Chandler Business Group

Officials bash Worcester by their silence

2010-01-09T09:53:00.000-08:00

Officials bash Worcester by their silence
by Clive McFarland

In trying to explain his decision to upgrade his housing accommodation from a $215,000 ranch in Paxton to a $350,000 colonial in Holden, Worcester Salvation Army Maj. Michael Copeland suggested his new abode was the least he was owed for having to serve the city’s denizens, from whom, for survival sake, it was necessary to separate himself at the end of the day. That in itself was a kick in the teeth of Worcester residents, and the good major went on to suggest that it was not possible to establish a home of rest and relaxation in the city, because its schools were not good enough for the children of Salvation Army officers. Remainder of article

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Best article Clive has ever written in my own less than humble opinion!

CVS Park & May

2010-01-08T18:24:00.000-08:00

Sign says open January 24th...

Chandler Street Business Association - meeting with Community Healthlink

2010-01-08T07:22:00.000-08:00

The Business Officers of the Chandler Street Business Association had a very productive meeting with Community Healthlink CEO, Deborah Ekstrom last night at Worcester's newest hotbed for food, refreshments & good times with family and friends - EVO Restaurant

The purpose of the meeting was to educate the Village of Piedmont business and resident community leaders on the plans for the new additional human health services being performed at Community Healthlink that pertain to prior human health services provided and not provided at the PIP Shelter on Main Street.

Many thanks to Ms. Ekstrom for taking time to keep the Village of Piedmont business and resident community in the loop and she has pledged to keep us in the loopIn attendance: Deborah Ekstrom - Community Healthlink, Robert Thomas - MLK Business Empowerment Center, Al Maykel - Living Earth & EVO Restaurant, Wm. Randell - Advantage Benefits, Andrew Serrato - Serrato Sign, Paul Collyer - B.A. Event Promotions, Richard Kazarian - Keystone Plaza

Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area accomplishments - Chandler Street Business Association

2009-06-13T10:08:00.001-07:00

The Chandler Street Business Association has been working very hard on the NRSA Program....it has had many accomplishments to date.

Chandler Street Business Association - June 2009 Meeting

2009-06-13T09:16:00.000-07:00

The Chandler Street Business Association June 2009 monthly meeting will be on June 17th - 10:00 A.M. at EVO Restaurant 232 Chandler Street.

EVO is a new restaurant next door to Living Earth - great new addition to the neighborhood.

NRSA Update

2008-04-02T10:29:00.001-07:00

Through the end of the second fiscal year (June 30, 1008), the Chandler NRSA has been awarded some 286,000. As of December 31, 2007, only 43,217.37 has been invested. In other words we have approximately $242,800 left untapped.

Right now we are going to focus on three years to see that these monies are invested:

facades
cleaning and beautification of Chandler Street
traffic islands sponsored by the Chandler Business Group

Does anyone know anyone who can decorate and maintain a traffic island??

Thanks

Bill

The Chandler Street Business Association has a new web site

2008-03-30T10:22:00.000-07:00

Please see www.chandlerstreetbusiness.com for more information on this dynamic group:>)

It is under construction but up and running as of today:>)

Lots of great stuff to be going up soon!

Cameras on Chandler Street

2008-03-28T10:32:00.001-07:00

I put this blog on my airport blog, but why can's we push for some smart cameras in the Chandler Street area?

Click here

One Year Later

2008-03-27T15:20:00.001-07:00

I knew it had been some time since the last post, but over a year? What has transpired? The NRSA has been a complete bust:

Three facades: Bahnan, Mark Dumas, Suney
Summer Internship Program: Around the Corner
One Home Improvement

In total I believe only approximately $50,000 has been spent of the first two years of allocations (think around $280,000). I will get accurate numbers on both of these over the next week. Has there not been any interest? Just the opposite, there is alot of interest.

Why has it stalled? There is nobody to handle the day to day administration of the plan. We have even gone to the point to hire a consultant to help with the daily implementation of the NRSA. Although this was recommended by City Of Worcester Economic Development Office and it is an eligiblue usage of CDBG monies according to HUD, our request has been denied.

What confuses me is that I thought it was up to us (Chandler Business Group and Common Ground) to determine how best to spend the funds, while following the HUD guidelines?

Facade Program Day 77

2007-01-05T04:44:00.000-08:00

I have all of my paperwork done, but I am waiting for a design of the storefront from my architect. Once I have all that then I will submit the application and design.

Storefront Facade Update

2006-12-20T10:36:00.000-08:00

The application has been revised and the Law Department is drafting an agreement between the City and the CBDO’s. The City hopes to have everything finalized in two to three weeks.

Lenny Ciufredo

2006-12-14T08:16:00.000-08:00

Congrats to Lenny. Lenny is the chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals and is protesting the fact the $26,000,000 Performing Arts Center is getting a $195,000 waiver of fees from the City of Worcester.

A three bedroom single family house has approximately $4,000 in sewer and water fees, not to mention all the other building permit fees. Recently the bedroom fee was increased from $660 to $990 per bedroom,how do we justify a 50% increase here, but waiver $195,000. In addition a single family home will most likely contribute to the tax-base, while the Performing Arts Center will not.

I think this is a great project but this waiver is simply wrong and what about the precedent. I know the Greek Church has an expansion that is going to run approximately $12,000,000 should their fees be waived too?? Where do you draw the line?

Facade Program

2006-12-12T07:26:00.000-08:00

Spoke with Paul Morano yesterday, Dennis Hennessy was out of the office last week so there was no updates on the status of the documents from the Law Department. Paul said that he will have an update by the end of this week.

Mason Winfield

2006-12-09T07:14:00.000-08:00

From the City Council agenda for next Tuesday:

A public hearing was held on Thursday August 17, 2006, to review the proposed Environmental Remediation Plans as a precondition for the developers to receive the $170,000 grant from the EPA through the City of Worcester. The City Law Department forwarded draft agreement documents on October 4, 2006, to the developer's counsel in preparation for the disbursement of the funds. A site plan for a portion of the 21 units planned on the large parcel was submitted to the Planning Board and approved on 9/6/6 and 10/4/6. Site plan approval has already been by the Planning Board for two units on the smaller parcel.

Developers continue to seek construction financing and a $500,000 MassDevelopments Brownfield Loan. The application packages are currently under review by Webster Five Cent Savings Bank. Additionally environmental assessment is currently under contract for $170,000 of EPA funds administered to the City, to be executed the week of December 11, 2006. The Quality Assurance Project Plan has been approved by the EPA and the cooperation agreement is being prepared between the City and the Worcester Common Ground.

Eddie's Market

2006-12-07T09:15:00.000-08:00

I noticed that the market, Eddie's I think the name was, on Piedmont and Pleasant, it looked empty yesterday. Have they moved or closed??

Know Your Street

2006-12-06T05:47:00.000-08:00

City Clerk has a great web site detailing history of streets, including Chandler Street:

Click here

Facade Update

2006-12-01T08:38:00.000-08:00

Laurel and I spoke with Paul Morano, who has been great, to check on the status of our 1st facade program at Suneys. Right now the law department is finalizing all the documents that need to be signed by the applicant and Common Ground, before the monies are released.

We have made a note to contact Paul one week from today to check on the status.

Atlantic Glass

2006-11-30T07:37:00.000-08:00

The potential power of this group. Today my tenant called to let me know that her front door had been smasked. Not completely broken (laminated) but spider webbed. I called my insurance company, who referred me to JN Phillips.

Then I remembered, however, Andy told me about Atlantic Glass (508-793-2100) on Mason Street. I stopped in on my way to work and he is taking care of it.

Parking Overlay

2006-11-30T06:30:00.000-08:00

Chandler Business Group

I have set up a meeting with Joel Fontaine regarding the overlay. We are meeting December 8th at 3:00 44 Front St suite 510. I also talked with the owners of 229 Chandler St. Corner of Dewey St. the old Fashion Flair building. A lot of people have been interested but with no parking as well as no one in the area to help them with relief. Maybe we need to discuss no parking requirements for existing stores/storefronts to help move these properties along. Two pizza places were interested and needed relief of 5 spots neither wanted to wait for a variance. This overlay project could takes 6 months but I feel is worth putting in place. The interesting thing is that the stores are now rented. They will open up without permits to operate because of pre-existing use?? They still should have parking requirements but these businesses unlike restaurants do not trigger permit requirements or enforcement of restaurants.

Winslow--Pleasant Street Parcel

2006-11-29T08:57:00.000-08:00

I was thinking today the effect a $450,000 sale of an empty parcel will have on vacant parcels, not to mention all assessed values in the area, will have on the surrounding parcels assessed value?

Renaming of Chandler Street

2006-11-28T10:03:00.000-08:00

Just a quick update on the petiton that circulated to the business owners on Chandler Street regarding the renaming of Chandler Street (from Main to Park Ave) to Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Approximately 25 small business owners signed the petition against the name change stating that their reasons being first; the historical background (John Chandler), secondly the financial burden and lastly the inconvenience.

The CBA would like to thank those small business owners for taking the time to address this issue and support the decision. It was decided that the petition FOR the name change was denied. It now appears that the another street within the City of Worcester - Central Street is being looked at for the name change.

It's nice to know that you do have a say in the community.

Again, thank you for your support.

Sunday Paper Telegram Story

2006-11-28T09:44:00.000-08:00

MLK Blvd.’ plan studiedNew name for Central St.

By Winston W. Wiley TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFFwwiley@telegram.com

The subcommittee is expected to make its recommendation on the Central Street name change Tuesday.

WORCESTER— A local effort is under way that would bring together two prominent African-American historical figures downtown. Streets bearing the names of Marshall W. “Major” Taylor and Martin Luther King Jr. would cross paths just outside the Worcester Convention Center, if a proposal before a City Council subcommittee is eventually adopted. The measure would rename Central Street to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in honor of the slain civil rights leader. A section of Worcester Center Boulevard was renamed Major Taylor Boulevard in July, in recognition of the 1899 world cycling champion, affectionately known as the “Worcester Whirlwind.” It intersects Central Street.

Being pursued by a local group that calls itself Concerned Black Men, the Central Street name change was offered at a recent City Council Department of Public Works subcommittee meeting as an alternative to Chandler Street, which the group initially had sought to have renamed. “We were looking to change Chandler Street because two of the buildings owned and controlled by African-Americans are on that street,” said James C. Bonds, a CBM facilitator. Those buildings are the Quinsigamond Lodge of Elks and the Martin Luther King Jr. Business Empowerment Center.

The subcommittee, however, resisted the proposal to change Chandler Street, CBM members said, because of the inconvenience and expense to the many businesses and homeowners along the heavily commercial road. Named for the prominent Worcester family of Col. John Chandler, who served as a selectman, town treasurer, town clerk, county treasurer, sheriff, probate court judge, state representative and colonel of the Worcester regiment during the 1700s, Chandler Street runs three miles from Main Street to Pleasant Street in Tatnuck Square.

It is the address to numerous homes, businesses, two public elementary schools, Worcester State College and Temple Emanuel. Dan M. Hargrove, a resident of the Tatnuck Street area and member of CBM, said some of the group’s members initially were not thrilled with the Central Street alternative because they felt Chandler Street was more suitable, as well as much more visible. At a meeting a week ago at Emmanuel Baptist Church, however, the group agreed that Central Street was a good choice because of its location within what was historically the local black community in the Laurel/Clayton/Summer streets areas.

Currently, Central Street has only a few homes — mostly in a two-block span from Shrewsbury Street to Mulberry Street, known as East Central Street — and even fewer businesses. The Joseph D. Early Post Office and a medical office building are the only two major structures fronting the street, although others, such as the new county courthouse, the Worcester Convention Center, the Hilton Garden Inn, Worcester Medical Center and the Hampton Inn sit along the street.

The subcommittee is expected to make its recommendation on the Central Street name change Tuesday. Mr. Bonds said getting a street named for Rev. King would be the tip of the iceberg for CBM. “Our purpose is much greater than a street,” he said. “Our goal is trying to save black youth. A street name will help to build pride,” he said, but the ultimate goal is to get the black community involved in the overall community and the effort to uplift black youth. To that end, the group has seven committees through which it will develop and implement strategies to address issues facing the black community, according to Mr. Bonds. They are: spiritual, political, youth, economic, cultural, health and education committees. “One of the issues we identified was a lack of identity, and one of our goals as a group is to instill a sense of identity in the black community,” said Mr. Hargrove, a local chiropractor. “Although people are aware of who Major Taylor is, the name Martin Luther King is much more significant to the youth at this point.”

Mason Street Project

2006-11-16T12:26:00.000-08:00

I was watching the City Council Meeting last night and Kate Toomey inquired as to the status of the Mason Street Project. Julie Jacobson answered by saying the group was still working on their financing, including HOME funds (Grants) and hoped to start in the Spring.

Ironically they scored Advantageous in on their financial plan when they submitted their proposal based on a Letter of Interest from Legacy Capital (3/5/5 City Council). What is a "letter of interest"?

Busy Week

2006-11-12T05:52:00.000-08:00

I did nothing last week for the Chandler Business or my facade plans for 82 Pleasant Street. This week should be a little slower and I:

hope to meet with Dan Benoit
complete the paperwork for Paul Morano

Telegram Winslow Park

2006-11-01T09:01:00.000-08:00

Another story in the paper:

http://www.telegram.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061101/COLUMN44/611010712/1008/NEWS02

Read my comments below just now again.. I am by no means against this park, but I just question with Elm Park being around the corner, the shortage of staff people already at the Parks department, commercial/residential potential of this lot and the current 5 year fiscal plan for the city whether or not this was the best use.

Chandler Street

2006-11-01T05:17:00.000-08:00

There is a petition going in front of the committee on pulic works asking for a name change of Chandler Street from Park Ave to Main St. The petitioner is Charles Luster and he is asking for the name to be changed to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The first hearing is Novemeber 16th at 6:00 in the City Council Chambers. Any thoughts??

Biz Buzz

2006-10-31T08:00:00.000-08:00

Today Rod Lee had story, sorry no link, on Grafton Street. The first paragraph concerned the NRSA and Dan Benoit presentation highlighting lower Grafton Street to the Grafton Hill Business Association (GHBA). In particular how Armando's cold have a more European street-scene feel

Winslow Park

2006-10-31T06:27:00.000-08:00

City was awarded $500,000 from the Feds for Winslow Park and has committed another $125,000 of City monies for the park.

http://www.telegram.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061031/NEWS/610310640/1008/NEWS02

Watching the City Council meeting tonight and City Manager O'Brien was talking about some city resources in particular the Parks Department. Some weeks, due to vacations/sick time/etc, all the parks are being cleaned by 6 people. Many of the councilors complained about the status of various parks, some only 4 or 5 years old.

I am not against parks, but if we are having a hard time cleaning the parks we have, should we be creating more parks especially when Elm Park is closeby. Add the fact that this has lots of commercial potential (Tax Revenues), which we need to maintain our fiscal stability (Manager's 5 year plan_.

In the end I simply do not see this making alot of sense.

Facade Meeting w/ Benoit

2006-10-27T08:08:00.000-07:00

It went great. Dan has some great ideas for Suney's that he showed us. Kind of hard to explain here, but I have a copy to show everyone when we meet. Right now it appears that Suney's has all their paperwork together (they may have to still submit a check),the Chandler NRSA has approved the plans and the monies are avialable.

Right now it is up to the City of Worcester to process the paperwork and release the funds to allow the project to start.

Facade Program Day 9

2006-10-26T08:47:00.000-07:00

So far I have met with Harding Glass to show them the work that I want to do. Right now I am awaiting their proposal. Next I am to meet with Atlantic Glass (a business within the NRSA district that is offering discounts) to get another bid. I am not sure but I believe that I need to submit three quotes? I will confirm.

Tomorrow we meet with Dan Benoit on Suney's facade program, while Andy/Artie/Rich are meeting with Joel Fontaine today on the parking overlay.

Grace Ross

2006-10-23T17:45:00.000-07:00

She lives in the Chandler NRSA--2 Merrick St....

http://graceandmartina.org/

Winslow Park

2006-10-22T10:24:00.000-07:00

I received a mailer today to donate some money to Winslow Park. Don't get me wrong I do not mind donating, but I just wonder if this a highest and best use of this land? Elm Park is a beautiful park and it is less then a 1/4 mile away do we really need another park so close. Right now, as it is, the City of Worcester has a hard enough time maintaining the current parks and can we afford to take another parcel off the tax rolls. Maybe I am wrong, but we (Chandler Business Group) should maybe discuss this???

PS In case you do not know, this parcel is on the corner of Winslow and Pleasant but I am not sure exactly how big the proposed park is..

Facade Progam Day 2

2006-10-19T16:00:00.000-07:00

Today, Paul Morano dropped me an e-mail and I picked up the paperwork for the "Facade and Awning Incentive Grant Program". This is not a component of the NRSA, but a stand alone proram offered through the City of Worcester Economic Development Office.

Reviewing the paperwork and there is the line on the page entitle “Specific Requirements of the Façade & Awning Incentive Grant Program”:

“HUD Requirement: The Façade & Awning Incentive Grant Program must correct a physical impairment of the buildings facae, i.e. a Health and or Code violation, or create a new permanent full time positions for individuals from Low to Moderate Income families”

During the summer we had several meeting regarding how there two HUD National Objective really limits the effectiveness of the the program. Dennis Hennessy, however, was able to get our HUD rep to agree that a project in an NRSA designated would also fill the HUD requirements. As we understand it there are three qualifying HUD National Objectives:

repairing code violations
creating permanent jobs for low to moderate income families
being located within an designated NRSA

If this changes, I will let you know.

Bill

Meeting With Dan Benoit

2006-10-19T09:03:00.000-07:00

Next Friday October 27th at 9:30 AM, I am meeting with Dan Benoit, architect hired by the City of Worester for the NRSA, to discuss status of Suney's application. Anyone want to come, feel free--Pleasant Street Grille.

Facade Program

2006-10-18T11:02:00.000-07:00

Putting aside the NRSA, the city has an existing Facade Program:
http://www.worcestermass.org/business/assistance.html#facade

In the past, the only qualifying HUD National Objective was to eithe have existing code vioaltions that need to be corrected or create jobs. Now the City of Worcester has added a 3rd qualifying objective, location is in an NRSA designated area.

The current NRSA area for Chandler extends all the way down Pleasant Street to Main Street on the even side, which includes two small storefronts that I want to do over. At the same time I thought it would be a good idea for me to go through the process, as well, and report my progress.

Day 1 is today. At lunch I walked downtown and put in a request for the paperwork for this program. I will keep everyone abreast on my progress.

Parking Overlay

2006-10-17T12:22:00.000-07:00

Chandler Business Group

I have contacted Joel Fontane and we have a meeting set up for October 26th. I am hoping to go by his lead on this. I hope that what ever he can set up will be a much needed relief for some of our older existing commercial building.

NRSA Meeting

2006-10-17T08:57:00.000-07:00

Laurel, Steve and I met with Paul Morano this morning... Again felt it was very productive. We all confirmed that fact the the Chandler Business Group and Common Ground are equal partners in the success (and failure) of the NRSA. Right now we all still agree that the Suney's/Golden Pizza project, or projects, are a great example as to what the NRSA can do in the Chandler Business Corridor.

To date, the applicant in the above example has most of his paperwork in, although some paperwork is still outstanding. We feel that the next step is for the applicant and the architect, Dan Benoit, should meet with representatives from both Common Ground and the Chandler Business Group to get our "seal of approval". By then all of the outstanding paperwork should be submitted and should merely be a question of the City of Worcester processing the paperwork.

Once the process shows visible signs of success, we will highlight the potential of the Chandler NRSA by having Rod Lee doing a story in the Telegram. Our next step in the short-ter, two weeks, is to meet and review the plans for this project.

Chandler NRSA Area

2006-10-13T10:18:00.000-07:00

Today I had my haircut at my tenants place on 432 Pleasant Street. Arriving a little early, I decided to walk-over and say "Hi" to Laurel. Got me to thinking how last year my game plan was to build this building for either a retail or office, sell the building and make a profit.

Initially I did not get the activity that I wanted, although I did after I had leased it, but then started to think about the long-term potential of this site. Maybe it would be a better idea/investment to hold the building and lease it, which I have done for 5 years. Time will tell.

One of the reasons that helped me to stay was the Chandler Business Association and the potential that can be realized through the NRSA designation.

Chandler NRSA Application

2006-10-12T13:30:00.000-07:00

Kind of confusing but here goes. Go to this link on the City Council Archive pages:

http://www.ci.worcester.ma.us/ccocalendars/City%20Council/2005/weblink.cgi?unique_id=cc2005mar24103016

You will see a list of files, hit the 2nd down. It has 564 pages. The CBA application with Common Ground starts at page 471 and goes to the end. It is pretty interesting. Please note page 481:

Description of Existing and Proposed Organization Structure

The present collaboration betwen the Chandler Business and Common Ground defines the existing structure. The Chandler Business has served as the guiding and decision-making body for past activities, planning and defining the NRSA proposal. .... Common Ground will be serving as the CBDO, providing organizational resources. The Chandler Business and participants will continue to fill the role in steering and making decisions on NRSA planning.

NSRA

2006-10-12T13:21:00.000-07:00

Chandler Business Group

Good news. It was always presented to the CBA that we were ALL suppose to be involved on how the money would be spent. This is why we presented it to the council. I have noticed in the funds that there is more money. Second the funds are broken down different than what we applied for. My question always has been and was brought up at the last CBA meeting are we all involved or is it going to be WCG choice on what happens. Dennis Hennesy was there to address this and WCG was not present at the meeting for the first time. It will be interesting to see.

Meeting with Paul Morano

2006-10-12T08:56:00.000-07:00

Laurel and I are meeting with Paul Morano next Tuesday morning at 8:00AM at Pleasant Street Grille. Our feelings are that the work being done with Suney’s/Golden Pizza can highlight various components of the NRSA program and we should run with that as the example of what the NRSA can do for Chandler Street. We need to make sure that the Suney's/Golden Pizza project is on track and that the project actually is something we want to show as “the example.”. Will update next week.

NRSA Update

2006-10-11T06:45:00.000-07:00

Laurel, Steve and I had a very productive meeting this morning. Before I go into our ideas, here is the break-down of the NRSA funds:

Housing Rehab 54,000
Business Development 20,000
Business Promotion 17,000
Facades 15,000
Workforce Development 15,000
Trash Receptacles 10,000
Streetscape 10,000
Main Street Organization 2,000

Total Funds 143,000... Our main thoughts right now are that we have the monies in place, but how do we them invested back into the area. To that end, we decided that showcasing the developments with the properties housing Golden Pizza and Suneys, which will pull monies from various components of the NRSA, would be a great way to get the word out.

Currently I am going to get in touch with Paul Morano to determine where we stand on these projects and Steve is going to contact Rod Lee from the Telegram. A story on the Chandler Street Business corridor highlighting the work at Suney's/Golden Pizza would be a great way to advertise the benefits of the NRSA to area businesses.

CBA & CWDNA

2006-10-10T12:33:00.000-07:00

As we are all aware, there are many issues facing both the residents and business owners in the Chandler Street area. With the rescent formation of the Chandler Street, Winfield & Dewey Street Neighborhood Association (CWDNA) and the ongoing efforts of the Chandler Street Business Association (CBA) the community as a whole will be well served.

With the CWDNA focusing on crime and grime, this will allow CBA to focus primarily on NSRA/Facade Programs and Perking Overlay issues. CBA is working closely with Worcester Common Ground and various Worcester City officials to get these programs off the ground.

While both groups will be utilizing many of the same resources this dual association set up will eliminate the need for city officials, city police, residents, business owners, etc. from attending multiple meeting and/or meetings that are not addressing agenda issues related to their specific focus.

The CBA would be interested in receiving correspondence or schedules of upcoming meetings of the CWDNA. so we may have a representative (Laurel) attend those meeting in order to keep updated on residential issues and receive feedback on any business issues that may arise. Likewise, CBA will send updates on our progress to whomever you designate as your representative.

To that end, we at the CBA feel that this new structure is a very positive one and should ensure that all issues within the community are being address in a positive manner and resolved in a timely manner.

If anyone has any questions or would like additional information, please feel free to contact me at laurel.ciprari@tdbanknorth....com or 508-890-3401.

115 Dewey Street

2006-10-09T10:40:00.000-07:00

I saw a variance posting in the paper today for a grocery store looking to run some type of retail operation at the above location and they needed a variance since the area was zoned MG. Didn't we change this address zone designation from MG to BG?

NRSA Meeting

2006-10-05T06:50:00.000-07:00

Laurel and I are trying to set-up up a meeting with Steve Patton next Tuesday or Wednesday to discuss the status of the current NRSA and how we should roll it out. Stay tuned.

UPDATE: We are meeting next Wednesday October 11th at 8:00 --Pleasant Street Grille.

Facade Program

2006-10-04T05:50:00.000-07:00

I am definately going to apply for 432 Pleasant Street (Bellevue & Pleasant) for the existing facade program (not part of the NRSA). Nothing huge but some better windows, signage and awning would look nice. Anyone know a good sign/awning guy??

Check out this link to Ficthburg's facade program (they have a very successful program):

http://www.ci.fitchburg.ma.us/facade_program.htm

On the City of Worcester website I found this on the bottom on the link below:

http://www.worcestermass.org/business/assistance.html#facade

Beaver Brook

2006-10-04T04:59:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Chief Gemm and his staff for finding the people that caused the damage at Beaver Brook. Thank you for a job well done!!!!

Beaver Brook Reward

2006-10-02T11:27:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a chance to read the article on the damage done at Beaver Brook.
Having grown up in this area being able to play there as well as being able to continue my Family business here I am offering this as a member of The Chandler Business Association I will give a $500.00 reward to any information leading to the arrest of the people who caused this damage. The park was looking great and it is sad to have this set back.

http://www.telegram.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061001/NEWS/610010478/0/FRONTPAGE

Andy Serrato

Institutional Linen Property

2006-10-02T08:34:00.000-07:00

I have been following some of the transactions in the Registry of Deeds.. First of all the two properties were sold to Mason Winfield LLC for 110,000:

11/2/5 book 37717 page 51 48 Mason Street 66,853
11/2/5 book 37717 page 59 47 Mason Street 43,147

Two months later Mason Winfield transferred 48 Mason Street to one of the minority owner stake-holders (Worcester Common Ground) for $10,

1/1/06 book 38185 page 55 48 Mason Street $10

Since that time Worcester Commone Ground has received a grant in the amount of 170,000 from the EPA BCRLF to remdiate 48 Mason Street. Since Common Ground is a non-profit they (Common Ground)will not have to pay the 170,000 back. It is grant.

I imagine that when the $170,000 of work is done, Worcester Common Ground will deed back 48 Mason Street to Mason-Winfield (for profit corp)for $10. Does this sound fair?? If you get a minority partner, who is a non-profit, you can park property in their name and be eligible for Brownfield Clean-up grants that do not have to be paid back even if the project is controlled by a for profit entity.

Facade Program

2006-10-02T06:24:00.000-07:00

This is a great program. Please note this is not part of the NRSA--I am talking about the original facade program that has been around for years. Consider loans up to $10,000/ Yes, they are loans but are forgiven after 5 years if:

Improvements are maintained for the 5 years
You still own the building

In the past it did not work well because you either had to:

creat jobs
fix code violations

Now, you can qualify merely by being located in the NRSA district. To be honest I am thinking of applying to put an awning on 432 Pleasant, replace some windows and put up better signage. Let me emphasize again that this facade program is not part of the NRSA.

Bill Randell

Impact Zones

2006-10-01T05:29:00.000-07:00

Interesting story:

http://www.telegram.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061001/NEWS/610010518/1116/NEWSREWIND

FW Madigan

2006-09-30T06:29:00.000-07:00

Bumped into Fran today. He is about two months away from moving into his new offices up on Chandler Street (I remember it as the old Weepin Willies Fruit Stand). Looks like he has a buyr for his old offices on Mason Street and his tenant the runs the Chinese market exercised their option,so if all goes as planned he will be completely out of the Mason/Dewey area.

You can look at this two ways. First, you got to wonder if Fran has won the bid for the Institutional Linen property maybe he would have stayed in the area. Second, the real estate market for commercial property is still strong here --good there we keep it BG zoned, versus the complete change to RG.

Bill Randell

Powerful

2006-09-29T12:51:00.000-07:00

You can do alot with this.. Links to articles like the one Rich told us about below, pictures (note Barneys Bicycle to the right) or maybe a link to their home page.

Business people are busy and it is pretty hard to co-ordinating business-owners to meet. I really think this is a good step.

Morning Meeting

2006-09-29T12:37:00.000-07:00

Hi Guys,

It works!! Will folllow up on my assignments on Monday.

Met with Dan @ Suney's

2006-09-29T11:41:00.000-07:00

I had lunch today at Suney's and had a chance to talk with Dan. He said he went to MLK Wednesday for the monthly CBG (notice I dropped the "R") meeting and no one was there. He said he is getting a complex because everytime he decides to attend one...no one is there. I gave him a brief idea of what we did this morning and about the separation of business and residential, and he is all for it. He would like to headup the police side of things, because he says that there are all sorts of gun shots going on late at night and it is killing his business.

Paulie's House Run

2006-09-29T10:12:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to a story in the Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2006/08/24/a_running_start_to_revive_neighborhood/

Think the run is a great idea, but this is not the type of press that helps.

Bill Randell

Today's Meeting

2006-09-29T07:20:00.000-07:00

Good meeting today. Lets get together in a couple weeks. At that time Laurel and myself will have met with Common Ground and have an update on the NRSA. We should also have an update on the parking overlay after meeting with Joel Fontaine.

By the way, here is an update from Paul Morano on Suney's progress with the facade program.

"Dan submitted the application, but he failed to complete all of the forms and info. As soon as we are squared away on our (the city) end, we need to sit down with Dan. We have enough to know that he is interested and it could be a great start to the program."

Bill Randell