BSLA Fieldbook BSLA 2015 Spring Fieldbook | Page 35

My work at Massport has provided me with the opportunity to develop and contribute to major public projects. I have found Massport to be a place that accepts new ideas and strives to manage and run their facilities in an environmentally responsible manner, understanding that they are major transportation networks. I have been part of developing this strategy as well as contributing to Massport’s sustainability and resiliency programs and making sure that alternative energy, energy efficiency, and multi-modal transportation are integral to all Massport projects. Here are a few examples of how I’ve been able to use my background as a landscape architect to help influence large-scale projects: • First LEED-certified aviation terminal in the world: Back in 1999, when “environmentalism” and “LEED” were just entering the lexicon, I advocated for LEED certification for Massport’s Terminal A at Logan Airport. I was advised to settle for “certifiable” but insisted on full certification. The permitting originally specified the inclusion of solar panels, but the timing was too early for adoption of this technology. This long-term strategy paid off in 2013, when the roof was retrofitted with solar panels. • Prevented closure of Hanscom Air Force Base: In 2005, Hanscom AFB was on the short list for federal base realignment and closure (BRAC). The prevailing opinion was that there was no room for expansion. As Massport’s representative on the State’s BRAC Team I developed a master plan that took a creative look at how to exploit the available square footage, demonstrating that the base actually had two million square feet of development opportunity. As a result, today Hanscom remains open and viable. • Logan Greenway Connector: In 2012, I proposed and designed the Logan Greenway Connector, a half-mile bicyclepedestrian segment that is part of a larger network connecting Boston Harbor to Constitution Beach. Opened in July 2014, this “missing link” now connects over three miles of East Boston’s parks and open space. • Logan Rental Car Center: As part of the planning and permitting at Logan, we made sure that the new Rental Car Center included alternative energy (solar roof panels). The Rental Car Center will achieve LEED Silver and is very close to reaching Gold. It includes a pedestrian/ bike trail on its edge as well as a pocket park and greenway. This project is part of Massport’s commitment to improving and better defining the airport’s edge with the community and providing open space as a public amenity. • Logan Green Bus Depot: This is a maintenance facility that was built at Logan to house, maintain and repair Massport’s diesel/electric and CNG bus fleet. The design includes bike racks and a sidewalk network that connects to the MBTA Blue line, so employees can take transit and have a short walk to work. The finished floor was raised 18” to accommodate climate change, and all mechanical equipment was located on the roof, as were solar panels. The Depot just received LEED Silver Certification. Landscape architects have the opportunity, ability, and obligation to improve their cities and environs. As a 30-year resident of Boston, I believe Boston is one of the most livable, walkable, and bikable cities in the world, and I hope that I have done a small part to help make it that way. Started Out Lake Worth, FL Education BLA, University of Florida Now Massport Boston Society of Landscape Architects Fieldbook 33