Daily News Kudos

I rolled my eyes a bit when I lifted the Daily News off the front step on Thursday. I hate when local papers try too hard to localize a natioanl story, and there was a few sizable Ted Kennedy stories right on the front page. I immediately expected a few lame man-in-the-streets.

But I was wrong. I found the articles interesting and informative. Good job all around.

And Bill Plante followed up with an excellent column today on the now lost art of bipartisanship.

Also, excellent letter to the editor in Friday's paper. I couldn't agree more. Victor Tine is a good man.

Cashman Update

So I somehow made it over to the Planning and Development meeting (just  bit late,) and here's the deal.

First Republic is going to clean up the mess it made at Cashman Park: fill in the hole, take down the fence and resod the lawn. Should happen over the next few weeks.

However, the future of the barn is very, very, very much in doubt.

Apparently, the only hammer the city holds is the occupancy permit. So no one can move into (or I presume even sell) one of those fancy new condos until the barn is in place at Cashman.

However, the issue is muddled a bit because the project is actually divided into four or five separate parcels. So it's unclear what will happen if First Republic, which has put the entire project on the market, sells it off to different buyers. Who will be responsible for moving the barn?

It won't be the city. We didn't require any bonding or pool of money to be set aside to cover the costs of relocations in the event that First Republic couldn't deliver, which it can't. (Bonds are commonly used in subdivisions to ensure construction of roads and sidewalk, but I don't know if they apply to projects like this one. ) And we definitely don't have the money.

The planning board says the special permit it issued is laden with stipulations to guarantee the barn is moved, no matter the owner. However, anyone who acquires the problem (I actually meant to type project) would be free to seek some relief from the conditions that First Republic negotiated. The only question is whether or not the city would agree.

If the barn is the only thing standing between a completed project and an undeveloped waterfront wasteland, I'm guessing the barn is expendable.

And I'm back

Hi Folks,

Sorry for the delay. Been a busy week. Let's just say I'm the proud father of a genuine Newburyport native. I recognize this does very little for my own personal standing, but I'll take comfort in knowing that someday he'll be able to rail against carpetbaggers like myself.

Thanks to the doctors and nurses at the Anna Jaques, we had a great experience.

I posted a few comments last week. I actually wrote up some replies, but I tossed them. I just get frustrated with the tone of anonymous commenters at times. Everyone is so critical, so angry, even when a councilor like Ed does something they get hammered for not doing it more quickly.

I just don't see the sense in that, and I'll stand by that position.

I suppose the "teachable moment" in all this is that the city council really has little jurisdiction in this case. The plan was approved by the planning board, which acts as an agent as the mayor. Yes, councilors can insert themselves in the process and often do. But if we really want them to be responsible for all these issues than we should switch to a city manager position.

But many people don't want that. They want a separation of powers between the city executive and council. They want the mayor to answer to them directly, and he does. So maybe questions and frustrations could be addressed to that office.

Finally, to Jen, thanks for posting the name. My reply was glib, but glibness is an occupational hazard for blogging, I suppose. Take offense if you must as I can't really control that.

Furthermore, if you want to vote for me or not vote for me based upon my writings here, that's fine.

And, if you don't agree with any positions I have or will put forward on the city charter than you definitely shouldn't vote for me. I hope there are lots of able options on the ticket. You could still be one of them if you'd like. Pick up papers at the City Clerk's office, get 50+ signatures, and return them all by Sept. 15.

But I'm not going to bite my tongue or change my tone to get elected to the Charter Review Commission. If that hurts my chances of getting elected, well, I've got many other things in my life to keep me busy and other ways I can serve.

Thanks for commenting.

Towle Building Meeting Tonight

See previous post.

Wind Turbine too.

Update from an Ed Cameron Email:

We have two topics:


Audubon, then Towle.

The meeting will start at Audubon Joppa Flats for a very quick site visit at 6:00 - 6:10 then quickly we'll go back to City Hall. We'll continue working on the 'microwind' issue, then get to the Towle Project.

Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep.

This is a test. This is not an actual blog post. Had this been an actual blog post you would have been annoyed or bored to tears.

This is only a test.

Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeepppppppppppppp

Towle Meeting

This came in from Ed Cameron.

---
Dear Friend,

After discussion with Mayor Moak, Council President and Ward 3 Councillor Shanley, and Planning Director Sean Sullivan, I am going to place the Towle project on the Council's Planning & Development Committee agenda for the scheduled Thursday, August 27th meeting, which starts at 6pm at City Hall.

The other main agenda item that night is the small wind turbine issue.

The Towle project resulted from negotiations between the developer, the City, the City Council, the Planning Board, and neighbors. The current state of inactivity and now the "for sale" status has caused justifiable concern from the neighborhood.
Planning staff will attend this meeting and will be prepared to discuss the approvals that have been granted for this project. Those approvals (special permit and site review) would hold for a new owner. Also Planning staff can outline the permitting process that would be required if there are proposed project modifications in the future.

If you have any specific questions that pertain to the Towle project, questions should be submitted to me or Planning Director Sean Sullivan in advance of the 8/27 meeting so that research can be done and a specific answer prepared. Sean's email is ssullivan@cityofnewburyport.com. I can be reached via edcameronNBPT@gmail.com.

Thank you,

Councillor Ed Cameron

I'm killing the Prattler

Until I can find a way to provide better up-to-date news. Probably have to figure out what an RSS feed is.

Charter Review Meeting set

I don't typically borrow this liberally from the Daily News, but I'm a wee short on time. Katie Farrell Lovett says it all.

I encourage everyone to attend and to consider running for the panel. Papers need to be picked up and returned to the City Clerk by Sept. 15 with 50 signatures, a few more actually for good measure.

Forum about charter review set for Sept. 10

By Katie Farrell Lovett
Staff writer
NEWBURYPORT — An informational forum to explain more about the charter review and what voters will be asked on the November ballot has been scheduled for Sept. 10.

Bonnie Sontag, who is working with others to launch an effort to start a review of the city's governing document, said the forum will discuss the process of a charter review — what has happened so far and what's next.

Earlier this year, citizens spent months collecting signatures from registered voters, asking if they would support putting a question on the ballot in November. That question would ask citizens if they wanted a review of the charter.

With enough people signing the petition, voters will now be asked if they support the creation of a Charter Review Commission, answering, "Shall a commission be elected to frame a charter for the City of Newburyport?"

At the same time, they will be asked to vote for members for that commission from a list of candidates on the ballot. Nine commissioners will be elected.

A Charter Review Commission would be charged with reviewing the document and making proposed changes. Those could include changing the city's form of government from a mayor to a city manager, extending the mayor's term, extending city councilors' terms or changing how people are appointed or elected to boards.

Citizens can still take out nomination papers to run for the Charter Review Commission, having until Sept. 15 to do so and return the forms.

Any changes would need to be approved by voters during an election.

Sontag said yesterday the forum will include an explanation of the process and will include some speakers. There will be a question-and-answer period for the audience. The committee is considering asking someone who has served on a charter review commission in another community to come and discuss their experiences, but members have not yet decided on who that person may be, she said. There will also be a speaker from University of Massachusetts who will speak on charter review.

The forum begins at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 10, in the City Hall Council Chambers.

Who Are We?

It's from Wikipedia, so it must be true.

As of the census[4] of 2000, there were 17,189 people, 7,519 households, and 4,428 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,050.3 people per square mile (792.0/km2). There were 7,897 housing units at an average density of 942.0/sq mi (363.8/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 98.11% White, 0.42% African American, 0.12% Native American, 0.61% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.16% from other races, and 0.56% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.88% of the population.The top 5 ethnic groups are .Irish - 25%[1] · English - 16% · Italian - 11% · French (except Basque) - 7% · German - 6%

There were 7,519 households out of which 25.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.7% were married couples living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.1% were non-families. 33.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.90.

In the city the population was spread out with 20.7% under the age of 18, 4.4% from 18 to 24, 32.7% from 25 to 44, 28.2% from 45 to 64, and 14.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 86.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.9 males.

Now, this does go against the X-like anonymous poster's observation that the majority of people in the city move out once their kids graduate college.

NRA Appointee Up For Discussion

Ed Cameron sent this along:

The following three Planning and Development Committee meetings have been scheduled and have also been posted as Committee of the Whole so other Councillors can attend.

Thursday, August 20th at 7pm to discuss NRA appointment (Council Chamber, City Hall)

Wednesday, August 26th at 6pm to discuss Parks and Rec regulations, Wind Energy ordinance, and other matters (Auditorium, City Hall)

Thursday, August 27th at 6pm to discuss 'small wind' turbine with Mass Audubon (Council Chamber, City Hall)

The meetings are open to the public.

Thursday should be interesting.

What About Cashman?

I can't exactly say I was happy to read the Katie Farrell's article this morning about the Towle condo projects going up for sale, but I was slightly encouraged.

This project is a perfect symbol of the go-go attitude that existed prior to the crash landing of the economy last year.

The empty shells standing atop the torn up grounds of what previously had been a pleasant looking landscape presents the only stark reminder of what happened to the global economy last September. To be sure, we all know people who have lost their jobs and suffered under these economic times, but this area has largely been free from the incompleted housing tracks found in other parts of the country.

But that's what we have at the bottom of Oakland and Tyng Streets.

I don't know enough about the project to comment on its legitimacy, so this isn't a knock on the principals involved. I, like a lot of people, raised my eyebrows at the mention of million dollar units being built along the river. But part of me, the greedy part I suppose, thought, Well, power to them. My boat will rise with the tide and I'll see an increased value on my house. I'd say they were merely functioning as they were expected and encouraged to function during the times.

Unfortunately, we now found ourselves here. Just as I don't blame the principals involved, I don't weep for them either. I'm sure they'll make out okay. I also don't fault the city on the supposed delays for the project. Again, without knowing the details, I can't speak specifically. But as Mayor Moak says, the review process is a two-way street. In my experience, developers cause more problems than they create and slow their own projects down. Also, statutes give government boards very specific time frames for project review. Unnecessary delays can lead to an automatic approval.

But I would like to know one thing. Is there some sort of bond in place to finish the work or at least cover up the work at Cashman Park? The very well-intentioned plan to relocate the large barn, now sitting in the Towle Parking lot, to Cashman has left us with a complete mess as well as fewer parking spaces.

It's bad enough we've got a monument to overreaching sitting behind the Towle building. Can we at least do something about Cashman Park?

Outside Dining

Good Reader Dick sent along this item from the Boston Globe's weekly West section. We are not alone when it comes to outside dining.

What do we need?

Thoughts on the previous post.

For those who followed the link in Ed's post, he does indeed say that taxpayers will be contributing to the cost of the center.

The post was written at a a different time, prior to the world being thrown into economic chaos, so I'm not sure what, if any of this, applies any today (the bolding is mine, not Ed's):

Capital and Operating Costs
The question before the Council now is not one of funding---it is a question of changing the designation of Cushing Park.

That said, the cost of construction could be in $5 million area. On going operating costs will be similar to what is spent now, since many of these services are already delivered just in multiple sites.

Obviously, the City doesn't have $5 million tucked under the mattress. Cost of construction will need to be covered by a mix of fundraising, City and State funds (House Speaker Sal Dimasi pledged $600,000 in October 2004 which has recently been reiterated by Senator Baddour). We should also work with our U.S Senators and Congressman Tierney for assistance. If the site designation is changed, yet down the road the City is not in a position to afford this, I will not advocate for the City to put its financial position at risk.

In his current post, Ed suggests the city's figure might be closer to $1 million and $2 million, which sounds much more palatable than $5 million stated in the news article. Ed also points out that Mayor Moak made similar statements at meetings, but this message didn't find its way into the general reporting on the project. I didn't make those meetings so I'll accept part of the blame, but share that with the messenger (the media) and the senders of the message because this crucial point needs to be clear.

Ultimately, I think the city would be wise to compile one long list of capital needs (which I think has or is being done) so voters know exactly what our infrastructure needs are, and how much they'll cost to complete.

I'm talking sidewalks, sewer plants, fire trucks, any school projects (we still have kids in "temporary" class rooms at the Brez, right?) That certainly would make it easier to consider any and all taxi hikes (temporary or otherwise) that might come down the pike.

A Thoughtful Response

Just giving Ed Cameron's post equal prominence to my question:

A few thoughts:

A General Fund Operating Budget of $46.6 Million. We spend $21.0 Million on the School Department, $3.0 Million for the Police Department, $2.9 Million for the Fire Department, $1.1 Million for the Library and $183,190 on Council of Aging services.

In terms of the operating budget after a Senior Center is built, there will be a slight increase but it is more likely in the several thousands range rather than the tens of thousands range. Of the $183,190 we spend on Council of Aging services, $14,000 is for rent of Salvation Army space. So assume the $14,000 goes into building operating costs and then add some additional funds for heating, cooling, and upkeep: we're still talking a pretty small operating cost annually. That marginal increase in cost will be offset by programming efficiencies from running services in one site versus rented and borrowed spaces.

The Senior Center construction is a one time cost.

The original $5 Million figure was based on a very simple feasibility study, which basically tested whether a Senior Center would fit on the site.

The current $6.8 Million ESTIMATE from the architect factors in what construction costs might be in three years (post recession) as well as plans to create a basement (with elevator) where in the future more space can be had without expanding the footprint. The Senior Center Building Committee wants to build the Center in a way which enhances the park and playground uses at Cushing Park, and not expand the footprint in 20 years when we will have more seniors living in Newburyport. I think Tom Salemi will then be in his mid-forties.

In terms of the capital outlay, the City has never been 'on the hook' for a certain amount of the capital cost of a Senior Center.

The path to funding this project has always included Federal, State, City (meaning you all and me voting for some amount of debt exclusion), and private donors---the funding mix percentages have always been uncertain. See my post from over a year ago: http://edcameron.blogspot.com/2008/06/cushing-park-and-senior-center-why-i.html

The more successful the private fundraising and grant writing, the smaller will be the local burden. Now that the design phase is completed, the private fundraising needs to begin. That will take some time, then we'll see what is needed from the City side. Mayor Moak has consistently said that the City (ie we taxpayers) would have to kick in if this is to happen. Newburyport voters have approved what they have seen as necessary capital projects in the past: Library, High School, Police Station.

My own guess is that a debt exclusion of $1 to 2 Million might be acceptable to voters; more than that would be a difficult sell. As with any debt exclusion or override, the voters have the final say in how their tax dollars are spent.

Whether NBPT voters will approve this down the road, whether the Friends of the Council on Aging are able to find donors, whether the Commonwealth's Dept of Housing and Community Development would approve a substantial grant from CDBG, whether our elected Federal officials can direct funding to this project-----all remains to be seen.

What is clear to me is a Senior Center is a vehicle for basic services and programming which we ought to be able to provide.

This will be a difficult sell

This morning the Daily News reports that building a new senior center will cost $7 million,with the city picking up two-thirds of the cost.

What exactly happened here?

Perhaps I was misinformed or just dense, but I seem to recall first that the center would be paid for through private donations. Then, it was suggested that the state would kick in some capital.

From a February article in the Daily News:

The Friends of the Council on Aging and other groups must now secure $5 million in funding, the estimated cost of the center. So far, the city is not providing any funding, but the state is expected to contribute funds.

I guess the key was, so far, because today we're on the hook for two-thirds of the bill? $5 million?

Perhaps there was a simple matter of miscommunication, but Mayor Moak didn't seem to have a problem making the point in today's paper.

"You can't build a public building without the involvement from the citizens," Moak said.

Katie Farrell made a point of stating that Moak "reiterated statements he has made in the past, saying that a building like the Senior Center cannot be built without help from the city."

But I don't seem to recall such statements, at least not until recently. Even in April, the Daily News stated:

The Friends of the Council on Aging and other groups must secure $5 million in funding, the estimated cost of the center

I guess we're in the "other" category.

UPDATE: A reader emailed to say that John Moak has said at public meetings that some level of public participation would be necessary.

Good Hotel Talk

While I clearly think the logistics of building a hotel on Route 110 in Amesbury are far less complex than putting one up in Newburyport's waterfront, the writer of this letter in the Daily News brings an interesting perspective, as do the commenters.

I'll let you judge for yourself.

One quick add. I recognize the Amesbury hotels might be better positioned to draw from highway travelers, given the proximity to 95 and 495, but doesn't the existence of one and the plan for another suggest that downtown Newburyport could support a hotel? We're not that far off the highway and I suggest we'd provide a unique sell to weary folks looking for a little more than resting their head.

Boat Camp Clean Up

A hearty thank you to Kate and Bob Yeomans of Boat Camp for walking the walk when it comes to the waterfront. Boat Camp has adopted Plum Island Point beach, and the couple will lead a clean up of the area this Sunday at 9 am. See the article here in the Daily News.

Volunteers are welcome and likely necessary.

Kate, a friend and former Daily News colleague, has helped introduce The Boy to the wonders of Water through Boat Camp's program for toddlers. I highly recommend. And anyone interested in gaining considerable insights on the city's working waterfront should read Kate's Dead Men Tapping book, an excellent and sad account on the tragedy of the Heather Lynn II.

Riverside Cafe--The Sequel

During my frequent walks with Lucy Dog, I've been seeing some folks coming in and out of the retaurant inside the Towle Building and now I know why.

Riverside Cafe will reopen, under new management. Apparently you can find them on Facebook and Twitter.

Also, a belated good luck to the new owners of the Warren St. Store and Deli at the site of the former Kindred Spirits. I certainly hope you can make a go of it. Perhaps this will be the positive byproduct of the likely--but not certain--demise of the Pond St. White Hen.

Hang Up the Phone

I certainly don't need to provide ammo to my esteemed blogger colleague Larry, but this is the lamest thing I've ever read.

A telephone town meeting? For real?

Anyone who works for a large enough employer knows how ineffective conference calls are in exchanging idea.s If someone wants to address the troops, fine. But an exchange of ideas? Forget it.

Tierney should reconsider or please just don't bother at all. This is embarrassing.

Of course, the opposition could be considerably more civil than they currently are. Democrats had to swallow eight years of GOP rule and I don't remember this level of vitriol. Oh right, because we would have been branded unpatriotic for doing so, but now that we're in charge we get to be tyrannical. Amazing how that works.

But perhaps it did happen. I'm sure the liberal media elite just chose not to report on it because they didn't want to portray the Dems negatively. Unless of course, the liberal media elite wanted to further their agenda, then they would have reported on it. No, wait. ....

Can I give an Amen

I didn't really get to enjoy much of Yankee Homecoming this year. Fortunately, much of it--the fireworks, the road race and the parade--pass in front, near, or over my house. It's a great event. I look forward to next year, but I'd like to lend my support to the opinion expressed in the paper today

The Boy dragged me away from the parade last year because the sirens/horns were too loud, and he didn't want to go this year, I suspect for the same reason.

Can we tone it down a bit next year? Does anyone really enjoy the noise?

Tear down the Boardwalk

That's right. Tear it down. It's clearly becoming an impediment to the public's right to access the waterfront.

First, the boardwalk had the audacity to support a small shed to sell tickets to the few commercial enterprises still able to operate from our docks. How dare it! How selfish can an inanimate object be, giving away the roughly 20 square-feet of space where the shed currently resides?

And now this? Today, the Daily News reported that a group of people are actually using the boardwalk in the early morning while most of the city still sleeps (or sips coffee?) Man, just when you think you can trust a series of pressure-treated planks and pilings, it holds an early morning rendevous with a dozen or two people interested in exercising outside.

Enough is enough.

It's clear the only way to guarantee that no one impedes access by earning a living, working a glut, walking a dog or pushing a stroller is to tear the thing down.

Then, and only then, will we be free from any obstructions.

State of the Blog

Gentle Reader(s?)

I've been flooded with emails from people concerned over the condition of this blog and its blogger. (editors note: This is a total lie. He hasn't received a single email.) I therefore felt compelled to write this update.

I haven't posted much these past month or two and when I did, the posts, well, mostly sucked.

I've got a few reasons. First, work is crazy busy. Second, my wife has been in the home stretch of bringing a bouncing burden on your taxes (two weeks and counting). Third, I really haven't felt like it.

Truth, I wrote several posts but couldn't bear to publish them. They seemed forced and, at times, shrill.

I hate shrill. The world is filled with shrill; stuffed to the gills with shrill; in dire need of a serious shrill pill.

So I just chose to shut up. That's the best part of this job, the fact that it's not a job. It's supposed to be fun damnit.

I think I'm turning a corner, but you be the judge. As always, I appreciate your interest in the nonsense coming out of my head.

NRA-Not Right Away

Gillian Swart had an interesting tidbit on her blog....well, one of many. Apparently, Mayor Moak has put forth a nominee to replace Nat Norton on the NRA. Details here.

It's been a few months since Nat Norton announced he'd like to step down, and last I heard he was hanging on until the mayor could name a replacment.

Since that time, however, the mayor applied for and failed to secure the city manager job in Winthrop and announced his plans not to run for re-election.

I mistakenly assumed the mayor might hold off on appointing a replacement, leaving the responsibility for either Donna Holaday or James Shanley, our two capable candidates to replace him.

But apparently he's not going to wait.

It's certainly within his right to put forth a name after all the new mayor won't be in place for six months. On the other hand, the new mayor will be in place in six months....can't this wait?

I think so.

For the record, this has nothing to do with his nominee, that's why I'm not identifying him here. This is more of a question of process and fairness.

I anticipate the waterfront will be a crucial campaign issue in the upcoming election. The newest member should reflect that outcome.

Ahhhhhhh

I know I've only lived here three years. Well, next month it'll be three. So I feel just a tad silly admitting this, but…


When I head off-Port in anything other than a multi-day vacation capacity, I only need an hour or two before I anticipate my return. Any trip to the North Shore, Maine or any other local locale gets tiresome real quick, particularly if the trip takes me down to the congested burbs that run along Boston's inner Route 128 ring.

An office park, a Staples and a Fast Food joint, I hit only those three this morning and I was done; anxious to grab the fastest route home.

I'm blessed with the situation of being able to live and work in this great place. I'm thankful for it each and every day, but I'm even more so on this lovely Friday afternoon.

Softball Anyone?

This is super short notice, but I just noticed the Team Nolie group is hosting a Softball Tournament this Saturday at Cashman Park


First, if you're not familiar with the Team Nolie story. Go here.


Here are the details:





WHERE:  Cashman Park at the Newburyport Public Boat Ramp
WHEN: Saturday August 8th    8:30 am -10:00 pm (rain date Sunday August 9th)
One pitch, 9 inning , single game elimination
Full women,men, and co-ed teams w/ 16yr age limit Ten fielder format
Open free substitution during batting order, and in replacement of fielders
Food concession
50/50 raffle
Home run derby
contact Stephen for team entry info.  978-463-2895
$10.00 per player ($100.00 minimum per team)
ALSO>>> redsox raffle
we are selling raffle tickets to benifit the Nolan M Smith Fund  the tickets are for the REDSOX
VS WHITE SOX  these tickets are super seats!  FIELD BOX TIX section 25 box 56 row F seats 3+4 they were doanted by Anheuser Bush Co.!!!
Hope to see you all Saturday!!!!!


Anyone interested in playing? I spoke with the organizer Stephen Grasso. He said all are welcome any time. I wouldn't be able to play for very long, but it might be a fun way to spend an hour or two for a good cause.


Let me know if you're interested. Say 11 am?


Even if you can't commit now, Stephen said all are welcome to come down and he'll find a way to get you on the field.


Comment or email.

Save The Hen: The Web Site

http://www.newbury375.org/savethehen/

White Hen Thoughts

Gillian Swart adds to the White Hen story, providing a little bit of what the mayor and James Shanley added to the dialogue.

No Kidding?

I honestly didn't anticipate 40 people or so to show up at the Save the White Hen meeting last night, and I certainly didn't expect the mayor to show. The article in The Daily News didn't make it clear why he was there, other than to play devil's advocate, but I credit him for attending.

I, frankly, did not.

I had a number of reasons not to go, but honestly I also couldn't see myself dedicating time and effort to saving a commercial enterprise, even one that I think is as necessary as the White Hen. But many others obviously felt differently. In hindsight, I was wrong and they were right.

So, what's next? As the article pointed out, CVS no doubt is anticipating the boycott and knows it can ride out any trouble. Plus, it's the only 24-hour pharmacy in the area, so it serves a vital function. I can't see it caving on those grounds alone.

To be honest, I don't really fault CVS entirely. Perhaps I should, but Newburyport Development put the White Hen's neck on the chopping block. They should have known this would be a problem for the locals and simply said no for the sake of diversity of service. I refuse to believe CVS would leave such a lucrative site, which draws heavily from Newbury as well as Newburyport.

So where are we now? I don't know how to stop this from happening. (Post any ideas here.)

But at least we know this: Newburyport Development has put residents on notice that their input isn't welcome and their immediate commercial needs aren't all that important.

So I give a hearty Newburyport Posts welcome to the first issue of the fall campaign.

White Hen Meeting Tonight

From the Daily News

City Council President and mayoral candidate James Shanley said last week he hopes to see the White Hen Pantry find new retail space to lease next spring when they are forced to vacate the space at the Pond Street shopping plaza to make way for an expansion by CVS.


Shanley represents Ward 3, the area where the store is located and said he does shop there.

"I'll miss it," Shanley said. "I hope they find a place."

The news about the shop's closing has sparked controversy in the city as over 2.000 people have signed a petition urging the property owners New England Development and its local office, Newburyport Development, to reconsider the plan.

Shanley said he has reached out to Newburyport Development to talk about the situation. Shanley added that he is unsure as to whether he will attend tonight's meeting at the library, which was organized by shop owner Liz Frame, who is spearheading an effort to save the store.

That meeting begins at 7 p.m.

I'm quite certain the city can't and shouldn't do anything to prevent this from happening. That said, as I've stated earlier, New England Development isn't doing its best to serve the community. Folks need the White Hen far more than a drug store that offers a wider array of cold medicines.