The 12-member panel, called the Chapter 91 Advisory Committee,was formed by the state Department of Environmental Protection tostudy Massachusetts' Chapter 91 law, which regulates activities anddevelopment on the Commonwealth's tidelands and other waterways."We were hoping to achieve standards for longer license terms forlarger developments," says Begelfer, noting that the licensescurrently granted under the state provision run from 30 to 99years, too short for developers planning massive projects alongBoston's waterfront.

But because Gov. Mitt Romney's term as governor will end thisyear, Begelfer says the panel felt it did not have enough time todevelop its recommendations and get them approved by the state. "Wefelt within the short period of time we had to work on it, it wouldbe difficult to reach a conclusion that would be beneficial."Begelfer says the group plans to encourage the creation of anotherstudy panel under the next administration.