The empty site is littered with trash, graffiti, and abandoned construction materials. That is a far cry from what was supposed to be here, an elegent mixed-use project featuring a 400+ foot tower that would deck parcels 16-19 over the Mass Pike and reconnect the South End and the Back Bay. As of now, the project is stalled, sinking in its own financial problems.

An overhead rendering showing the entire Columbus Center plan.

All seemed lost for the project back in March, when developers WinnCompanies and CalPERS asked for an 18 month suspension on construction so that they could get their finances together. The AngloIrish Bank pulled some $500 million in promised funds, and another $35 million in public subsidies were taken back as well.

Today, however, brings the first good news that the Columbus Center has seen in some time. Developers Related Properties (New York) and the Beal Cos. (Boston) have both been hired to come on board with the project and do a top to bottom review of the projects’ finances in an effort to see if this proposal is still feasible.

While the two companies have committed to a review of the project, they are not saying that they will invest in the project once the review is complete. However, Bruce A. Beal (chairman of the Beal Cos.) has said that there will be no attempt to revise the projects plans. Rather, the company would like to focus on bringing the overall cost (currently estimated at about $800 million) down to a more manageable amount while keeping the project essentially the same.

The Beal Cos. have significant interest in the success of this project, as they are a key player in the development of The Clarendon condo project just down the street. While that project is rising, the Columbus Center (which would significantly raise the property value of the residences at The Clarendon) remains dormant.

In addition to saving the project, The Beal Cos. has also begun cleaning up that abandoned construction site, an eyesore that has had neighbors coming after the mayor constantly. Work on the site began last week.

One area that has continually sparked concern over the project has been the amount of public subsidy involved with the project. Originally, there was supposed to be no public subsidy at all, but developers later claimed that they did indeed need that subsidy to complete the project. Beal has said that there is no point in speculating what kind of public money would be needed for the project until the review has been completed.

While the outlook for the Columbus Center project is still bleak, and the new partners on the team are being rather tight lipped, The Beal Cos. seems encouraged that they will be able to push through with the project:

We’re excited and encouraged by what we’ve seen so far. -Bruce A. Beal, chairman of the Beal Cos.

Source: Boston Globe

Like many public transportation programs throughout the country, the Rhode Island Public Transportation Agency relies on public subsidies, usually from the state. Unfortunately, also like most public transit networks, RIPTA is swimming in the red, and the outlook for the future isn’t any brighter.

A RIPTA bus on one of the many lines that will either be reduced or eliminated entirely.

For the fiscal year, RIPTA is approximately $12 million short of the $103 million budget. The agency, which has stated that they would like to expand the system to serve the whole state rather than simply the urban centers, is looking at major service cutbacks that would result in the shortening or elimination in 20 percent of the routes. If this holds true, as many as 4.7 million rides would be terminated, and 50 of the regular lines would be affected.

Unfortunately, this move will only help cover a portion of the deficit. Other moves could be to reduce the number of buses and to reduce the amount of weekend and night rides available. Of the cities and towns served, four of them would be completely cut off from the public transit system (Tiverton, Gloucester, Scituate, and Burrillville).

The agency originally got itself into the red by relying on revenue sources that have become somewhat unreliable. Revenue primarily comes from the states’ gas tax, which has never really been adequate when it comes to covering costs. The recent spike in the cost of diesel fuel has also put a hurting on the agency.

As required by law, RIPTA will hold public hearings regarding the cutbacks in six communities. They are as follows:

• Narragansett Town Hall – September 26
• Warwick City Hall – September 29
• Barrington Public Library – September 30
• Newport City Hall – September 30
• Smithfield Senior Center – October 1
• DaVinci Community Center (Providence) – October 2

Source & Image: Providence Journal

Falling panels, lack of computer, gangs, drop-outs, underachieving, bad – these are all words that would have aptly described the Jeremiah E. Burke High School in Dorchester, a school that lost its accredition for two years in the mid 90s. Today, students and faculty can start to use different words, as the city has finally completed a multi-year, $49.5 million renovation of the school.

The Jeremiah E. Burke High School prior to renovation.

The renovation brought a new gymnasium, dozens of new computers in the library and several computer labs, and a visual and performing arts center. Additionally, a new community center and a new branch of the Boston Public Library will open in January on the site.

Students walked into the newly rehabbed facility for the first time, and many were awe inspired by what they saw:

Students actually have something to be proud of now. I can see myself staying here all day without getting bored. -Augusto Ceron, student at Jeremiah E. Burke High School

When touring the school back in 1995, Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino experienced first hand how far into decay the school had fell. A ceiling tile fell from above and nearly hit the Mayor on the head. It was from that point on that he began campaigning for improvements in the school system. The renovation is a big step in the right direction, taking one of the most decrepit schools in the system and turning it into a gem of a facility.

With the improvements in facilities, officials are also hoping for an improvement in grades, the drop out rate, and MCAS scores, which have all been below (or in the case of the number of drop outs, above) the state averages.

Residents who have been fighting for the city to improve the quality of the school finally feel vindicated. As Claudia Owumi, a mother of three graduates, said, “This is a dream come true.”

Source: Boston Globe
Image: Heart of the City

NOTE: After examining the schedule for orientation, I can safely say that BHP Development will be back to normal operation on Wednesday, September 3, 2008.

For the coming days (could possibly be a week), BHP Development will sort of go into hibernation. Today I am driving down to college (Franklin and Marshall), tomorrow is the move in day, and then for another four or five days, I have freshman orientation. From what I hear orientation is a jam-packed experience that will leave me with little time to address this site.

So, if you are a regular to this site, don’t worry, it’ll be back running soon. You may see an occassional update here or there if I have time, but nothing major. I apologize if the lack of activity is inconvenient in any way.

Anyway, I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Tim

Built in 1828, the Westminster Street Arcade is the oldest indoor mall in the United States. The Arcade may not hold that distinction much longer, as owner Granoff Properties have plans to renovate the structure into a single tenant building. However, a recent ruling by a Superior Court judge may delay that process a little longer for the two brothers.

The Granoffs are looking to turn this Providence icon into a single tenant facility.

In order to commence with their renovation plans, the Granoffs have had to evict any of the businesses that haven’t already left since their tenure began in 2006, when they purchased the Arcade from Johnson and Wales. Many of the businesses that are being evicted have not been able to find new homes in the downtown area, and thus chose to file in court to prevent the Granoffs from evicting them.

When the ruling was handed down by the Superior Court judge, four of the businesses (The Providence Cookie Co., Cafe LaFrance, Copacetic, and the Black Heritage Society) are able to remain in the Arcade, but two (Shalmar Fashion Eyewear and La Greque) have been forced out of the building without a new home.

The likely reason for the tossing of the eviction notices was that Granoff Properties wanted the businesses out by June 30. Lawyers for store owners argued that the notices should have read July 1. For the other two, things such as a late payment for Shalmar was what ended up having them kicked out.

While the latter two shops are out of luck and must find new homes downtown (or, in the case of Shalmar, closing for good, as the owner, Sal Libassi, has said that he will consider “throwing in the towel”), the first four will be able to remain in the Arcade for at least another two months. If Granoff Properties wants to evict them as well and push ahead with their plans, they will need to begin the entire eviction process again, which will likely take at least until late October or early November.

Source: Providence Journal
Image: City Data

In response to heavy criticism regarding their $1 billion plan to build a new biotech campus in Cambridge, California based developer Alexandria is going back to the drawing boards to review their proposal.

A map showing the area that Alexandria would like to see rezoned to accomodate their plans.

Alexandria’s initial plans called for a 15 acre swath of land to be developed into an array of lab buildings dedicated to the biotech industry. The land is located in an already lab rich area of Cambridge, just a short walk from Kendall Square. Currently, the land is zoned for housing, and the city would need to change the zoning to allow for Alexandria to press forward with their plan.

However, after two public hearings on the matter, it is clear that the residents of Cambridge are not on board with Alexandria’s plan. Residents in the area fought for a long time trying to get the area zoned for housing, hoping that more housing would help nurture a real community, something that many feel the area is lacking. Othe concerns included density and the height of the buildings.

While no specifics were released, Alexandria did say that they are going to take another look at their proposal and tweak it, hopefully to the approval of the neighbors. It was also mentioned that housing could be incorporated into the plan.

Source & Image: Boston Herald

Interesting Article on Grabauskas: If you have any interest in reading an article about the man behind the MBTA, this is it. It discusses the state of the T, Daniel Grabauskas himself, and some of the scandals and initiatives that have occurred throughout his tenure. Mostly just interesting information rather than any new news, but, in the article, it does state that Grabauskas will not serve in the public domain following the expiration of his current contract with the MBTA, which will run out in 20 months. Source: Boston Globe

Editorial Regarding Boston Ferry Service: An editorial regarding the steadily deteriorating state of the MBTA water ferry has been published. According to the author, services from Quincy to Logan International Airport and from Rowes Wharf to the Hingham shipyard are at risk, and the likelihood of expanding the ferry service is becoming smaller and smaller. Essentially, unless fuel prices drop (the main reason the ferry service is struggling) or a significant amount of public subsidy is poured into the service, we could see some cutbacks in the future. Source: Boston Globe

Little Wanderers Selects Jones Land LaSalle for Project: The Home for Little Wanderers, located in Jamaica Plain, has selected Jone Lang LaSalle to be the manager for the construction of their new campus. Currently in the planning and permitting stages, the non-profit organization would like to construct a new campus with as many as five buildings. Plans include expanding the current campus by adding beds for 40 children, an elementary school, a cafeteria, and a gymnasium. Other companies on the team include Suffolk Construction Co. and Einhorn Yaffee Prescott Architecture & Engineering PC. Source: Boston Business Journal

The MBTA will close the Park Street stop’s outbound headhouse for over a month starting in early January in an effort to completely overhaul the deteriorating stairwell.

The Park Street outbound headhouse will close this winter for repairs.

For 39 days, crews will work to repair what has become “a potential public safety hazard” according to MBTA assistant general manager of design and construction Charles O’Reilly. While the inbound headhouse will undoubtedly become severely crowded (Park St. is the MBTAs fourth busiest station), officials are confident that it will be able to handle the additional stress. More MBTA employees will be present to help guide patrons through and around construction.

The project, which is expected to cost about $1.4 million, will demolish the current stairway and iron railings, as they have become severely cracked and fallen into misrepair. Some stairs currently have temporary footing on them.

While this project will not deal with every problem plaguing the head house, it will be a significant step forward, and it will allow the MBTA to conduct further repairs without having to shut down the head house in the future.

Source & Image: Metro

TriZetto, PowerAdvocate Among Companies Coming to 179 Lincoln:

Millennium Partners, the developer of the the prominent Ritz-Carlton Boston Common towers in downtown Boston, has reportedly leased 100,000 square feet at 179 Lincoln Street.

Located in the Leather District, the five story building was built in 1899 and is currently undergoing a renovation. Improvements include a new lobby and entrance, new below grade parking, and new building systems. CBT Architects was hired to design the improvements.

Companies that have signed leases include The TriZetto Group (31,000-sf), Bovis Lend Lease LMB Inc. (22,000-sf), and PowerAdvocate Group (22,000-sf). In total, Millennium says that they have signed leases totaling 75,000 square feet, and that they have an additional 25,000 square feet worth of lease commitments.

As of November, it is estimated that 179 Lincoln will be 50 percent leased.

Source: Boston Business Journal

In what began as an effort to restore one of the more historically significant portions of its campus, Trinity College in Hartford has finally completed the $33 million overhaul of the Long Walk. Everything will be open by the time students arrive on campus for the first semester.

A drawing of a renovated lecture hall.

Considerable changes and improvements were made to both the interior and exterior of the 81,389 square foot building. William Burges, a prominent English architect, originally designed the Long Walk over a century ago. In an effort to try and retain the historical significance of the building, Trinity College adhered to the original plans that were found several years ago by a college employee.

In an era when Hartford has destroyed much of its historical and architectural heritage, Trinity went to the ends of the earth to ensure that the Long Walk buildings were true to their heritage. -Michele Jacklin, Trinity College media relations director

It took a lot of time and energy to restore the Long Walk to its original glory. On the exterior, concrete pavers were installed along the entire Long Walk, 900 cast iron and stained glass windows were reinstalled, and each building was thoroughly cleaned. Interior improvements include upgrading security systems, building new ’smart’ classrooms and faculty offices, and returning the student dorms to their original layout. Significant effort went into ensuring that the Long Walk was as historically authentic as possible, as the school flew in sandstone was flown in from Ohio and terra cotta was brought here from Peteresfield, England.

On Wednsday, a press conference and tour will be conducted of the newly renovated Long Walk.

Source: Hartford Business
Image: Trinity College

With oil prices sky high and the world more concerned than ever regarding state of the environment, the city of Boston is looking to do its part in helping to break the trend.

An example of a turbine built on an existing building.

City officials are looking to enact legislation that would permit private developers to build wind turbines in certain sections of the city. Three different sets of regulations are being composed, each addressing a varying type of wind turbine proposal. One will relate to larger facilities generating 100 kilowatts or more of power, another addresses stand alone turbines, and the final one will set regulations for turbines located on buildings.

Available for public viewing next week, the zoning regulations deal with turbine height, vibrations, and noise. They will also deal with safety codes, FAA regulations, and will require compliance with building and electrical codes.

While the entire process is complicated, perhaps the most problematic decision regarding the zoning is deciding where in the city to allow for the construction of these turbines:

We don’t have a lot of land and there are a multitude of obstructions, so we are most likely to see community-scale turbines and building-integrated rooftop turbines. -James Hunt, Boston Boston environment and energy chief

It is not currently illegal to construct wind turbines in Boston (there is one located along the Southeast Expressway in Dorchester), but the process to get the approvals is difficult at best. Officials hope that the new zoning and regulations will allow the process to become more streamlines, alleviating many of the headaches that come with trying to get a wind turbine approved in Boston.

Both city and state officials are hoping this new zoning variance will help push Massachusetts to the forefront of clean and reusable technology.

Source: Boston Herald
Image: Heliotropic

The one time home of the Provident Skilled Nursing Center has taken a step forward in the goal to revitalize the three story building into 57 condos, 19 or which will be considered affordable.

City officials have embarked on a year long process (that started late last month) the finalize the plans and sale of the property. The city is working with Diamond/Sinacori Real Estate Development and Hart Development Associates, a group that makes up the Brighton Partnership for Community Reinvestment. In addition to the condos, there will be two floors of underground parking. When this plan was unveiled to the public, there were mixed reactions, with the main concern being that there might not be enough affordable housing.

Project estimates the total cost of the redevelopment of the vacant three story building at 1501 Commonwealth Avenue to be $18 million.

The city acquired the building when Provident Skilled Nursing closed its doors in 2005. The plan is to have the city and developers work together over the next year or so to finalize the plan for the site, and then for the city to sell the property to the developers so that they can then in turn begin construction. The hope is that this could happen within a year.

David Nyberg has done several projects throughout the city of Hartford, and has generated a solid reputation, mostly due to the fact that he has been able to complete his projects without any public subsidy. Now, as Nyberg works on housing for the Connecticut Culinary Institute, he has fallen into hot water with the city.

A photo of the Asylum Hill area, where Nyberg has pursued projects without fulling obtaining his permits.

The City of Hartford has issued Nyberg thirteen cease-and-desist orders. City officials are claiming that Nyberg has failed to obtain all of the necessary permits that would allow him to convert apartments on Asylum Hill into student housing for the Connecticut Culinary Institute. Nyberg plans to appeal all thirteen orders.

While Nyberg had received some of the required permits, the city has stated that Nyberg failed to get historic permits to work on the buildings, demolished buildings, created parking lots, exterior work, and gutted buildings without full authorization from the city.

In response, Nyberg has claimed that Hartford’s concerns regarding the project are “only aesthetic and historic” and that the cease-and-desist orders are riddled with inaccuracies. While the two sides resolve the dispute, Nyberg has stopped work on the dorms, hoping to reduce any further conflicts.

All of this has created a headache for the Culinary Institute, which was looking forward to moving some of their students into the new housing by the fall. So far, eleven students have been relocated, and those who were expecting to have their own rooms for the coming academic year are now having to double up once again.

City planning director Roger O’Brien has said that the city would support the project, if Nyberg hadn’t failed to receive all of the correct permits prior to beginning construction:

In concept, the use of the properties for dormitories for the Connecticut Culinary Institute is something that we could all support, if done in a correct manner. But if you don’t know it’s going to be used as a dormitory, then the same level of review that normally would be put on a dormitory is not put on it. -Roger O’Brien, city planning director

As for the current status of the project, the architect is currently working on paper work that could possibly get the project moving once again.

Source: Hartford Courant
Image: Trip Advisor

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. While no significant news has come forward regarding a decision by the BRA (the board needs to approve the motion before it goes into motion), it is being reported the the board is considering the proposal. No word on when the BRA will render a decision. Source: Boston Herald

Renovated Library Awaits Providence City Council Decision: After significant water damage closed the Washington Branch of the Providence Public Library, the city embarked on $200,000 renovation of the property. Work crews replaced the library’s roof, worked on the boiler, installed a new fire alarm system, relined gutters, painted the interior and exterior, and also brought in new carpet. With several weeks left before work on the library is completed, the city is holding off on any further improvements at the moment, preferring to wait until a contract between the nonprofit Providence Public Library and the city council is approved. The two sides disagree regarding how the branch system is currently set up, with the Public Library arguing that it unsustainable. The four year contract that is awaiting approval would give the Public Library six months to decide how to restructure the branch system, with and closings or relocations needing to be decided by July 1, 2009. Source: Providence Journal

CT Doles out $3.7M to Four Affordable Housing Projects: The state of Connecticut has released $3.7 million in aid to four affordable housing projects in New Haven and Hartford. Of the four total projects, two of them are in Hartford. On Edgewood Street in the Upper Albany Avenue neighborhood, four two family homes are being constructed. The state is sending $807,500 to that project. The other Hartford project is receiving $2 million; the final phase of a mixed-use townhouse community in the Dutch Point neighborhood. Source: Hartford Business

The following is a rendering of the first residential building that will go up next to the Barking Crab:

This is the first building to be built as a part of the massive Seaport Square project.

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 gateway to the massive new Seaport Square project, sitting on the water next to the Barking Crab. The Boston Residential Group was just recently brought on board by Gale International to help with work on this building. The project LEED certified and will public space connecting the Moakley Courthouse and the Harborwalk, as well as in the space that connects the new building and the Barking Crab.

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.

A rendering of the Parcel 24 proposal.

The Asian Community Development Corporation and New Boston Fund Inc. have jointly proposed a mixed-use development that would boast 325 housing units, 5,500 square feet of commercial space, 6,000 square feet for community use, 10,000 square feet of open green space, and a 175 car garage. Rising 20 stories, the project would bring about 435,800 square feet onto the market.

Developers aim to restore a sense of community to the area. When the Central Artery was built, eminent domain was used to evict numerous residents and neighborhood shops. Now that the highway has buried, the Parcel 24 plot of land (covering some 58,000 square feet) is up for redevelopment.

Even though the project is still in the middle of the approval process with the Boston Redevelopment Authority, progress is still being made despite the credit crunch and the plummeting housing market. Recently, developers submitted a ‘Draft Project Impact Report’  to the BRA, featuring a revised design for the green space being developed as a part of the project.

A big part of the reason the team has been able to push through despite the struggling economy has been the number of tax credits they received by promising a set number of affordable housing units for the project.

While it is difficult to forecast the future, it is expected that the project begin construction in the next two years.

Source: Boston Business Journal ($)
Image: Boston Condo, Loft and Luxury Boston Real Estate Blog

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.

An aerial rendering of the ALCO project in Providence.

ALCO, named after the American Locomotive Company (a prominent company that used to be located in some of the abandoned factories), is a $300 million revival of a series of abandoned facotries and warehouses in The Valley neighborhood. Until the mid 1900s, this area had several major industrial companies located there, including ALCO and US Rubber. After US Rubber left in the ’70s, the are became a ghostown.

Struever Brothers completed phase one of the redevelopment last year, after five buildings in the eastern portion of complex were converted into 200,000 square feet of office and retail space. Approximately forty to fifty percent of the available space has been leased, and the remaining is being marketed to companies looking for 20,000 square feet, a size that is rare in the city.

The project is now ready for phase two, a process that will take place on the other side of the complex. Phase two will be smaller than the first phase, only rehabbing two buildings. The end result will be 126 rental units and another 55,000 square feet of commercial space. At least 20 percent of those units will be considered ‘work-force housing,’ or housing dedicated to those that make between 80 and 120 percent of Providence’s median income.

Overall, the project is planned to be completed in six stages. Once all six stages are complete, the once abandoned factory neighborhood will sport 500 condos and rental units, and 2 million square feet of commercial and retail space. Other improvements besides renovating existing structures includes a parking garage and a new bridge crossing the Woonasquatucket River (Struever Brothers, Eccles & Rouse has plans to renovate another site across the river).

Source: Providence Journal

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.

A RIPTA bus. Significant service cuts could be coming soon.

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), transportation officials have been forced into a tight corner. One of the most obvious ways to crawl out of the red is to cut bus service to areas of low ridership. RIPTA brass are exploring this as a viable, and likely, option.

Areas eligible to be cut were ranked based on ridership, revenue generated from fares, and other factors. Unfortunately, eliminating the deficit will take more than just a few minor reductions in service. Officials estimate that, in order to eliminate the deficit entirely, RIPTA will need to save $25 million in service costs. To accomplish this, it is expected that service could be reduced on 160 different bus lines. In other words, almost a third of the bus routes could be trimmed or eliminated (if they want to eliminate the deficit by the beginning of the 2009 fiscal year).

Another option that is being explored is possibly breaking everything down and covering the deficit over the course of two years. This move would reduce the number of services affected, but there would still be some noticeable cutbacks.

RIPTA has begun the cutback process, voting to hold public hearings regarding the service cuts. These public hearings are legally required if RIPTA is going to cut service. So far, residents have reacted cooly to the prospect of losing significant chunks of bus service. The board for RIPTA has also said that they do not want to cut service, leaving it as a last resort, but they feel the need to prepare, as it looks like service cuts could be one of the most effective options.

Source: Providence Journal
Image: Adam E. Moreira

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 an issue.

The Westin hotel near the Convention Center has plans to add a second tower to the hotel.

Even if the Convention Center does expand their space, it could be difficult to attract those larger conventions. Currently, many conventioneers need to book hotels in the Back Bay or some of the surrounding suburbs. Some have been known to lodge all the way out in Framingham. Officials acknowledge that this is a significant problem:

We are at a competitive disadvantage with cities that have a much larger block of hotel rooms within walking distance. -James Rooney, the chief executive of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority

While this is a problem that will take time to correct, one nearby hotel is already looking to begin addressing the problem.

Since it opened in 2006, the Westin Boston Waterfront hotel has far exceeded expectations, maintaining a 70 percent occupancy rate and receiving several service awards. The 800 room hotel is the Convention Center’s headquarters hotel.

The significant success has spurned the owner and operator to consider embarking on an ambitious expansion that would bring an additional 327 rooms. While the idea is still in the design stages, the idea is to create a second 16-story tower above the existing ballroom in the Westin. As a part of the expansion, the ballroom would likely be expanded as well.

With the demand for new hotel rooms in the immediate area high, the brass at the hotel are optimistic that the project will go forward, and that it is more of a question of when rather than if:

I don’t know if it’s if, it’s more when to go. -David Connor, general manager of the Westin Boston Waterfront hotel

Despite the optimism, it is unlikely that the expansion would move forward until 2010.

Sources: Boston Herald
Boston Herald
Image: Clickhoteis.com.br

Editorial Regarding State of City Playgrounds: A new editorial regarding the state of Boston’s playgrounds is revealing the poor maintenance in some of Boston’s neighborhoods. The writer toured several tot lots, and concluded that playgrounds in the Back Bay, Chinatown, and the waterfront can expect clean, well maintained parks, but those in Roxbury, South Boston, and Dorchester can expect to see glass, graffiti, and significant amounts of trash. Source: Boston Globe

Columbus Center Editorial: An editorial discussing the many failures of the Columbus Center has been published. The piece goes through many of the myths and facts about the project by using public records. In the end, the author uses the public records to show that the process that Boston uses to approve projects is working as designed. Source: My South End

BC Brighton Dorms Editorial: An editorial regarding the Boston College expansion into Brighton takes the opposite side of the issue than many of the residents. In essence, the author is arguing that the plan for BCs dorms in Brighton are not as bad as some people make it seem, and that most people are more concerned about how they cannot control the forces that are propelling the dorms. Source: Allston Brighton Tab

Chestnut Hill Reservoir Rehab Nearing Completion: The Department of Conservation and Recreation has reportedly reached the 95 percent completion stage on the rehabilitation of the Chestnut Hill Reservoir. Residents are now allowed to use the paths, as that portion of the work has been completed. Along the perimeter paths, new stone dust was laid, portions were widened, and new benches were installed. Other improements to the reservoir include improved handicapped access, new grass, and additional landscaping. Source: Allston Brighton Tab

Despite Protests, Councilor Sees Upton Street Solution Near: The Pine Street Inn, who presented a plan to purchase the Hope House and install housing for people with low to no income, has been the sorce of protests from the residents of Upton Street. While poster have begun popping up depicting as the Pine Street Inn as a ruthless monster that doesn’t care, some in the city council feel like a solution the debate is close at hand. According to Bill Linehan, both sides of the debate are looking to resolve the issue in a timely manner. Residents of Upton Street feel like the proposal is too large and the area cannot support it. Linehan feels like the Pine Street Inn is working towards a proposal of a reduced size, a factor which he believes will go a long way towards solving any issues between the two sides. Source: My South End

Members of Task Force get Advance Tour of Mattapan Library: Members of a task force that helped guide the process of a new Mattapan Library were given a sneak peak tour of the new facility. For the most part, they were all pleased with the new library, but there was one concern regarding who would maintain the property. Gladtidings Pentecostal Assembly Inc. is a church that is right next to the library property, and prior to the construction of the library, the church maintained the property, using it for parking. Specifically, the concerns lie around who will hold the keys to the gate between the two properties. Source: Dorchester Reporter

The buildings that once housed the bar Talk of the Town and restaurants Cuban Revolution and New Japan have been knocked down, leaving a vacant hole in the ground. So far, nothing has come along to replace it.

A rendering for the proposed Hotel Sierra in Providence.

Developers of the delayed Hotel Sierra (a moderately priced hotel like many of the other flooding onto the Providence market), LodgeWorks and Civic Center Parking Associates, claim that they have not abandoned the project, and while construction may not begin this summer as previously stated, the project is still beng planned out and construction will begin at some point.

While the developers seem confident, it is causing many others to feel a bit wary of the project’s future. Unfortunately, an outcome that occurs in developments in Providence is a failed project being turned into yet another surface parking lot. Some feel like the city is to leniant on their regulations, allowing developers to can a project as soon as something goes wrong, always knowing that they can fall back on parking.

I suspect that in many ways the city is encouraging unadulterated demolition. Developers can bring financially shaky proposals to the table, knowing full well that if their financing falls through, they’ll be allowed to park cars on the vacant lot. -Jeff Nickerson, member of Greater City: Providence

Officials have acknowledged that it is a concern, but have not promised to change any of their regulations to help prevent this from happening.

Even with these concerns, the developers seem confident that the Hotel Sierra project will eventually go through. City Planning Director Thomas E. Deller has said that the developers of the project have called and asked for a meeting regarding the project next week. It is unclear what the meeting would specifically be about.

Source & Image: Providence Journal

After long delays and nasty court battles regarding the massive NorthPoint development in Cambridge, the state is finally starting to take matters into their own hands.

A rendering of the new Lechmere Green Line station that would be a part of the NorthPoint development.

The state Executive Office of Transportation has said that they will take over the construction of the new Lechmere Green Line station. A new station at Lechmere is critical to expansion of the Green Line into Somerville and Medford.

Originally, the developers of NorthPoint had agreed to construct a $70 million Lechmere station as a part of their new ‘mini-city.’ Unfortunately, the project has gone sour, and the two developers (Cambridge NorthPoint LLC and Boston and Maine Corp.) have been locked in a court battle in Delaware regarding everything from the pacing of construction and the financing of the project. This has held up the new station as well, putting the aggressive timeline for extending the Green Line to Medford in jeopardy.

Movement of the Lechmere station is a necessity because the current station is not aligned with the tracks that are planned to be used for the extension to Medford. While the state is certainly making an aggressive move in taking over the construction of the station, they have not ruled out working with the developers when the court case is settled.

Source: Boston Globe
Image: Boston.com

As we speak, there are two major holes in the city’s urban fabric that are the result of stalled development – mostly due to financing issues.

The abandoned Columbus Center construction site.

The two specific locations are in Downtown Crossing (the site of the new Filene’s Tower that seemed to be making good progress before it was revealed yesterday that developers were struggling to secure funding) and four air rights parcels near the Hancock Tower on the Back Bay/South End border (the Columbus Center). Both have had issues securing the required funding for their projects.

Both of the above projects are supposed to be monumental developments that would revive two relatively dead areas of the city (Downtown Crossing and the border of the Back Bay and the South End). Unfortunately, all that has resulted to date has been delayed construction, leaving the city with two massive holes in the ground with relatively little going on.

In response, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino is looking to enact legislation that would require developers in the city to prove that they have the necessary financing in hand before they begin construction on major projects. In addition to preventing the city from being littered with holes, Menino is also hoping that the legislation could limit the amount of ‘flipping’ that goes on in the city (that is, a developer does site work for a project and then sells the property for a profit).

While the Mayor has high hopes for such a bill, not everybody seems to be on board with his reasoning, accusing the Mayor to reacting to the poor credit market rather than thinking about what is best for the city:

It will become a barrier to development. The market just doesn’t work that way. To react this way because of the current abnormality in the credit market, I don’t think is very prudent. -David Begelfer, Massachusetts director of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties

Before Menino’s proposal can go into action, the Boston Redevelopment Authority would need to approve any proposal.

Source: Boston Globe
Image: Boston.com

The Boston Redevelopment Authority has reportedly issued a Request for Proposals regarding the substation across from Adams Park in Roslindale.

An image of the substation that officials hope will be redeveloped into a new retail destination.

According to the RFP, the BRA is looking for a developer that can successfully maintain the architectural style. Additionally, officials will be partial to proposals that are focused on retail and commercial uses for the site. A residential component would be accepted, as long as it has some sort of ground floor retail/commercial component.

The building (and the site in general) is not believed to be large enough to create a profitable all housing development. Since one of the primary goals of the community is for the redevelopment to be self-sustaining, all residential seems to be out of the equation.

Officials are also hoping that the rehabbed substation can act as a significant draw for people, both locally and from outside the area:

It’s really too small to create enough units to make money. But it is ideal for retail and commercial activity. We need something to bring in more customers and shoppers during the day and night and this will also continue to make the area more vibrant. -Carter Wilke, president of the Roslindale Main Streets Board of Directors

Mayor Menino is also excited about the RFP for the site, saying that a new project in that location would “economically benefit” the area.

Source & Image: The Bulletin Newspapers Inc.

In a memo released regarding its 2009 fiscal budget, it was revealed that the Boston Redevelopment Authority also acts as a developer, expecting to bring in money from equity stakes and land and building sales. While the BRA defends its actions, not everyone is hopping on board.

An aerial view of the Charlestown Navy Yard, one of several sources of income for the BRA.

According to the memo, the BRA could rake in nearly $17 million, enough to cover its annual budget. The BRA supports this action, insisting that it allows the government branch to remain self-sustaining and not draw from the city budget, thus saving the taxpayers money.

However, this explanation is not working on everybody. Shirley Kressel, a long time critic of the BRA, has made it clear that she is not pleased with the latest news from the BRA:

They have a conflict of interest because they are a developer as well as the regulatory agency. -Shirley Kressel, head of the Boston Alliance of Neighborhoods

In the memo, the BRA mentioned that they expect to bring in $11.2 million from lease agreements in the Charlestown Navy Yard, Rowes Wharf, China Trade Building, and Sargent’s Wharf. About $1.7 million would come from equity stakes in the Charlestown Navy Yard, Rowes Wharf, and the delayed Kensington project. Finally, some $3.5 million would come from land and building sales.

Source: Boston Herald
Image: WCVB-TV NewsCopter 5