LTR, NAT GRID UNDERGROUND TRANS. LINE & SUBSTATION PROJECT CITY OF SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS
BUILDING DEPARTMENT.
98 WASHINGTON STREET,2ND'FLOOR
TEL. (978) 745-9595
KIMBERLEY DRISCOLL
MAYOR THOIvL),s ST.PIERRE
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PRQPERTY/BUILDING COMMISSIONER
October 29, 2018
New England Power Company d/b/a National Grid
40 Sylvan Road
Waltham, MA 02451
Attn: Legal Department
Mark Rielly, Senior Counsel
Re: National Grid Underground Transmission Line and Substation Project a/k/a
Beverly Regional Transmission Reliability Project
Dear Attorney Rielly:
We appreciate having met with representatives of New England Power Company d/b/a
National Grid ("NEP") on October 3, 2018 to discuss the above-referenced project, which
includes the replacement of a 115kV underground cable within a new route in the Cities of
Salem and Beverly, Massachusetts and construction and installation of an associated new
overhead/underground transition substation to be known as the Waite Street Substation at
5 Ferry Street in Salem. The letter from Joshua Lee Smith of Bowditch & Dewey to me dated
October 26, 2018, accurately summarizes what was discussed at the meeting.
As we discussed, while some local zoning relief would be required for the substation
project, it is difficult to ascertain the extent and nature of relief required given the unique
project use and facilities and to predict the outcome of such applications. We understand that
NEP intends to petition the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities for individual and
comprehensive exemptions from the applicable provisions of the City of Salem Zoning
Ordinance with respect to the substation project. The City of Salem fully supports NEP's
determination to secure such exemptions, understanding that it will achieve clear, consistent
and efficient regulation of the project and will allow the project to proceed in a timely manner.
We appreciate your consideration to date with respect to this project and look forward
to working with NEP to ensure that this important project proceeds expeditiously.
Very truly yours,
By:
Thomas St. Pierre
Inspectional Services Director
cc: Joshua Lee Smith, Outside Counsel, Bowditch & Dewey, LLP