Newsworthy Notes: August 22, 2008

BRA Mulls Over Mayor’s Proposal: It was recently reported that Boston Mayor Thomas Menino was pushing to pass legislation that would require developers to prove that they have proper finacing before they begin construction. If they don’t begin construction within 18 months, the developer would have to face the BRA again to explain his delay. [...]

New Rendering for Seaport Square

The following is a rendering of the first residential building that will go up next to the Barking Crab:
Here is a quick rundown of the specific of this particular building:

Square Feet: 110,000
Floors: 6 (four condos, 2 retail – there is one level of underground parking)
Units: 34
Retail Space: 20,000 square feet

This building will be considered the [...]

Despite Shaky Market, Parcel 24 Moving Forward

Simply called Parcel 24 in Chinatown, the primarily residential project is defying the odds by actually making progress when most other residential projects are fizzling out, causing delays (some of them significant) to construction progress.
The Asian Community Development Corporation and New Boston Fund Inc. have jointly proposed a mixed-use development that would boast 325 housing [...]

Struever Brothers set for Phase II of ALCO Project

Struever Brothers, Eccles & Rouse, a Baltimore-based development company that specializes in rehabbing old buildings and areas, is ready to move forward with the second phase in the huge ALCO project in The Valley neighborhood of downtown Providence.
ALCO, named after the American Locomotive Company (a prominent company that used to be located in some of [...]

RIPTA Begins Process for Service Cutbacks

Officials for the Rhode Island public transportation system (RIPTA) have begun the process of what could result in significant service cuts in order to cover a rising budget deficit.
After amounting a $10 million budget deficit (a hole that is only expected to get worse if RIPTA does not make some move to counteract the downtrend), [...]

Need for More Rooms Rises as Convention Center Looks to Expand

There are currently 1,700 hotel rooms within walking distance of the South Boston Covention Center, less than half of what officials believe are needed. Now, with the Convention Center looking to significantly expand its space to attract more conventions, the lack of hotel rooms – particularly moderately priced ones – is becoming even more of [...]