Boston Fire Code Exemption

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, M.G.L. c.66, §10, I hereby request the following records:

Any and all records referencing an exemption to Boston Fire Prevention Code, Chapter 28, Article XI, Section 11.08, which prohibits bricking in, boarding up or blocking or in any way preventing windows from being used in the event of a fire, for the property located at 307 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115 ("Coolidge House"). This includes but is not limited to records of any application for approval by the head of the Fire Department, as well as any and all records showing the granting of an exception or the denial of one for this property.

I also request that, if appropriate, fees be waived as we believe this request is in the public interest, as suggested but not stipulated by the recommendations of the Massachusetts Supervisor of Public Records. The requested documents will be made available to the general public free of charge as part of the public information service at MuckRock.com, processed by a representative of the news media/press and is made in the process of news gathering and not for commercial usage.

I expect the request to be filled in an accessible format, including for screen readers, which provide text-to-speech for persons unable to read print. Files that are not accessible to screen readers include, for example, .pdf image files as well as physical documents.

In the event that fees cannot be waived, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 10 calendar days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Brooke Williams

Thank you, Ms. Donovan. I appreciate your assistance. Just so I am clear, members of the news media are required to ask for a fee waiver via BFD Commissioner Finn, correct? Also, since I am in the area, I am happy to view the records, if any, in person in order to make this request most efficient for everyone. Please let me know.

Thank you,
Brooke

Brooke Williams
Investigative Reporter
Journalism Fellow | Harvard University
202-615-3551 | @reporterbrooke
reporterbrooke.org