BioMed Realty, a Blackstone company and prominent Kendall Square developer, is seeking to excessively expand their building's height and density at 320 Charles St. Their proposal substantially exceeds the limits set in place by zoning and does not respect the transitional nature of the parcel (From 45 feet on Bent to 35 feet on Charles according  to the East Cambridge Housing Overlay, ECHO). 

The parcel is located in the East Cambridge Neighborhood, not in or at the edge of Kendall Square, i.e., the office building area, Biotech Square. Opposite the building is the Ahern Field and a school building. The Ahern Field is used intensively by schools, the East Cambridge and Linden Park neighbourhoods, and local sports leagues. 

BioMed Realty has not demonstrated any hardship justifying the request for more height and density. The proposed development places a towering mass in a setting of small-scale residences and drastically impacts the abutting East Cambridge neighbourhood. The negative impacts include but are not restricted to light, noise, traffic, sewers, parking, and wind. Some abutters will no longer be able to install solar panels as a possible energy source due to the reduced sun exposure created by a 65 feet tall building.  

By signing this petition, you oppose the increase in density and height proposed by BioMed Realty for their parcel at 320 Charles St. You ask BioMed Realty to respect the zoning and the transitional nature of the parcel at 320 Charles St. 

Link to study:  www.tinyurl.com/320chas