,
have
really
great
intentions
on
protecting.
You
know
their
own
building
or
their
own
future
residents
from
the
impacts
of
flooding.
J
It's
also
important
to
consider
that,
in
the
broader
context
of
how
this
development
impact
surrounding
areas
and
I
think
by
having
projects
in
these
areas
come
in
front
of
the
conservation
commission
and
having
the
conservation
commission
help
that
that
that
out,
you
know,
specifically
in
light
of
this
ordinance
kind
of
charging
them
to
consider
climate
adaptation
and
their
decision-making
process,
that
that
is
important,
because
we
can't
have
you
know
these
single
properties,
sort
of
arming
themselves
or
building
resilience
at
the
expense
of
others.
And
and
that's
you
know,
that's
the
role
the
city
can
play.
B
Then
my
last
question
again
one
of
the
points
that
NAIOP
brings
up
and
will
hear
from
folks
in
the
real
estate
community
later
in
terms
of
a
transition
and
if
you've
seen
when
other
cities.
Actually,
you
know,
passed
the
ordinance
and
issue
the
regulations
and
then
the
shift
in
the
rules.
How
if
there
are
effective
dates
or
a
period
of
time
or
some
recognition
that
those
already
in
the
pipeline
are
not
subject
to?
How
have
other
cities
done?
That
I
think.
H
Generally,
the
cities,
cities
and
municipalities
do
set
in
their
regulations
a
deadline
as
to
when
these
regulations
will
take
take
effect.
They
also
might
say
you
know
an
application,
that's
already
been
filed
and
in
process
you
know,
is
or
is
not
subject
to
these
regulations
or
certain
provisions
and
those
regulations.
You.
I
H
And
I
would
say,
I
think
I,
think
regulations
help
everyone,
the
Commission
applicants
for
Shore,
because
it
provides
these
specifics.
The
the
ordinance
is
more
of
it.
Generally,
an
ordinance
is
more
general
setting
sort,
the
goals
and
the
jury
of
the
gener
and
the
fundamental
aspects
I
would
just
jurisdiction.
What
is
what
it
protects
and
the
resource
area
values,
but
the
the
regulations
that
get
into
the
details
about
what
needs
to
be
in
that
application
plans
need
to
show
what
the
Conservation
Commission
considers
and
can't
consider,
and
things
like
that
right.
B
K
J
Is
they
are
requiring
basically
they're
extending
the
resource
area
to
include
the
whole
community?
So
not
that
basically
not
that
the
whole
community
is
a
wetland,
but
the
whole
any
land
use
change
development.
Any
change
that
goes
on
within
that
community
is
deemed
to
affect
you
know
their
rivers,
their
wetlands
and
therefore
any
project
in
the
community
would.
J
K
B
B
G
Familiar
with
frontage
road
at
all,
the
frontage
road
hold
apostle,
no
okay,
so
I,
my
question
is,
and
maybe
we
can
answer
this
offline.
How
does
this
affect
that?
It
is
this
about
a
little
bit
about
frontage
road
and
you
know
so
that
would
have
been
my
question.
How
is
this
gonna?
How
is
this
gonna
affect
the
frontage
road
parcel?
Is
this?
Is
this
I
mean?
G
Does
that
prevent
us
from
from
building
our
needs
on
frontage
road,
because
we
have
real
needs
there
and
and
and
I
know,
there's
there's
talk
about
trying
to
bring
that
back
to
original
wetlands
and
I.
Just
that's
would
be
my
big
concern
on
this
here
so,
but
that
was
probably
more
of
a
question
for
the
previous
panel.
Thank
you
to.
A
That
point,
because
I
had
a
couple
questions
on
site,
so
maybe
this
is
enriched
mcginnises
will
I
was
Frank's
question
as
well
as
what
the
current
ordinance
would
have
on
the
current
of
what
the
proposed
ordinance
would
have
on
the
current
interim
planning
overlay
districts
as
well
as,
if
passed,
what
impact
would
have
on
projects
that
are
kind
of
currently
in
progress
currently
in
the
pipeline
of
having
either
just
received
a
permit
or
they're
in
the
process
of
permitting?
Would
there
be
some
type
of
grandfather
clause?
A
So
I
don't
know
if
those
are
things
that
rich
or
someone
from
the
first
panel
could
address
you
more
than
welcome
to
come
down
and
address
them
address
Frank's
question
and
then,
while
you
hear,
if
you
can
address
those
two
and
the
interim
I,
think
this
council,
as
they
come,
have
any
questions
of
this
panel,
so
well
Mitch
McGinnis
is
coming
down.
Why
don't
you
put
your
questions
forth.
L
B
The
short
answer
is
that
we
I
believe
are
still
early
enough
in
the
process
that
I
think
a
lot
of
the
exact
boundaries
and
radiuses,
and
this
and
that
are
all
under
discussion,
and
so
we
haven't
generated
a
map
yet,
but
I
know
that
will
certainly
be
I.
Think
good
feedback
all
around
on
the
need
for
that
eager
to
see
the
administration's
comments
and
their
potential
draft
as
well
before.
We
do
anything
like
that.
Thank.
A
You
but
I
also
know,
but
then
I
can't
speak
for
the
chief,
but
I
know
that
chief
chief
Osgood
we've
seen
maps
I'm
at
least
I've
seen
a
map
where
my
house
is
under
water,
so
I
think
those
are
the
types
of
maps.
I
think
that
council
is
a
can
may
be
referring
to
so
I
assume
that
somewhere
in
your
office,
you
have
a
bunch
of
different
maps
up
but
dunt
a
bunch
of
different
potential
scenarios,
twenty
years
out
thirty
years
out
a
hundred
years
out.
C
It's
alright
I
can
speak
just
very
specifically
about
a
strong
consideration
that
we
would
want
to
consider
as
part
of
the
ordinance
be
happy
to
share
any
of
the
climate
ready
plans
that
we
have,
and
obviously
a
lot
of
the
floodplain
maps
that
we
have
when
we
were
talking
about.
Commissioner
specter
testified
about
the
concern
about
just
limiting
it,
just
tying
it
to
the
500-year
maps.
What
that
doesn't
allow
us
to
do
is
allow
flexibility
to
neighborhoods
that
actually
might
be
more
vulnerable
in
certain
circumstances,
from
things
like
wave
action.
C
You
know
so
there's
some
neighborhoods
that
may
receive
inundation
at
a
potential
earlier
date
in
a
one-percent
storm
than
other
neighborhoods,
and
we
would
also
caution.
We
would
be
very
excited
to
work
collaboratively
in
a
working
session
because
one
of
the
other
considerations
I
think
we
have
to
take
up
and
council
breaker
I.
Think
here.
Your
point
is
well
served
as
opposed
to
looking
at
justice
like
bark
parcels
that
might
be
inundated
in
the
500-year
plain.
C
The
Conservation
Commission
may
be
able
to
exercise
and
determine
the
scope
of
the
applicability
of
the
new
wetlands
ordinance
over
time.
So
that
way,
that
projects
that
are
potentially
in
the
pipeline
or
projects
that
are
conceived
of
I
could
receive
a
heightened
scrutiny
at
an
earlier
point
than
other
projects.
I
would
defer
to
rich
McGinnis
at
the
Boston
plain
development
agency
at
how
such
you
know
how
that
oversight
would
work.
E
Back
to
the
the
mapping
we
do
have
the
500-year
floodplain
mapped
out,
that's
a
FEMA
demarcation
and
it
it's
actually
almost
equal
to
a
21
inch
sea
level
rise
projections.
We've
mapped
out
through
climate
ready
Boston.
Our
online
mapping
tool
has
a
40
inch
sea
level
rise
by
2070.
So
if
you
look
at
the
life
of
a
building,
that's
being
permitted,
it's
most
likely
gonna
get
go,
get
up
to
2070,
so
we
would
recommend
utilizing
that
kind
of
projection
in
ordinance
and
not
the
500-year
floodplain
as
the
Commissioner
just
just.
L
C
We
have
the
we
have.
The
actual
potential
parcels
that
would
be
impacted
by
the
current
proposed
ordinance
we'd
be
happy
to
send
that
along.
But
again
we
would
just
caution
that
it
would
be
advantageous
for
the
Conservation
Commission
to
have
more
dexterity
as
to
when
to
apply
that
regulation.
Thank.
E
E
E
Our
kind
of
mapping
of
future
flood
risks
includes
includes
frontage
road
that
was
flying
under
imagine
Boston
2030
as
it
grows
own
for
development,
but
only
if
we
can
develop
flood
protection
mechanisms
to
prevent
inland
flooding
in
that
area
in
other
areas
and-
and
those
are
things
that
we're
trying
to
develop
him
on
the
four
point
channel.
Are
these
elevation
changes
to
allow
the
girls
to
occur
their
frontage
road
and
why
that
circle
is
all
disturbed
land?
E
I
I
think
with
some
language
changes
and
in
this
draft
the
way
it's
drafted
now,
there's
an
assumption
that
there
will
be
a
form
of
retreat
in
the
city
inland
subject
to
coastal
storm,
Flowage
and
future
land
soldier
subject
to
coastal
Flintstone
flow
edge,
and
that's
not
the
plan.
The
plan
is
to
augment
our
shoreline
to
allow
us
to
continued
to
occupy.
A
You
thank
you.
Thank
you,
Richard
any
other
questions
of
this
panel
this
time,
but
seeing
you
know
so.
Thank
you
to
our
second
panel
for
your
time
and
attention.
You're
welcome
to
stick
around
and
listen
to
our
third
panel,
which
will
consist
of
Greg
vassal
CEO
and
president
of
the
Greater
Boston
real
estate
board
Mike
Kaz
llamo.
It
was
an
attorney
at
Robinson.
A
:
I
did
see,
I
see,
chip
nylon
is
here,
I
know
and
maybe
Tripp
can
come
down
and
Stephanie
cruel.
A
M
Thank
You
mr.
chairman
members
of
the
council,
I'm
counselor
Wu
for
the
record.
My
name
is
Greg
vassal
and
I'm,
the
CEO
of
the
Greater
Boston
real
estate
board
on
behalf
of
our
12,000
members
and
our
five
residential
and
commercial
divisions
as
well
as
this
morning,
we're
joined
together
in
this
panel
with
our
friends
from
May
up
and
their
2000
members.
M
We
welcome
this
opportunity
to
testify
on
this
ordinance.
The
board
is
supportive
of
a
wetlands
ordinance
that
would
allow
the
city
to
be
dynamic
and
flexible
when
it
comes
to
climate
change
in
climate
change
issues,
as
long
as
it
will
also
allow
developers
the
ability
to
meet
the
needs
of
a
growing
and
changing
Boston.
M
We
applaud
councillor,
woo
and
and
councillor
O'malley
for
their
vision
and
their
efforts
on
this
ordinance.
However,
we
feel
that
the
ordinance
at
this
time
is
unworkable,
but
we
do
stand
as
we
always
do,
ready
as
a
resource
to
this
body
and
and
the
city
moving
forward,
helping
in
and
working
sessions
to
try
to
come
up
with
something
that
meets
the
needs
of
the
city,
both
from
a
climate
change
and
a
Whelan's
perspective,
as
well
as
from
the
development
perspective
before
I
turned
it
over
to
the
experts
in
the
wetlands.
M
There
are
four
policy
areas
that
I
wanted
to
touch
on,
that
I
thought
were
really
important
and
I,
don't
know
the
answers
to
but
struck
me
as
I
read
the
ordinance
and
we've
just
touched
on
this
for
a
while
is
how
does
this
ordinance
affect
in
fit
with
the
city's
effort
to
be
reasoned?
I.
Think
that's
really
important
for
us
to
look
at
that,
because
the
worst
thing
that
we
need
to
do.
The
last
thing
we
need
to
do
is
to
be
doing
things
twice
and
wasting
our
time.
So
you
know
we
have
developers.
M
We
have
people
in
the
real
estate
industry
that
are
dealing
with
zoning
issues
and
they're
going
to
be
looking
at
climate
change
and
then
we're
going
to
also
be
addressing
in
the
wetlands
Act
I
think
that's
an
issue
that
we
really
need
to
focus
on
number
two
is
what
does
this
do
to
housing?
We
know
we
have
a
housing
crisis
tomorrow,
we're
going
to
be
talking
about
attacks
on
all
real
estate
over
two
million
dollars
to
pay
for
housing.
M
M
What
is
this
ordinance
do
for
property
values?
We
know
when
you
have
a
major
piece
of
land
use
regulation
like
this.
It
can
often
lead
to
a
diminution
in
property
value.
We
all
know
that
the
city,
a
70%
of
the
city's
revenues
for
its
budget,
are
dependent
on
property
values.
Does
this
ordinance
or
disorders
affect
that?
And
what
would
those
costs
be?
And
then,
last
but
not
least,
I
think
it's
important
when
you
pass
major
land
use
regulation
like
this
to
say
what
does
it
do
to
the
doing?
M
What
does
it
do
to
the
cost
of
doing
business
in
Boston?
How
does
it
drive
it
up?
Is
there
a
number
you
can
look
at?
Could
we
look
at
a
developer
in
East
Boston
that
has
a
large
tract
of
land?
That
would
say
geez?
If
we
did,
this
I
would
lose
X
amount
and
property
values
and
it
would
cost
me
an
extra
25,
30
dollars
a
square
foot
and
regulatory
and
permitting
costs
I,
don't
know
the
answer
to
that,
but
I
think
is
a
body.
M
We
owe
that
to
people
in
the
city,
because
we
want
to
be
a
city
that
people
want
to
come
to.
We
want
to
encourage
business
here
and
we
don't
want
to
make
it
so
expensive
that,
just
to
harken
back
to
the
housing
that
we
just
keep
producing
for
the
high
end
of
the
market
and
we
can't
produce
for
the
middle
so
with
that
I'd
like
to
turn
it
over
to
to
Mike
Giano
from
Robinson
and
cold
who'll.
Talk
more
specifically
on
the
ordinance
welcome.
N
Mike
good
afternoon
councillors,
my
name
is
Michael
JAMA
I'm,
a
partner
with
the
law,
firm,
Robinson
and
Cole.
My
firm
was
asked
by
the
Greater
Boston
real
estate
board
to
review
this
ordinance
from
the
standpoint
of
how
it
will
affect
property
owners
and
development
in
the
city
of
Boston,
and
this
afternoon,
I
want
to
briefly
focus
on
just
a
few
of
the
concerns
we
had
about
this
proposal.
First,
the
ordinance
would
significantly
increase
the
amount
of
riparian
area
subject
to
review
currently
under
state
law.
Boston's
riverfront
area,
in
which
Conservation
Commission
review
is
required.
N
Under
the
Massachusetts
rivers,
Protection
Act
is
limited
to
the
area
between
the
rivers
mean
annual
high
water
and
a
parallel
line
located
25
feet
away.
The
proposed
ordinance
would
regulate
a
riverfront
area
that
is
200
feet
wide
eight
times
the
current
width.
This
has
the
potential
effect
of
subjecting
significantly
more
land
and
significantly
more
development
to
Conservation
Commission
review.
N
Second,
the
state
regulations
under
the
rivers,
Protection
Act,
expressly
hold
redevelopment
to
a
more
relaxed
standard
than
new
development
of
previously
undeveloped
riverfront,
but
the
ordinance
does
not.
Instead,
the
ordinance
in
defining
the
Conservation
Commission's
jurisdiction
over
the
riverfront
area
ambiguously
requires
the
Commission
in
its
regulations,
to
quote
include
provisions
for
previously
developed
areas
for
purposes
of
project
review.
This
does
not
provide
any
guidance
to
the
Commission
as
to
what
the
effect
of
those
provisions
should
be
and
at
a
minimum.
N
The
ordinance
should
specify
that
the
intent
of
such
regulation
should
be
to
accommodate
and
facilitate
redevelopment
of
previously
disturbed
area
if
the
development
maintains
or
improves
on
the
existing
conditions
and
third,
in
addition
to
requiring
a
permit
applicant,
to
demonstrate
that
its
projects
will
not
have
unacceptable
significant
effects
on
resource
areas.
The
ordinance
also
unfairly
requires
the
applicant
to
determine
and
evaluate
cumulative
effect
of
its
project
on
a
resource
areas.
N
This
puts
an
applicant
in
the
difficult
and
costly
position
of
having
to
determine
and
account
for
potential
resource
area
impacts
of
a
wide
range
of
potential
activities
for
which
no
site,
design
or
other
relevant
planning
may
have
been
done
or
may
be
at
an
early
stage
of
planning
or
design
and
subject
to
change
or
that
may
never
come
to
fruition
at
all.
Thank
you
for
your
time
and
the
opportunity
to
comment
on
this
ordinance.
A
O
Name
is
Stephanie
cruel,
I'm,
a
senior
environmental
planner
at
VHB,
which
is
a
design
and
engineering
firm
with
a
office
here
in
Boston
I'm,
also
another
former
executive
secretary
of
the
Boston
Conservation
Commission,
as
are
many
in
the
audience.
I
am
a
member,
along
with
chip
Nylund,
the
mass
de
piel
and
subject
to
coastal
storm
Flowage
advisory
group,
we're
drafting
regulations
with
performance
standards
for
land
subject
to
coastal
storm
Flowage
that
will
be
integrated
into
the
WPA
at
the
state
level
and
today,
I'm
speaking
on
behalf
of
nei
up
the
commercial
real
estate
development.
O
Association
I'd
like
to
talk
about
some
opportunities
that
we
see
with
the
development
of
a
local
wetlands
ordinance
first
provides
an
opportunity
to
support
the
mayor's
vision
for
a
resilient
Boston
Harbor
and
avoid
adding
roadblocks
to
protecting
the
city
from
the
impacts
of
climate
change.
Second,
it
provides
an
opportunity
to
tailor
regulations
to
Boston's
environment
and
further
protect
wetland
resource
areas
that
are
not
adequately
protected
by
the
WPA.
O
Third,
we
have
an
opportunity
to
make
sure
that
we
are
using
the
right
tools
to
deal
with
different
aspects
of
climate
change
impacts,
knowing
that
there
are
a
variety
of
tools
we
can
use
to
protect,
both
the
built
and
natural
environments
from
policies
and
regulations
to
ordinances
that
are
administered
by
various
city
departments
and
agencies.
A
local
wetlands
ordinance
should
focus
on
protecting
the
interests
of
the
wetlands
resource
areas,
while
tools
such
as
zoning
and
building
code
are
better
positioned
to
protect
the
built
environment.
O
And
finally,
we
see
this
as
an
opportunity
to
bring
together
members
of
the
Conservation
Commission
city
officials
and
agencies,
city
staff,
local
organizations
and
concerned
citizens
to
identify
issues
of
concern
and
work
together
to
devise
solutions.
We
feel
that
the
ordinance
as
drafted
presents
many
technical
problems,
and
it
does
not
necessarily
take
advantage
of
all
the
opportunities
that
I
just
described.
Sonne
app
looks
forward
to
participating
in
an
upcoming
working
session
to
address
these
issues
and
help
produce
an
effective
local
wetlands
ordinance.
Thank
you.
Thank.
P
P
I
did
want
to
echo
what
Stephanie
has
said
that
we're
not
opposed
to
wetlands
ordinance
I've
been
practicing
this
law
for
a
long
time,
I've
been
in
front
of
Commission's
that
have
them
in
commissions
that
don't
and
there's
certain
value
to
to
having
it
in
the
inner
city
of
Boston,
I
I
was
on
my
own
Commission
for
nine
years
and
actually
drafted
the
wetland
ordinance
up
in
Ipswich,
which
is
which
is
still
around
so
I've
got
some
experience.
I
think
what
I
wanted
to
do
is
just
reference
a
couple
of
the
items.
P
Councillor
reference-
this
is
a
good
start,
I
think
I
agree
with
almost
everything.
That's
been
said,
today's
hard
hard,
not
to
agree
with
what
has
been
offered
by
the
by
the
department
by
the
advocates,
as
well
as
by
the
real
estate
community.
The
25-foot
no
disturb
was
the
first
one
that
bothered
me
only
because
when
I
see
the
resiliency
plans
that
have
been
advocated
by
the
city
that
having
no
build
and
no
fill
would
obviously
run
counter.
However,
you
know
the
25-foot.
P
No
disturbed
can
have
an
important
role
in
protecting
wetlands
outside
of
the
harbour
area.
So
what
I
would
suggest
to
you
when
there's
a
couple
ways
to
do
it?
One
is
you
could
write
an
exemption
for
coastal
resiliency
plans
or
number
two?
You
could
write
in
a
waiver
provision
there.
You
know
usually
what
you
usually
need
a
basket
to
catch
things
that
are
unintended,
so
I
think
that
it's
not
it's
not
fatal,
but
I
think
no
disturb
the
way
that
it's
written,
I
don't
think
will
advance
those
positions.
P
The
second
is
the
transition
which
I,
because
we
had
that
in
the
riverfront.
If
you
you
have
article
80
and
you
have
a
lot
of
larger
projects
that
have
gone
through
a
very
long
process
and
suddenly
this
is
thrown
upon
them
and
they
have
to
redesign
the
entire
project.
Now
it
doesn't
mean
that
the
city
is
not
protected.
P
You
have
a
building
code
that
establishes
that
you
can't
build
beyond
the
elevation
of
feet
right
now,
but
in
terms
of
for
the
future,
I
think
you
want
to
have
a
time
period
that
you
can
allow
people
to
pursue
the
existing
approvals,
and
then
this
will
take
effect
at
a
at
a
later
time
and
I.
Don't
think
that's
going
to
harm
the
harm
the
community
I
do
agree
with
Carl
in
terms
of
the
500-foot.
P
The
reason
that
we
said
that's
going
to
expand
into
almost
all
East
Boston
and
South
was
the
way
I
read
the
way
the
ordinance
is
written.
Is
you
have
a
buffer
zone
on
top
of
the
500-foot
floodplain?
That
is
you
say,
the
buffer
zone
applies
to
all
inland
and
coastal
wetlands
and
that
this
would
be
a
wet.
P
So,
in
addition
to
the
flood
elevation
you're
going
to
go
beyond
that,
I
mean
the
one
thing
that
you
always
hear
from
the
development
community
is
we
want
certainty,
tell
us
what
the
rules
are
and
I
think
not
knowing
where
those
lines
are
would
present
us
with
some
difficulty
and
I
think
adding
that
buffer
zone
I'm
not
sure
that
there's
a
value
to
adding
the
buffer
zone
to
the
to
the
to
the
500
foot.
So,
as
everyone
has
said
here
today,
we
look
forward
to
participating
in
the
in
the
workshop
I.
P
B
I
would
thank
you
so
much
for
your
time
and
for
the
commitment
to
working
together
moving
forward
again
was
hoping
this
would
be
a
working
session,
but
wanted
to
make
sure
that
I
think
the
chair
and
administration
had
felt
that
we
wanted
to
make
sure
to
have
a
full
public
hearing
on
the
the
refile
of
this
I.
Think
I'd
like
to
start
where
or
ship
attended,
actually
and
ask
everyone
else.
You
know
what
what?
If
what
value
do
you
see?
B
B
What
is
the
word
of
the
kind
of
elements
of
value
that
you
would
like
to
see
preserved
in
that
wetlands
ordinance
would
be
things
like
certainty
or
protection
of
infrastructure.
What
are
the
other
other
elements?
Why
do
you
think
it
would
be
good
for
Boston
to
have
a
wetlands
ordinance,
assuming
that
there
could
be
some
acknowledgment
of
the
issues
that
you
had
brought
up
well,.
P
I
think
others
have
talked
about
your
areas
that
are
not
regulated
by
the
wetlands
protection.
I.
Remember
you
have
the
wetlands
Protection
Act
and
case
law
said
a
long
time
so
that
you
can
have
a
local
bylaw
that
can
occupy
other
areas,
so
you've
already
offer
to
identified
vernal
pools
and
isolated,
or
what
we
call
freshwater
wetlands
that
aren't
regulated
in
wetlands
Act
those
are
bordering
wetlands
I
don't
mean
to
get
into
the
weeds,
so
you
have
areas
in
the
ordinance
that
you
will
be
regulating
that
you
would
not
otherwise
be
regulating
I.
P
Think
that's
number
one
number
two
is:
is
that
you,
you
have
your
own.
You
have
your
own
required
permit.
It's
not
just
the
what
the
wetlands
permit
is.
All
you
need
right
now
in
Boston,
and
the
appeal
process
goes
to
DEP.
If
you
have
your
own
ordinance,
you'll
have
a
separate
permitting
process.
You
have
different
performance
standards
and
you
have
a
different
appeal
process
and
third
you're
going
to
have
the
opportunity
that
I
see
to
incorporate
your
your
climate
change
and
sea
level
rise.
P
Performance
standards
which
haven't
been
Lance
optical
storm,
floats
on
the
wetlands
act.
They're
looking
at
that,
it's-
and
it's
probably
should
happen
sometime
in
the
next
year,
but
this
will
allow
the
conservation
commission,
through
regulations
to
establish
performance
standards,
so
I
think
those
others,
but
those
are.
Those
are
three
things
that
come
to
mind
to
me.
Thank.
B
O
I
think
that
this
is
an
opportunity
for
the
city
to
identify
to
use
as
their
starting
place,
identifying,
which
resource
areas
are
not
currently
protected,
to
the
extent
that
they
should
be,
and
with
climate
change
in
mind,
which
resource
areas
do
we
anticipate,
may
not
be
protected
in
the
future
and
I
think
we
need
to
look
to
start
there
rather
than
starting
with
we
have
a
tool.
How
can
we
use
it?
M
Perspective,
the
most
important
thing
for
us
is
is
take
a
look
at
the
economics.
What
does
it
mean
financially?
What
does
it
mean
for
developers?
I?
Don't
think
anyone
would
would
disagree
with.
We
need
to
protect
the
city,
we
need
to
protect
our
environment,
but
let's
see
what
it
costs
and
let's
come
up
with
some
real
numbers.
Sometimes
we
act,
but
we
don't
think
about
that.
N
Stay
in
terms
of
the
the
tool
and
process
is
also
very
important
if
there's
a
way
to
accomplish
some
of
the
same
important
goals
with
less
process,
even
without
a
new
permanent
requirement.
A
new
review
requirement
a
new
potential
route
of
Appeal
for
people
who
want
to
challenge
a
development.
There
are
already
many
development
review
processes
that
the
city
has
to
make
sure
that
development
addresses
different
planning
and
other
issues,
and
if
this
can
be
incorporated-
or
much
of
this
could
be
incorporated
into
those
processes
that
might
be
better
as
well.
A
A
Q
Counselor
I
appreciate
it
thanks
very
much
for
allowing
you
to
be
here.
I
appreciate,
counselor,
woo,
everybody's
involvement
in
this
my
name
is
Thomas
O'brien
and
I'm
with
a
company
called
the
hym
Investment
Group.
One
thing:
that's
pertinent
for
today
we're
also
the
owners
of
Suffolk
Downs,
which
is
161
acre
parcel
located
in
East
Boston
I
wanted
to
kind
of
just
be
here
to
lend
my
voice
to
a
couple
of
themes
that
I
think
have
emerged
from
everybody.
Who's
testified
today.
One
is
I.
Q
Just
would
encourage
the
council,
as
well
as
the
administration,
to
take
the
time
necessary
to
make
sure
that
this
you
know
comes
out
well,
I!
Think
that's
a
it's
a
really
important
point,
one
since
I
get
just
being
an
outside
observer.
You
know
here,
but
familiar
with
this
building
is.
Is
there
there
seems
to
be
an
undercurrent
of
need
for
the
administration
and
the
council
to
kind
of
get
on
the
same
page
on
this
and
I
just
would
encourage
people
to
do
that.
Q
I
think
there's
a
lot
of
us
in
the
you
know
who
are
outside
of
this
building.
Who
would
love
to
lend
a
hand
to
try
and
get
to
a
an
ordinance
that
would
work
well
for
everybody?
We
do
agree
that
then
an
ordinance
is
is
needed
in
Boston,
so
we're
you
know
we're
certainly
open
to
that.
I
would
respectfully
suggest
that
it's
probably
not
it's
probably.
It
sounds
too
easy
to
compare
Boston
to
other
communities
that
have
already
enacted
ordinances.
I
heard
Kingston
and
I
heard
a
few
other
communities
like
that.
Q
There's
a
lot
of
as
you
could
hear,
a
lot
of
complication
that
has
to
be
you
know,
sort
of
sorted
out
in
Boston,
I
would
say
there
are
three
or
four
key
things
and
I
just
wanted
to
rise
and
talk
about.
One
is
I
think
the
last
panel
focused
on
the
25
foot
know
disturbance
zone,
which
is
a
really
for
us
to
create
the
inflexibility
around.
That
would
prevent
I
think
some
surprise
situations
that
that
people
around
the
city
now
recognizes
really
interesting
pieces
of
open
space.
You
know
elements
of
the
Esplanade.
Q
There
are
pieces
around
various
parks
in
every
neighborhood
in
the
city
that
that
might
not
exist
today.
Were
this
25
foot
no
disturbance?
It's
important
to
note
that
the
no
disturbance
is
you
can't
do
anything
that
right.
So
is
it
chip
notice
noted
before
having
some
kind
of
a
you
know,
a
back
door
that
one
out
back
door
is
an
appropriate
thing,
but
a
way
to
to
allow
people
to
do
something
that
is
appropriate
with
the
process
appropriately.
Q
You
know
followed
and
also
just
note
that
the
the
ordinance
also
increases
the
the
jurisdiction
of
the
Commission
from
25
feet
to
200
feet
around
rivers
and
streams,
and
that
the
the
in
the
the
standard
by
that
says
this
is
me
reading
from
my
notes
here,
preponderance
of
the
evidence
that
there
is
no
practical
alternative
to
the
proposed
project
with
less
adverse
effects.
It's
a
pretty
heavy
standard
and
it's
an
you
know
it's
a
standard
without
much
in
the
way
of
direction,
which
I
think
was
a
previous
testimony
as
well.
So
we're
concerned
about
that.
Q
There's
been
a
lot
of
discussion
about
the
differences
between
the
100-year
and
the
500
year.
Storm
I
would
agree
with
the
theme
that
there's
a
lot
of
work
in
the
regulatory,
the
various
regulatory
bodies,
to
make
sure
that
there
are
there's
a
lot
of
review
of
projects.
The
last
thing,
I
would
kind
of
say
you
know,
and
there's
been
some
testimony
on
this
as
well.
There's
a
variety
of
different
pieces
of
opens
of
space
that
today
kind
of
fit
into
a
wetlands
definition
everything
from
gullies
to
ditches,
to
pieces
that
are
paved
channels.
Q
Sometimes
the
channel
itself
is
paved.
Sometimes
the
the
the
channel
is
paved
on
both
sides
and
to
elevate
these
to
a
status
that
might
be
on
par
with,
say,
the
muddy
river
and
the
fens
or
the
you
know,
or
the
Charles
River
to
us
requires
a
lot
of
process
to
really
to
really
think
it
through.
We
did
do
some
mapping
ourselves
just
to
kind
of
understand
what
the
effect
of
the
ordinance
has
currently
written
would
be.
Q
It
would
have
a
very
significant
effect
on
us
at
Suffolk
Downs
we've
tried
very
hard
to
present
a
very
responsible
proposal
to
use
our
open
space
to
manage
the
the
effects
of
climate
change.
The
potential
effects
of
climate
change
on
our
parcel
we're
all
about
building
housing
where
we
are
we're
going
to
build
10,000
units
of
housing,
so
I
think
as
councillor
co-moh
sort
of
picked
up.
There
are
some
some
communities
that
have
used
these
ordinances
to
event
the
construction
of
housing,
where
there
are
communities
that
want
to
prevent
more
construction
of
housing
and
I.
Q
R
You,
my
name,
is
Deb
Beatty
Mel
I
live
in
Roslindale.
Any
complex
system
with
many
parts
has
some
parts
that
are
more
visible
and
attractive
and
other
parts
that
are
unglamorous
but
important
to
the
working
of
the
system.
A
wetland
is
like
that,
when
you
say
the
word
swamp,
images
of
mud
and
mosquitoes
and
skunk
cabbage
probably
come
to
your
mind,
but
with
every
rainstorm
it
quietly
does
its
job
collecting
the
runoff.
Storing
it
filtering
it
as
it
makes
its
way
back
to
the
near
river,
nearby
rivers
and
lakes.
R
For
the
first
decade
that
I
lived
in
my
house,
I
did
not
appreciate
the
value
of
the
Roslindale
wetlands,
but
when
a
developer
came
along
in
the
mid
2000s
with
a
plan
to
build
houses
inappropriately
right
up
to
the
wetlands
edge,
it
was
a
wake-up
call
for
the
community,
the
neighbors
organized
in
opposition,
and
later
on,
we
built
a
trail.
We
cut
back
invasive
plants,
we
removed
piles
of
junk,
we
planted
dozens
of
trees.
We
came
to
really
appreciate
the
riotous
bird
life
and
the
other
animals
that
make
their
homes
there.
R
When
I
read
in
the
city's
climate
action
plan
about
the
need
for
neighborhoods
to
have
pockets
of
green
space
that
could
handle
rainwater,
runoff
I
knew
exactly
what
they
were
talking
about.
The
developer,
backed
off
for
a
number
of
years,
but
they're
back
again
and
pressing
forward
today,
with
the
acute
need
for
more
housing
in
Boston.
I.
Appreciate
that
the
pressure
is
on
to
overlook
the
value
of
these
humble
unglamorous
green
spaces,
not
only
in
Roslindale
but
in
neighborhoods
throughout
the
city.
R
A
local
wetlands
ordinance
will
bring
a
necessary
balance
so
that
these
vital,
but
sometimes
overlooked,
corners
of
our
city
are
given
the
value
and
the
consideration
they
truly
deserve.
I
would
urge
the
council
to
enact
a
row
bust
local
wetlands
ordinance
that
empowers
the
Conservation
Commission
to
fulfill
its
role
as
a
steward
of
the
city's
green
spaces,
the
glamorous
as
well
as
the
unglamorous,
so
that
we
don't
let
the
push
for
development
compromise
national
natural
resources
that
are
quietly
doing
their
job
to
the
benefit
of
the
larger
community.
S
S
Our
second
concern
is
related
to
the
Supplemental
jurisdiction
authority
and
procedures
required
of
the
conservation
commission.
The
ordinance
and
its
regulations
to
protect
additional
resource
areas
will
require
additional
standards
and
procedures
stricter
than
those
of
the
wetlands
Protection
Act.
We
are
concerned
that
the
Commission
will
not
have
the
capacity
to
implement
and
enforce
the
ordinance.
S
A
recent
example
of
a
meeting
we
had
last
week
with
some
of
our
members.
We
hosted
focus
groups
for
the
BPD
A's
flood,
resiliency,
overlay,
district
and
resiliency
design
guidelines.
One
of
the
key
takeaways
from
developers
and
asset
owners
alike
was
the
concern
that
proposed
development
and
existing
buildings
requirements
for
both
mitigation
and
adaptation
be
combined
so
that
there's
one
high
performance
and
resilience
building
standards,
so
they
won't
be
required
to
do
overlapping
changes
to
their
buildings
as
Boston's
climate
planning
process
proceeds.
A
A
F
Thank
you
good
good
afternoon,
Frank
O'brien
with
the
Allendale
coalition
I'm
here
to
present
to
the
council
a
letter
of
support
which
has
been
emailed
to
you
on
it's
in
it.
It's
the
letter.
That's
entitled
final
letter.
There
was
some
last-minute
organizations
joining
to
summarize,
very
briefly
the
letters
of
top-line
statement
of
support,
as
has
been
stated
by
many
of
the
other
speakers
in
the
panelists.
This
is
just
a
start
of
a
problem
solving
issue
resolution
process
and
we
all
look
forward
to
participating
in
that
I
would
draw
your
attention.
F
The
council
members
attention
to
one
part
of
our
letter
which
addresses
the
question
of
climate
justice
and
environmental
justice
and
the
related
issue
of
where
wetlands
ordinance
review
falls
in
the
overall
city
review.
Permit
review
process,
one
of
the
goals
I.
Think
of
this
ordinance
is
to
front-load
resource
assessment,
not
have
it
at
the
end
as
an
afterthought
within
the
article
18
zoning
roadmap
of
project
review.
I'll
illustrate
the
reason
for
that
point.
F
F
No,
not
all
nay,
of
our
neighbors
in
Boston
have
that
ability,
nor
should
they
be
expected
to
it's
the
city
itself,
that
has
the
burden
of
informing
and
enforcing,
and
we
think
the
conservation
commission
should
be
an
equal
partner
with
BP
da
in
the
other
departments,
in
our
common
effort
to
both
protect
and
to
grow,
and
we
look
forward
to
participating
as
this
process
moves
for.
Thank
you
thank.
T
T
Let
me
just
start
with
the
nitty
gritty
sex
section,
G
paragraphs,
18
and
19
states
that
the
permits
issued
under
this
regime
would
be
valid
for
three
years
and
could
be
extended
for
another
three
years.
That
seems
a
bit
long
to
me.
I
would
ask
that
you
maybe
take
a
look
at
that,
perhaps
two
years
with
the
one-year
extension
period
also
section
J
on
enforcement
of
this
provision
twice,
it
mentions
the
non
criminal
alternative
provided
under
mg/l
chapter
40,
section
21
D.
T
Speaking
just
to
some
of
the
other
comments
that
were
made,
I
would
suggest
that.
Well,
of
course,
everyone
wants
this
to
be
done
right
and
to
be
done
carefully.
Change
can't
wait
and
that's
something
that
that
I
think
this.
This
body
is
very
familiar
with
and
I
think
that
is
the
position
that
most
residents
and
homeowners
would
take
when
it
comes
to
implementing
this
regime.
T
T
Finally,
I'd
say
that
the
ordinance
dovetail
very
well
with
the
mayor's
resilient
Harbor
project
and
especially
the
early
action
items
that
were
outlined
in
the
mayor's
proposal,
namely
regarding
wood
islands
in
the
Belle
Isle
Marsh
in
East
Boston,
very
vulnerable
areas,
as
we
saw
at
that
fire
recently
at
the
casket
company.
A
lot
of
containment
had
to
be
done,
so
these
these
areas
are
very
vulnerable
and
I.
Thank
you
very
much
councillor
Wu
for
putting
this
forward.
Thank
you.
U
A
U
To
be
here,
my
name
is
Conan:
zero,
Ingram
I
live
in
East,
Boston
I'm,
also
with
the
Friends
of
Bella
Marsh.
The
wetlands
serve
three
purposes,
and
in
so
doing
they
are
helping
with
the
mitigation
of
climate
change.
The
purposes
are
serving
as
a
storm
buffer.
When
the
storm
approaches
the
wetlands
take
the
brunt
of
it
that
way
they
do
protect
the
neighborhood.
The
wetlands
also
help
with
mitigation,
because
they're
capable
of
carbon
sequestration.
So
this
is
something
you
know
we
can
go
into
large
words
like
hydro,
geomorphology
and
I'm.
U
Sorry,
councillor
Baker
is
not
here.
You
would
ask
me
what
that
means,
but
we
can
look
that
up
the
way
wetlands
work
they
sequester
carbon,
that
is
the
opposite
of
what's
happening
and
because
we're
losing
more
carbon
to
the
atmosphere
were
causing
climate
change.
Wetlands
would
reverse
that
three
they
would
reduce
the
heat
island
effect
that
we
suffer
from
in
urban
spaces.
Developed
areas
radiate
more
heat
and
therefore
you
will.
U
You
would
have
seen
that
when
you're
inside
the
city,
it's
hotter
on
a
hot
summer
day
when
you're
outside
or
when
you're
in
a
garden
or
in
a
wetland.
So
because
of
all
these
three
purposes
and
characteristics
that
wetlands
have
they
serve
vention
of
climate
change,
and
if
you
want
to
use
the
word
mitigation,
that's
fine
also
because
they
reduce
the
emission
of
greenhouse
gases
and
help
us
deal
with
the
consequences
of
climate
change
that
are
inevitable
anyway.
Pinning
prevention
against
cure.
U
It's
like
somebody,
who's
suffering
from
obesity,
related
complications,
saying
I,
don't
want
to
cook
and
eat
a
good
diet.
I
don't
want
to
workout,
because
I
need
the
time
to
go
to
the
hospital
to
deal
with
my
illness
because
of
obesity.
You
have
to
work
on
prevention.
Prevention
is
also
justice
for
the
future
and
anything
that
we
do
like
governor
governor,
Baker,
I,
think
I
said
we
could
take
mitigation
money
from
Reggie
and
put
it
into
adaptation.
That
is
taking
money
from
the
future
and
putting
it
towards
the
present.
U
And
if
you
don't
do
prevention
and
if
you're
constantly
reacting
to
sea-level
rise,
then
you
will
always
be
building
the
sea
walls
higher
and
higher
and
we'll
be
living
in
a
bathtub.
So,
having
said
that,
it
is
important
to
protect
wetlands.
It
is
possible,
I
think,
to
have
a
more
nuanced
regulation
that
says
we
can
exempt
when
some
sort
of
resiliency
measure
some
sort
of
building
is
critical
and
make
room
for
that.
And
finally,
one
very
good
quick
point:
green
infrastructure
and
blue
infrastructure
is
known
to
increase
property
value,
not
reduce
it.
Thank
you.
V
Name
is
Jill
Valdez
Horwood
I
am
the
director
of
policy
for
Boston
Harbor
now
I
also
happen
to
be
a
former
Boston
conservation.
Commissioner
I
want
to
thank
committee,
chair
Flaherty
fellow
members
of
the
council,
for
the
opportunity
to
speak
to
you
today
about
the
proposed
draft
of
a
wetland
ordinance
sponsored
by
councilor
Wu
and
councillor
O'malley
to
date.
Standards
outlined
by
existing
building
code.
Zoning
codes
and
related
policies
and
regulations
have
been
active
to
coastal
storm
events.
V
It's
only
after
a
storm
event
that
these
are
updated
and
often
under
the
assumption
that
future
events
will
be
similar
in
magnitude
and
impact.
This
approach
assumes
that
environmental
conditions
are
static.
Last
fall.
Numerous
reports,
including
a
study
by
the
United
Nations
Intergovernmental
Panel
on
Climate
Change,
appear
to
indicate
that
not
only
is
climate
change,
shifting
our
baselines
for
temperatures,
storms
and
sea
level
rise,
but
it's
also
occurring
at
a
more
rapid
rate
than
prior
studies
had
anticipated.
V
We
also
know
that
increased
rates
of
sea-level
rise
result
in
the
loss
of
wetland
areas
through
what
is
often
referred
to
as
coastal
squeeze,
particularly
in
areas
that
are
surrounded
by
urban
uplands
like
Boston
Harbor.
The
loss
of
wetland
areas
leads
to
the
loss
of
all
of
its
ecosystem
benefits,
including
essential
habitat,
the
capacity
to
buffer
inland
development
from
impacts
of
storm.
They
have
the
ability
to
lower
overall
flood
heights,
protect
people,
property
infrastructure
from
devastating
flood
damages.
V
We
agree
with
a
council
that
the
current
wetland
regulatory
framework
needs
improvement
in
the
face
of
anticipated
climate
change.
It's
crucial
that
we
advance
a
framework
for
assessing
the
threat
to
wetlands
posed
by
climate
change,
in
order
to
develop
a
response
that
also
considers
the
city's
resiliency
priorities
so
as
a
key
ally.
Boston
Harbor
now
supports
efforts
to
update
regulations
to
equip
Boston
with
the
tools
it
needs
to
adequately
prepare
and
address
the
climate
issues
our
city
and
neighborhoods
are
facing.
As
the
ordinance
moves
to
a
working
session.
We
want
to
emphasize
the
following.
V
Commissioner,
the
full
participation
of
the
current
Boston
conservation
commissioners,
the
need
for
language
that
advances
and
does
not
prevent
or
overburden
resiliency
plans
and
projects,
the
need
to
focus
on
broader
climate
adaptation
strategies
that
go
beyond
the
existing
parcel
by
parcel
approach
and
the
need
for
special
consideration
of
variety
of
existing
uses
along
Boston's
waterfront,
especially
in
the
case
of
water
dependent
activities
that
require
immediate
access
to
the
harbor.
We
should
explore
solutions
that
maintain
public
access
on
the
waterfront,
while
also
protecting
development
inland.
V
We
applaud
the
committee
for
its
initiative
and
this
very
important
initial
step.
Now
is
the
time
to
continue
to
advance
this
effort
even
further
Boston
Harbor.
Now,
along
with
those
in
this
room,
and
many
who
could
not
be
here
to
testify
today,
welcome
the
opportunity
to
work
together
toward
our
neutral
goal
of
protecting
and
preparing
our
city
for
a
future
where
we
can
not
only
continue
to
thrive,
but
also
adapt
to
the
effects
of
climate
change.
Thank
you.
W
Good
afternoon
my
name
is
Sarah
macam
and
I'm
with
the
four
point
Neighborhood
Association
and
I
want
to
thank
you,
councillor,
clarity
and
councillor,
move
this
opportunity
to
speak
on
ordinance,
protecting
local
wetlands
and
promoting
climate
change
adoption
in
the
city
of
Boston,
which
has
been
filed
by
councilors,
Wu
and
O'malley.
My
brief
remarks
are
gonna
focus
on
climate
adoption.
Climate
change
is
a
top
issue
for
Boston
waterfront
neighborhoods.
W
W
During
the
climate
ready
planning
process,
the
city
identified
the
South
Boston
waterfront,
especially
the
four
point
channel
as
one
of
the
most
vulnerable
areas,
impacting
not
only
our
channel
front
but
also
our
inland
neighborhoods
and
as
needed
protection
extending
toward
Dorchester
the
South
Boston
coastal
resilience
report
referenced
the
local
wetlands
ordinance
and
the
implementation
of
design
strategies
for
South
Boston.
A
local
wetlands
ordinance
is
just
one
more
tool
in
the
climate
adaption
toolbox
to
help
protect
Harborside
neighborhoods
from
coastal
and
stormwater
flooding.
Other
tools
are
the
BP
das
flood
overlay,
district
and
climate
resiliency
guide.
W
We
need
every
available
tool.
We
desire
the
local
wetlands
ordinance
to
be
the
best
it
can
be
for
Boston
and
fully
supported
working
group
with
all
the
appropriate
stakeholders,
especially
the
con,
come
the
BPD,
a
in
Boston,
Water
and
Sewer,
but
we
have
a
sense
of
urgency.
The
city
has
undergone
three
climate
ready
plans
in
East,
Boston,
Charlestown
and
South.
Boston
now
is
planning
in
the
downtown
and
North
End
to
be
followed
by
Dorchester.
W
In
four
point,
the
last
seven
remaining
acres
of
our
channel
side
is
in
the
process
of
being
purchased
for
redevelop
for
development.
We
urge
the
local
wetlands
process
to
move
forward
in
tandem
with
the
BPD,
a
flood
overlay
district
and
climate
resiliency
Guidelines
initiative
in
terms
of
implementation.
Water
will
find
any
path
or
available
route.
If
property
is,
are
grandfathered
and
don't
perform
at
the
same
standards.
It
impacts
adjacent
properties
that
are
not
compliant.
We
cannot
wait.
We
support
a
local
wetlands
ordinance.
We
look
forward
to
being
a
part
of
future
conversations
and
developing
it.
A
You
ed
Flynn
anyone
here
that
has
not
heard
the
name
call
that
wishes
to
offer
public
testimony,
may
do
so
now
forever
hold
your
peace
and
hearing
no
desire
for
any
additional
testimony
that
will
close
out
the
public
testimony
portion
and
then
I'll
allow
my
colleagues
if
they
have
any
sort
of
parting
thoughts.
It
appears
a
lot
of
work,
but
the
lead
sponsor
looks
like
this
will
probably
move
to
a
working
session.
I
guess
that
folks
here
obviously.
A
B
Want
to
thank
everyone
for
your
time
and
looking
forward
to
continued
conversations,
it
seems
like
we're
all
there's
some
very
strong
commonalities
here
from
everyone
who
spoke
and
so
eager
to
you
work
with
the
city
to
get
this
right
in
a
collaborative
way.
That
is
both
urgent,
but
also
focused
on
on
getting
the
details
correct
as
well.
Thank
You
mr.
chairman,
for
hosting
this
Thank.
A
You
councillor
wool
for
your
efforts
and
also
for
the
efforts
of
council
O'malley
who
I
know
that
who
very
wished
and
wanted
to
be
here
and
unfortunately,
due
to
a
death
in
his
family.
He
was
not
able
to
make
it
but
I'm
sure
that
he'll
be
conferring
with
us
and
reviewing
the
tapes
and
the
written
submitted
testimony.
So
with
that
with
respect
to
dark
and
0
to
5,
zero
and
ordinance,
protecting
local
wetlands
and
promoting
climate
change
adaptation
in
the
city
of
Boston,
the
chair
will
govern
operations.
Has
this
hearing
adjourned?
Thank
you.