Update 1/12

It's been a while since last update. Am sorry about that. The soil program is done for the time being - really it's done completely, but some small settlement is expected and we'll manage that by hand in the spring. All contaminated soils have been removed and all backfilling has been completed, and we are moving everything off site this week.

Crews are completing punchlist items and cleaning the buildings and site. Some powerwash work on the walks and we should be off site in the next day or so.

I want to thank everyone for their consideration and support through all of this. We know it hasn't been easy, but think the end result is a cleaner and safer site for all.

We'll probably post one or two more times depending on final issues, but you can always reach me at rgang@mit.edu if you have any questions or concerns.

Thanks again.

Richard

Site Update 12/12

First round of excavation has been completed on the courtyard and the crews have started on the streetside this week. Work started on HJK and working in a counter-clockwise direction, we are now excavating on the Vassar Street side of units DE.

Last night's storm has caused a few problems with access and pooling water, and work was suspended today, but will resume on Monday. We've received some post-excavation sampling results and are going to have to remove another layer of soils from select areas within the courtyard. We don't have all of the data back so I can't define the full extent, but we're planning on having the crews back in the courtyard on Monday. We'd like to finalize as much of the courtyard as we can so backfill can begin.

The snow fencing was a bit weak throughout the complex, so crews have increased the support posts and it should be in fairly decent shape for the near future. We'll continue to monitor and make sure it's secure.

To date we've removed 22 rolloff containers, each with approximately 20 tons of soils.

Good luck with finals next week and as always, feel free to comment or call with questions.

Richard

Site Update 12/7

Most of the initial courtyard excavation has been completed.  Lab analysis is ongoing and we trust that we will not have to dig any further in the courtyard.  As soon as the analysis is verified we will be able to begin backfilling.

Some work has started in the streetside.  We will be excavating soils from around all of the buildings, but will be working in a pattern that is driven by the rotation of rolloff containers.  We only have two locations where these are placed and have bisected the site to limit the amount of machine travel between them.  As one container is filled, we are moving the crews to the opposite side of the site to focus on using the empty container on that side.

This results in some jumping around, but it makes the overall work faster.

We will not be fencing entire areas on the streetside, but rather will be using caution tape and cones to restrict access.  Please use caution when near this work.

Most of  the courtyard will be open this week and only a few gates into the street will be closed at any one time.  

Wednesday 11/26 Update

Temporary construction fence has been installed within the courtyard and across the playground. Openings have been left for access and passage around through the weekend, but these will be closed Monday morning at 8 AM as soil excavation begins.

Exit into the courtyard from units ABC, DE, FG and H will be blocked during working hours (8:30 to 5 M-F) until this work is complete. The gated entrances into the courtyard next to unit A, and from the streetside between C and D and between E and F will also be locked during the working hours as well.

Bike racks, the storage shed, and all strollers outside of these entryways will be moved to the side of the high rise before the work starts. Access to the courtyard side of the highrise will be available, but you'll have to go around during construction hours.

Parking spaces on Audrey Street and Amherst Alley have been set aside for container storage and truck access. These will need to remain clear during the construction as containers and trucks will be moving through as they are loaded.

The courtyard closure should only take a week or a week and a half, depending on how deep we have to go. I'll keep updates posted as we get into it next week.

Thanks and have a great Thanksgiving holiday.

Richard

Tuesday 11/25 Update

The soil excavation program is scheduled to start on Monday, 12/1.  Crews will be on site tomorrow, Wednesday, to begin mobilization of equipment, installing fence, and securing access for equipment.  Our plans are to complete the courtyard first and then move to the streetside.

We've discussed taking a large area of the courtyard as the large equipment is dangerous and difficult for operators to see on all sides.  This taking will only be during the working day and we will open the fences in the evening and weekends to allow access.

We've also posted signage designating two spaces on Audrey Street and four spaces at the entrance to Amherst Alley (between units F and H) for clearance to deliver and remove roll-off containers being used to transport soils.

Building cleaning will continue for a few more days, but this work is almost complete as well.

Thanks.

Richard

 

Tuesday 11/18

Crews are cleaning overspray and paint chips from streetside ABC today. They plan on moving to streetside DE after, but probably not until tomorrow. They are using hand grinders and wire brushes and this noise shouldn't be significant, though a few streetside entrances may be closed while they use lifts and work near doors.

Fencing has been removed from the courtyard. A few have asked about balconies. We are done cleaning them for now, but may be accessing to clean overpsray. It's ok to place belongings on the balcony, but we may have to move things around to clean.

Thanks.

Richard