3.5 Rear Buffum Street Engineer's Letter on the Retention WallCIVIL ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS, L.L.C.
ENGINEERS AND LAND SURVEYORS
8 Oak Street
Peabody, MA 01960
Phone: (978) 531-1191
Fax: (978) 531-5501
ceclandsurvey@comcast.net
May 28, 2025
Mr. Elton Cela
3 1/2R Buffum Street
Salem MA
RE: 3 1/2R Buffum Street Salem Ma Project
Dear Mr. Cela,
In Regards to the Structural Integrity of the existing concrete & stone retention wall at the rear of the above
mentioned address, for the most part, the majority of the wall is in good structural condition, however, there is a
section at the corner of the property at the intersection of 20 and 22 mason street, and your property, the
underlying stone has deteriorated, which cracked the upper wall causing it to shift and lean outward, separating
the end corner from the concrete 8” wall that is between your property & 20 Mason Street, this section of wall
should be repaired to prevent any potential collapse of the retention area. And damage to 22 Mason Street’s Yard.
This wall spans the property of all 3 lots and the cost to repair could be shared among the owners.
Also the Concrete Retention Wall between 20 Mason street and your property has a large vertical crack that
should be addressed and repaired via pins and concrete patch to enhance the appearance and reintegrate the wall
to be one contiguous unit.
In Regards to whether or not the proposed 1 story addition to your property will impact these walls, existing
building as a full basement, and the footing for said basement is below the base of the retention walls, thus any
increased weight/load on the foundation walls due to the addition, will not impact the stability of the retention
walls at the perimeter of the yard due to this fact.
Very truly yours,
James A. Herrick P.E.