Karp or No Karp

That is the question.

I was surprised to read the headline announcing the the Lagasses and Karp are teaming up to buy Provincetown's Fisherman's Wharf.

Obviously, his participation wouldn't be surprising. In fact, Karp has been rumored to be involved in the acquistion since the announcement was made. But until I read the Comment article they were just that unconfirmed rumors.

The article is sourced well. It quotes Chuck and Ann Lagasse extensively, although neither is quoted saying the Karp is involved.

Meanwhile, the chairman of Provincetown's Board of Selectmen is quoted as saying, “Lagasse and Karp have the means and the expertise. That’s good news.” Now, she's not quoted as saying Karp is directly involved, but that's the implication. She also might have said so in unquoted portions of the interview.

I emailed Ann Lagasse asking her if Karp is indeed involved in the deal. Her reply.

At the moment the Provincetown purchase is still being investigated and the ownership/partnership (if bought) is not defined yet. I think we have 120 days to do due diligence. Will New England Development be part of the deal?- they have expressed interest but again there is nothing firm.

So that's where we're at. Ask me to bet my house, and I'd wager it on New England Development being part of the deal. But the official word is Karp & Co. aren't part of the package--yet.

By the way, here's a little background on the piece of real estate the Lagasses and (perhaps Karp) are purchasing. Apparently, the pier is used to park up to 200 cars during the summer season. But read this article first.

I once contemplated writing a joke post suggesting that Newburyport settle the park vs. parking dispute by parking our cars on piers or floats. But somebody's already doing it.

Truth is stranger than crappy humor, I guess.