Chestnut Hill Reservation - Pathways Rehabilitation Final Design Presentation

December 6, 2007    Brighton Marine Health Center,  6:30 – 8:00 P.M.

 

Meeting Notes

(Attendance sign-in sheet includes twelve names, though there appeared to be several more people at the meeting.)

 

1.  Introduction by Ruth Helfeld, DCR Project Manager, noting briefly that this project, about to be implemented, is the first major priority project identified in the Resource Management Plan, completed last year, after many months of planning and public process.  The Pathways Rehabilitation contract work will be out to bid Dec. 12, 2007; a pre-bid conference for interested contractors will be held at the Reservation on Dec. 20, and bids are due January 9.    Once the bids come in, we will have a “ball park” idea of how much remains of the $900,000 Community Benefits funds; DCR will meet with the public again to discuss the use of the remaining funds, based on priorities identified in the Resource Management Plan.  

 

2.  Gary Claiborne, Landscape Architect with Pressley Associates, which designed the project on behalf of DCR, presented the final design via Power Point.  He pointed out the main elements of the project: 

  • The main work being the re-building or new construction (depending on the section of path) of the stone dust perimeter path around the entire Reservoir, to create a consistent 10-ft. width (with the exception of a small stretch along St. Thomas More Rd., where the narrowness of the site will constrict the path to eight feet for a small portion), and overall uniform appearance, as well as creating a sturdy, well-built, well-draining surface. 
  • Eighteen benches will be installed on concrete pads, adjacent to the path, and distributed around the Reservoir
  • Creation of accessible routes for people with disabilities, in particular, from the Commonwealth Avenue entrance just off Chestnut Hill Avenue, crossing the slope in a gentle downward angle, to meet the perimeter path; similarly, from the Beacon Street entrance adjacent to the Reilly Rink, a new path will rise gently to meet the perimeter path.
  • The “dual path” :  the section along Beacon Street and St. Thomas More Rd. which will contain both a 5-ft.-wide new asphalt sidewalk adjacent to the curb –a plow-able sidewalk, and an 8-ft to 10-ft. wide stone dust path, the two being separated by a five-ft. grassy median.
  • Loam and seeding of disturbed areas
  • Removal of the remainder of the old fence (portions have already been removed).
  • The project cost estimate is $800,800; an additional estimated $160,000 is needed for the Chestnut Hill Driveway sidewalk, which DCR plans to pave under its general paving contract.  Of the $800,000, approximately $134,000 (20%) was shown as contingency.  This was explained to include unforeseen conditions and other unexpected costs which can occur on construction projects.

 

3.  Kevin Hollenbeck, West District Manager, DCR Urban Parks, reviewed the construction period logistics.  The construction period was noted to be approximately three to four months, likely beginning in early April, depending on weather conditions.  Kevin noted that there will be construction fence and signage posted, informing the public of what portions of the paths are closed, and directing them to safe routes.  The construction schedule and related information will be posted on the Chestnut Hill Reservation web page.   All questions about the construction should be directed to Kevin, via telephone or e-mail (Kevin.Hollenbeck@state.ma.us).  There will be a full-time DCR Resident Engineer at the Reservation during construction, to ensure contractor compliance with the contract provisions. 

 

Kevin also noted that DCR will be installing park entrance and gateway signs at various entry points around the Reservation.  Each point of entry will be assigned a letter, so that park users as well as emergency response personnel can be directed to a specific location.    

 

Some questions arose:

  • Tree protection during construction:  protective fencing or planks will be placed around trees in the vicinity of construction; tree roots will be protected from excavation, particularly in relation to the placement of the concrete bench pads, to which the benches will be bolted.
  • The size of the existing park signs was questioned, and Kevin explained that those are according to DCR standards, and we are required to use them.  The secondary entrance signs –those planned for the pedestrian access points- will be smaller, pendant signs, hanging from an arm coming off of a black metal post. 
  • The future use of the Shaft #7 site was questioned; this is under MWRA control, which agency should be contacted with questions. 
  • Some future projects, such as repair of the stone wall along Chestnut Hill Avenue, and a proposal to try to screen future Boston College development adjacent to the Reservoir were discussed.  DCR staff noted that the current cost estimate for the stone wall repairs is $200,000; the possibility of remedial repairs to prevent further deterioration was discussed.   Its repair is a priority project in the Resource Management Plan; Kevin noted that there are currently no capital funds in the DCR FY 08 budget for the Reservation.  These are issues to discuss at a future public meeting.   DCR is bound by Massachusetts Commission review of any work proposed for the wall.
  • Why have several inches of tree stumps been left in the area cleared for the planned woodland path running from Chestnut Hill Driveway down to the perimeter path?   Kevin notes that those trees were cut down by volunteers, whose work is difficult to control precisely.  Kevin’s staff has and will continue to cut them flush with the ground.  Kevin will likely put down some gravel between the Driveway access and the path, to equalize the grade.   
  • An 8’-high hemlock stump was noted; Kevin will look into it.