The Globe has a piece today on the proposed development of the Meridian Street property that once housed the Seville Theater. The Boston Redevelopment Authority is scheduled to hold a hearing on the project -- site to be determined -- on March 19.
The Globe has a piece today on the proposed development of the Meridian Street property that once housed the Seville Theater. The Boston Redevelopment Authority is scheduled to hold a hearing on the project -- site to be determined -- on March 19.
39 comments:
I say congrats to the developer on this - it is only good for the neighborhood when we can take vacant businesses, buildings and lots and make them more more productive. A development like this can only help bring new people to the community and new investment. We just need to be sure that we attract an appropriate business use for the commercial space.
There didn't seem to be anybody raising concerns about the project. I wonder if there are no concerns or if the reporter didn't take the time to find them.
This is relatively small potatoes in the city, so I don't think we'll see more in the Globe on it unless there is some major issue down the road. I just figured that there must be some people who would want to voice some objections.
Personally, I am always skeptical of developers and people who own real estate. Their story is always that they are doing something nice, beautifying the area and/or being good neighbors, when the motivation is almost always making the biggest profit as quickly as possible.
Fair point but I suppose if everyone was as skeptical, places like the Seville would stay vacant forever.
I think we should be concerned about the potential business use of this space. If this is a new build that almost always means that rents will be higher. I wonder if this new space will be able to attract anything other than chain/ franchise establishments. I'm not sure that more fast food restaurants would be a benefit to the community - at least not from the public health perspective. Supposedly the BRA has found that there is really no demand for new commercial space in Eastie - a conclusion I am definitely skeptical about. But if the spaces stay vacant because Eastie really is at "equilibrium" for commercial space, that isn't good either.
With that said, I agree that making more productive use of the space would be better than maintaining an empty shell. I'm not opposed to new housing, although I really wish some of these new developments had 3 and 4 bedroom units available. Where am I supposed to go when my mother in law moves in with us? I wouldn't mind seeing more office space made available, especially for non-profit or low profit enterprises. But again, new builds are not usually conducive to low profit/ non-profit enterprises.
CinemaTreasures has a page about the Seville Theatre. I added links to this blog and to today's Boston Globe article.
CinemaTour has two photos of the theatre's interior, taken in April 2003: One and Two
To N. Starluna. There you go again and I'm not attacking her Jimbo. I have an idea Starluna why don't you go buy a development and then you can rent it to who you would like? Everything to you is so simple, you'd like to see this and you'd like to see that! the Lombardo's have the right to rent to whomever they like to as long as its not harming the community.
Unless someone engages and performs for their community themselves then he or she should or shouldn't tell others what to do. After a while it get tiring seeing the same rampants going on.
Like you say Jimbo, if you can't do you shouldn't expect!
I don't really understand that response.
At ArchBoston.com, I started another discussion of this project. One question that came up: can the theatre be useful converted to some non-theatre use?
Some examples: the Empire Garden restaurant in Chinatown, which used to be the Center Theatre; a Borders bookstore that used to be a theatre in Palo Alto, CA; another bookstore that used to be a theatre in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Hey Fran...give it a break - OK. You are obviously a Mason fan - I'm not. So lets move on and review your rant.
You say half of the units are to be 450 s/f per unit? - my guess is that unless they are lofts or replacement of existing units, it won't fly - but that is an issue that the BRA and ZBA strictly enforces under thier rules so the neigborhood does not have to worry about.
Next, destruction of neighboring property? Sorry - you are the one who is clueless. No developer is going to take the risk of going forward if damage can not be avoided to another property- if he damages the property then he will have to pay dearly I am sure - once again non-issue from a community standpoint - but a private property issue between the abutter and the developer.
Displaced tenants? - why is that any of your or our business - tenancy is an arrangement between the owner and the tenant not the neighborhood. If there are leases, then it will cost him to buy them out - if there are no leases well then they can be out in 30 days - and we have nothing to say about it. So once again - non issue for the neighborhood.
Absentee Landlord - what does that mean? Is that supposed to be a negative comment? If so, by your logic nobody can own more than the property they live without being labeled such. Let me guess, if the developer was going to live in one of the units, you would have no problem with it? Doubt it. Again - non-relevant point.
The requirement is usually 13% not 33% for affordable units - which are not the Mayor's but the BRA. And why is that a bad thing? Affordable units are priced between $160-$220K right now - almost market rate (Tell me, who is clueless now?)
To central square
You have to read with understanding.
They are RENTAL UNITS ,NOT CONDOS!
450 May not pas the mustard for an average citizen ,but he is not.
The Project / Article 80 review package that they gave out,and is on file for PUBLIC INSPECTION at the B.R.A. states very clearly the 450 sq ft APARTMENTS.
Again you demonstrate such hatred,to a point where I feel I can her you throuh my computer.
It is what it is a "connected developer,who does not live here"doing as he pleases.
450 includes the kitchen,and bath space.
p.s.The original was for 80 RESIDENTIAL UNITS.
This is a simple GREED issue,and nothing else.
You were not at the meeting,and I was,and I know what his own developer told ALL OF US .
Get over the HATE !I am a fan of East Boston,and have been fighting for Eastie for over 40 yeras.
You are not going to discredit me .
HATE = FEAR !
Fran
Tell me, why is it that when I express my ideas, I get called clueless and accused of hatred by Mason? Someday maybe he will finally understand this is why nobody bothers with him anymore. - its bad enough everything he writes gets posted while some of my comments get edited (that's ok, I am a big boy) - but do we really have to now post his comments twice?
Greed you say Joe? Try economics and capitalism.
Lets see, people trying to develop real estate to make money? What an awful and stupid idea. But I suppose if you are someone who never owned anything and does not have any responsibility to produce anything other than a mailbox and an address to get paid - then understanding the concept of real estate development might be beyond your reach.
In my own defense, I would point out that the only one on here talking about hate is Mason - like someone said before, if he can't handle a little disagreement maybe blogging is not for him.
I am expressing my (very fact based)opinion in response to his usual and typical over dramatic hysteria that usually lacks a point and makes a personal attack.
Jimbo, gives us break here - please!
While I enjoy coming on the Hubster - thanks a lot Jimbo for not posting my comments from last evening - What was so offensing and off point about it? It was no more personal or offensive than Fran (er, I mean Joe Mason's) comments that you deem so relevant to the discussion.
I simply made some observations and corrected a few other points when Joe accuses me and others of "hatred"...my comment gets deleted Joes gets posted...twice...why the double standard Jimbo?
While you never seem to do it with Joe Mason's comments, I ask that you consider at least printing my comment and then make a moderators note as to what you find problematic with it.
Thanks - for nothing!
THIS SECTION OF THE BLOG IS TITLED
"SEVILLE PLAN IN THE NEWS"
NOT JOE MASON !
Its pretty funny how ,you want to not sign your posts,yet tell everyone my posts belongs to him.
I called him today about these posts,and he told me "who cares".
He is not posting anymore so that maybee,just maybee Jimbos blog titles can get some respect,and stay on topic.
You need to leave the guy alone.
He is battling Cancer,and winning that battle is all that is on his mind right now.
So either sign your name,or get what it takes to go see him face to face.
But Jimbo enough with Joe Mason .
He has told me he has communicated this to you via e-mail.
So why are you not putting an end to it? Is it going to be that everytime this anon person doesn't like a post he blames it on Joe?
The guy is going through HELL ,so enough is enough.
Fran
Jimbo:
To my comment at 8:08 am - I apologize as it appears you posted my comment - thank you - comment withdrawn...keep up the good work with this Blog Jimbo - you are a value to East Boston.
I do not understand how most of these replies relate to the subject of whether the Seville should be renovated or torn down. Can someone provide a little more context?
(I do not live in Eastie, but I'm interested in the fate of old theatre buildings, wherever they are located.)
Hey Jimbo, what do you think about getting some
"Hubster" shirts made up, with proceeds going to "Save the Seville"? It could be a win win - publicity for this blog going to a good cause. Perhaps the LUC could handle the donations - has anyone heard from Joe Mason lately? - I hope he is doing OK. I tried emailing him and did not hear back.
I agree, we should have Hubster shirts made up with Jimo's name on them.
Jimbo, I'm not attacking anyone just stating facts about not having to go to LUC. Going to City Hall and mentioning Land Use is like swearing at the decision maker. Again, just passing along what I was told to me directly.
Hey Jimbo, give that some thought about the T-Shirts.
I'm going to ask in advance for you all to excuse my lack of knowledge in this area, however can anyone point me toward a resource that outlines the zoning approval process for developments in East Boston?
I understand that there are series of ongoing meetings throughout the city that address some of the projects, however I am seeking to educate myself by the most unbiased means available. I'm not sure I would be able to garner the point of view I am seeking by attending meetings alone.
What I will say is that most of my reactions to the proposition of additional development in East Boston thus far are based on concern.
I am concerned, that the absentee landlordism ( if that's even a word) is at an all time high in East Boston and has spread to business/commercial property owners with no end in sight.
I am concerned that these financially powerful, politically connnected folks have the ability - to hold us all 'hostage' to their demands as evidenced by the Lombardo - "No billboard - no build" approach.
More pertinent to the proposed development of the Old Seville Theatre, is my concern that some giant conglom-o-max corporation plans to come in and develop several unaffordable and unattainable housing and retail units. I am concerned that once the developer has realized his maximum return on investment, or determines that the units aren't rentable that they will pull up stakes and leave East Boston with an uninhabited or underinhabited eyesore in our midst.
Whenever I see huge development projects being undertaken for the benefit of a single corporation, I always have a concern about the potential fallout once the corporation can no longer support the structure.
Maybe I'm a bit overdramatic but it conjures up images of a futuristic urban ruin overrun by criminals a la - "Streets of Fire" Universal, 1984.
I felt the same way as I observed the construction of the Boston Harbor Hotel in the 80's. I wondered, what could possibly be going into that building? How do you finacially support a structure of that size? What if that company goes bankrupt and there is no other institution that can afford to take that on? Are we left with an abandoned eyesore at the center of our city and as the anchor to our waterfront?
Aren't these concerns potentially applicable to any of the East Boston development projects?
What safeguards exist to protect from the potential of overbuilding?
Which brings me to my initial question: "Can anyone point me toward zoning guidelines for East Boston?"
Thanks in advance,
E.G.
The zoning approval process? Its probably very complicated - call a lawyer or someone at city hall - they will know!
To Eastie girl; you have to be kidding us! You want someone to type that all on this blog? Going to meetings is the best way to educate yourself on this matter
Um, I think what I asked is "Can anyone point me toward zoning guidelines for East Boston?" Shouldn't there be something in writiing, somewhere? Or is everyone just flying by the seat of their pants?
To Eastie Girl; again, you can go to City Hall and get all you need.
Eastie Girl:
There are guidelines you can read about, but understanding the real process is not something that can be outlined in a blog post or something that you would figure out from picking up the Boston Zoning Code - it is, as Eagle Hill Girl mentioned, probably pretty complicated.
Yeah Anon and Eagle Hill girl, I guess I was looking for a URL or other location to find the specific guidelines.
The difference between having access to actual published guidelines and regulations and attending meetings is the difference between explicit and tacit knowledge.
Explicit knowledge is fact based while tacit knowledge, even provided by the most experienced individuals, is by definition, an extrapolation that incorporates ones own biases.
That being said, I guess I will call City Hall to inquire about the guidelines prior to attending meetings where I'm not sure who the players are and who's spin to believe.
Thanks,
E.G.
OK - so I went to the City of Boston Web Site and found a lot of information to digest about zoning.
Here's the path in case anyone else is interested: http://www.cityofboston.gov/isd/building/boa/
Jimbo:
First my sincerest condolonces to you for having to continue to put up with such crap. I saw the blast email that appears to have gone out and wanted to be sure we came to your defense. As a regular blogger, I find that you run a responsible and respectful blog and we appreciate the time and effort it takes to maintain it.
Clearly you can not control the veracity of what people may post here and certainly you are not responsible for such posts (so says the 9th Circuit!). God knows how many innacurate statements are on here authored by [some people] - his email was out of line.
I am curious about some things that are contained in his email - in which he basically asks everyone to spam your yahoo address (now that's responsible):
1. Why is he picking on you all of a sudden - hasn't [this person] had his chance to express his silly opinions about so many others - and at times make statements, which the accuracy has been somewhat questionable?
2. Where is he getting a $1,000.00 reward and what are the terms of distribution? His email is very unclear and this is so frustrating. Do we have to do something to get it or are we automatically eligible if we just email the Hubster?
How do we prove we are eligible? How many $1000 rewards are going to be given out. Is there a time limit? Is it coming from the Lenny Florence money that he is supposed to distribute to the neighborhood? I think anyone who is able to tell me or the Hubster where [he] would even come up with $1,000.00 reward should be eligible for the prize!
3. I don't see anything under this thread that he is talking about. So either he is delusional or you already removed whatever it is was that sent [him] on this latest tizzy - which brings me to my next point.
4. Who is [he] to threaten to get you under control and have you remove posts because he does not agree with them or questions their truthfulness? If that is the standard we are going to use, Jimbo I have a bunch of posts that need some attention. Let me know who I send the email to.
Jimbo is a blog host not your baby sitter - either come on here and play nice with everyone or don't come on here at all. Also, please STOP sending these ridiculous emails to all of us.
Thank you.
As for everyone else, please for the sake of Jimbo and this Blog, kindly refrain from any more discussion or observations about [certain people] whether it be about medical devices or seeing him at fast food restaurants. We will all be better off for it in the end and will be able to get back to real discussions! Thank you again Jimbo - keep up the good work.
This week's East Boston Times-Free Press says the meeting will be Thursday, March 27 at 6:30pm at the Harborside Community Center. (For those of us who don't live in Eastie, where is this?)
Ron:
The Harborside community center is located at 312 Border Street...which is located just outside central square and about an 1/8 of mile from the Seville. It is actually the Umana-Barnes Middle School. Hope to see you there!
Jimbo...I am sooooo disappointed.
I was the first to post on this thread and made a very on topic and rational comment on March 9, 2008 between your comments at 4:02 pm and 5:50 pm. If I recall correctly, it was a discussion between you and I in which I expressed concern over your comment about the reporter not taking time to find someone with concerns. I mentioned that I was concerned that your criticism was because she did not mention Joe Mason. Why was such a comment not perfectly legitimate and germane to the discussion and your post?
Need I remind you that he was the basis of information for another thread on here concerning the same topic in which he was critical of the project?. I also suggested, in the context of my own opinion, that his "concern" was simply because he is shilling for the next door neighbor.
Please tell me that we are not now going to edit discussions between us that concern our opinions! Please dont tell me that you are going to succumb to his ridiculous attempt to intimidate you and all of us from expressing our legitimate and our OWN opinions!
I try to edit posts as little as possible or to delete them as infrequently as possible, but -- in order to quiet someone who has taken to harassing me personally -- I have tried to keep his name off the blog recently.
Let's keep talking about issues.
That's too bad Jimbo, while I think you do a great Job, I suppose you can't say we did not try to warn you!
Personally, I think he is reprehensible - and if he has not already resigned, he probably should think about if he intends for that group to serve any legitimate purpose - including administration of the Lenny Florence fund. Isn't there some other organization that can administer this other than his? Seems like it would be the respobsible thing to do at this point since he is now using it for rewards to serve his own personal gripes! Does anyone know how we can get in touch with the Lenny Florence people to tell them what's going on here?
I was just surprised to see that my very on topic point was the point of such controversy and was deleted. I suppose I will get over it and don't blame you for trying to achieve peace at an extreme cost.
P.S. I wear a medium put me down for 2 Tee Shirts!
As far as I can tell, the $15,000 for the Leonard Florence Memorial Fund comes from Syratech. I found this through their SEC filings. Their contact info is below:
Syratech Corporation
175 McClellan Hwy.
East Boston, MA 02128
MA Tel. 617-561-2200
Fax 617-568-1528
Gregory Hunt is listed as the CFO and Treasurer. Although I've also seen reports that he moved to Tweeter in summer 2006 so that might not be the most up to date info.
If anyone can get a copy of that EB Land Use Agreement between the LUC and Leonard Florence (dated 9/28/03), that would be great. Despite what Mr. Mason asserts, I have not been able to find this agreement in any of the public filings. I haven't gone to the courts to look through the paper files because I have two jobs and a dissertation to write. Given Mr. Mason's loose use of legal discourse, I am not convinced that such a public record exists. An agreement exists, as it is referenced in the P&S agreement between Leonard Florence and Syratech. Whether it was filed in any court (which doesn't even make sense to me) is not really clear. Regardless, the community cannot hold the LUC accountable for the management of this fund without knowing what the agreement actually is.
I really have to get back to work now. But I do hope that someone follows through on this. Mr. Mason should not be allowed to hijack this fund simply because he can't control everyone in the neighborhood.
I don't quite understand -- how does this fund relate to the Seville property?
To n.starluna;
Thanks for that info. I will see if I can do a little follow up of my own. You are a brave one posting what will surely be construed as a violation of a certain person's (who name will go unmentioned) rights. Hopefully you will not get harassed with allegations of interfering with his little fund. Its probably best for the community if there is a little more understanding of how this works and maybe a letter to the fund sponsor on the threats made to not distribute it because of people posting their opinions and observations on a blog!
TO THE INFAMOUS KNOW IT ALL
STALUNA
I AM CALLING YOU OUT RIGHT NOW.
I AM THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY FOR THE L.U.C..
WE ARE MEETING THIS THURSDAY NIGHT MARCH 20TH,2007 COME ON DOWN,AND I WILL GIVE YOU A FREE COPY.
YOU USED THE WORD HIJACK ABOUT THE 15,000.00 THAT THE L.U.C.,NOT MR.MASON GIVES OUT AS AN INSINUATION OF THEFT.
MR.MASON WORKED FOR LENNY FOR 15 YEARS.
MR.FLORENCE IS DEAD ,SHOW SOME CLASS,AND RESPECT.
YOU CLAIM TO KNOW IT ALL,WELL
FIRST OFF, HE IS NOT INVOLVED IN THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE FUNDS,ONLY THE MEMBERS ARE.MR.MASON IS NOT ALLOWED TO VOTE ON THE MONEY,OR ANY MATTER INFRONT OF THE L.U.C..
SECOND OF ALL, ITS A MASSACHUSETTS RECORDED COURT DOCUMENT.
THIRD, ALL ISSUED GRANTS ARE POSTED FOR 2006,AND 2007 ON WWW.EASTBOSTON.COM
FOURTH, WE ALSO ADVERTISE THE AWARDED GRANTS IN THE EAST BOSTON TIMES AFTER EVERY YEARS PROGRAM IS DONE.
FIFTH "ALL" ILL REPEAT IT AGAIN "ALL" 15,000 ,EVERY SINGLE PENNY GOES DIRECTLY TO THE PUBLIC.
SIXTH,BY THE AGREEMENT,AND FURTHER STRENTENED BY MR.MASON "THE EAST BOSTON LAND USE COUNCIL IS FORBIDDEN TO TAKE A SINGLE PENNY".
SEVENTH,OUR MEMBERS PAY FOR ALL THE POSTAGE,ENVELOPES,PAPER ETC OUT OF OUR PETTY CASH DRAWER.
EIGHT,EVEN THOUGH BY LAW WE CAN TAKE 10 CENTS ON A DOLLAR TO PROCESS THIS FUND "WE DO NOT".
NINTH,THE PROGRAM IS ADVERTISED FOR 3 WEEKS EACH YEAR IN THE EAST BOSTON TIMES,AND ALL LETTERS ARE OPENED INFRONT OF THE PUBLIC.
**WE DO NOT GET OR SOLICIT ANY THANK YOU LETTERS ,AS OUR CONGRAT LETTER TELLS THE PEOPLE GETTING THE GRANTS TO THANK THE PEOPLE WHO GIVE EASTIE THE MONEY.***
TENTH,HERE IS A SMALL SAMPLE OF ISSUED GRANTS,EASTIE PRIDE DAY,E.B.LITTLE LEAGUE,E.B.GIRLS SOFTBALL,EVERY SINGLE SENIOR CITIZENS GROUP IN EASTIE,NUMEROUS AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS AT VARIOUS E.B.COMMUNITY CENTERS,CROSSROADS FAMILY SHELTERS FOOD PANTRY,THOUSANDS TO EASTIE KIDS GOING TO PAID TUITION SCHOOLS,E.B.MAKE A WISH FOR TERMINALLY ILL KIDS,OR PARENTS OF KIDS ,E.B.SPECIAL OLYMPICS ETC.
OH, I ALMOST FORGOT THE HEALTH CENTERS KIDS BIKE SAFETY PROGRAM,AND THE BOSTON POLICE YOUTH SERVICES FUND.
SO HOW DO YOU FEEL NOW MISS KNOW IT ALL?
LETS SEE YOU FACE US AS A GROUP AND ACCUSE .
B.B.
L.U.C.
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY,AND KEEPER OF RECORDS!
CANT WAIT TO MEET YOU!!!!!
Can you explain the role of this organization in determining the future use of the Seville Theater building and land? Thanks.
Hello Ron
As far as the Seville goes,this is a done deal.
In my opinion no one will be able to stop it,shape it,or have any effect on it.
This man Mr.Lombardo does as he pleases.
I wan't to remind all of you that he owns that ugly steel frame near the entrance to the tunnel,and has had permits for 4 yeras to build 6 condos,an office,and a 2400 ft retail store.
However he was denied twice by the City for a Bilboard on the roof,so he has promised that he will just not build,and leave it as is.
I suggest that you,and as many others attend this meeting,and ask him why he won't even sell it.
P.S Thank You Jimbo for the time to exchange e-mails with me about getting the facts on the money.
I am sure what I sent you on Savio will not make you as an alumni happy.
I truly appreciate it.
B.B.
To answer your question, Ron, The Land Use Council basically has no role in the future of the Seville or really anything that happens in East Boston for that matter.
The poster "B.B.", (which IN MY OPINION JIMBO) is really Joe Mason, the LUC's de-facto head. He is simply posting under his girlfriend/common law wife's initials, because he has burned every bridge on here, including the one to Jimbo.
What he is trying to get us all to believe is that the plan to develop the Seville is corrupt (i.e. done deal) so as to turn public opinion against it in advance of the meeting on March 27th. There is another thread on here which has many of his posts that would support that conclusion.
In my opinion, this is a typical tactic of the LUC when it comes to projects when Mr. Mason has a personal dislike for the owner or the developer.
The Seville is no different.
His approach will be to get as many people in the room to believe their voices do not count on the issue - they will just yell louder and be less inclined to look at the real issues as opposed to us having a real dialogue with the developer concerning legitimate issues and impacts.
Arguing that this is a "done deal" is once again more of the over dramatic hype typically employed by Mr. Mason when he realizes (often) that nobody is listening to him.
This proposal requires the approval of 2 boards, the BRA and ZBA before it is "done" - not to mention a lenghty review process. Before voting, both agencies weigh the input of a wide range of constituents, which include abutters, residents, city agencies, and elected officials.
Because the input of Mr. Mason's Land Use Council will probably not be considered (rightly so), I believe he has instead chosen to resort to a campaign of scorched earth (see other posts on Seville) to force himself into this discussion - smearing the developer as "greedy", refering to unrelated projects,
and asking silly questions like why not just sell.
So welcome to our world Ron!
CSO
P.S. - Jimbo, he was quiet for a while, but I guess all good things must come to an end - here we go again! Keep up the good work.
I publicized yesterday's meeting about the Seville on the ArchBoston.com forum. Someone attended and posted this report.
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