The publicly accessible courtyard at the center of of Paul Rudolph’s Boston Government Service Center. While one sometimes hears accusations against the building, it should be equally noted that it is also a public oasis of green and peace. Photo courtesy of UMASS
In this developing story, the state of Massachusetts’ Division of Capital Asset Management & Maintenance has issued a power point deck about their redevelopment proposal; We’ve been looking at the various assertions they put forth—and offering our sincere and serious questions and concerns.
We’ve looked at (and offered our questions about) the first set of their powerpoint slides, and then did so with a second set.
Let’s look at the next two:
PLANS FOR CURRENT BUILDING OCCUPANTS
Following each of the slide’s points, we offer responses/questions:
DCAMM will work with all occupants and relevant union leadership to find temporary and permanent relocation space that suits agency operational needs in a cost-effective way.
With any relocation of multiple departments and numerous staff, the question must be asked: How much disruption to services (and employee lives) will be caused by this? -and- For how long? We understand that promises based on projected timelines are offered in good faith—but often projects are delayed (sometimes for years) by unexpected factors (for example: construction delays, changing budgetary priorities, changes in administrative structure, changes in leadership….) So: however long the relocation/disruption/dislocation has been projected to last, in reality is could go on for much longer.
Current plans entail the majority of EOLWD employees who currently work at the Hurley Building returning to the redeveloped site.
Since the development plans are not even sketched out, on what basis can this promise be made?
No state employees will lose their jobs as a result of this redevelopment.
Same as above: plans are not even known—on what basis can promises be made?
Employees will remain in or near Boston, in transit accessible locations
What’s meant by near and transit accessible needs to be defined.
And let us consider the next slide:
US DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Following each of this slide’s points, we offer our responses/questions:
The US Department of Labor funded the initial construction and site acquisition of the Hurley Building, and still has a significant amount of equity in the site.
It would be useful to know the extent of the equity, and the tangible consequences of this statement.
As required by federal rules, the Commonwealth is working with USDOL to ensure that federal equity is used to further the work of the Commonwealth’s Labor and Workforce Development agencies.
Here too, it would be useful to have things made more explicit: What rules are being invoked? What federal equity is being referred to? and overall: What are the consequences of this statement?
NEXT STEPS: LISTENING AND ACTING
We will continue to respectfully review the state’s proposals (and raise questions when items need review or clarification.)
If you have information / resources / insights to contribute, for preserving this important civic building by Paul Rudolph, please let us know at:
office@paulrudolphheritagefoundation.org
Even with a few signs of a coming Fall, the center plaza’s oasis is still very green! Photo © the estate of Paul Rudolph, The Paul Rudolph Heritage Foundation