Stop BU's Biolab in the South End

As I have stated publicly, I am an opponent of the proposed Biolab in the South End. Other than convenience to Academia and area Hospitals, it would be difficult to find a less suitable location for this project.

I have posted today on Blue Mass Group http://www.bluemassgroup.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=9689 my comments relative to the Supreme Judicial Court's opinion relative to the Environmental Impact such a project could have on the South End and the City of Boston area.

This decision by the SJC is a victory for common sense.

Although the case is being sent back for further review, the ruling by the Superior Court judge vacating the Environmental Impact Report effectively means the process review process must start over.

The encouraging result of this decision is that it should effectively put an end to this ill advised project.

If this development project were to continue and the merits again were put before the SJC, the developers will have to deal with the "risks posed by the potential release of a contagious disease from the Biolab, which could cause catastrophic harm". The court went on to say that other locations must be considered for the Biolab.

Additionally, the SJC stated, "Given that the nature of a Biosafety Level 4 facility is to conduct research on highly virulent and infectious pathogens, and given that the Biolab will be located in a densely populated urban area, the likelihood that the release of such a pathogen will cause damage to the environment is extraordinarily high. The fact that University Associates will take all necessary precautions to minimize the chances of a release at the Biolab does not diminish the potential for catastrophic environmental damage if such a release does occur."

Although the decision is cloaked in legal procedures and statutory details, the message from the SJC is loud and clear. This is the wrong project in the wrong place. I agree.

Ed O'Reilly
www.edoreilly.com
A Massachusetts Democrat for the U.S. Senate