Karp Speaks; Says Little

Well, Northshore Magazine took a stab at capturing the epic so-called struggle between Karp and those fighting for the "real" Newburyport, whatever that might be.

The piece is balanced, focusing largely on Ann Lagasse and her work downtown. (I think the timeline in the history is a bit off. I'm pretty sure the Lagasses bought their properties in the 1980s as they were already The Lagasses when I arrived in 1993.)

The writer hits the usual issues: White Hen, "Nantucketization," the leases that call for a share in store profits (the Lagasses had this in place back in The Day). The only real perk I can offer is the reporter actually spoke to Karp about his introduction into the city through Walter Beinecke, the development guru who advised him on Nantucket as well as The Lagasses during their accumulation of downtown properties.

Karp had reportedly declined to invest in Newburyport the first time he was approached, but later changed his mind and was drawn to the city. “Walter [Beinecke] introduced me to Newburyport, and we discussed the similarities and differences with Nantucket,” Karp says. “I had great appreciation for the character of Newburyport, the preservation of older buildings, the unique shops and restaurants, the location on the Merrimack, and the close proximity to Plum Island.”

Karp began buying several of the Lagasses’ properties in 2005, starting with 31 properties and adding on from there. He had a vision for the town, one that was estimated at more than $100 million that included long-term development of the waterfront. Ann Lagasse stayed on with NED and now helps manage its Newburyport properties.

“The Lagasses created value in their preservation of building character, land purchases, and appreciation of the location on the water,” Karp says. “Ann continues her work in finding new tenants who serve a year-round population.”

Karp sheds little light on what's coming. The article suggests the construction of a hotel is up in the air given the state of the economy. I guess I was a little surprised to read that but it makes sense.

Of any future plans Karp gives some assurances that people will have a say. “We try to listen to what people have to say,” Karp says. “We can’t always agree with everyone. The community will have input into any major development that will change downtown.”

White Hen supporters will scoff at this, and while I understand their position and admire their willingness to fight I'm not entirely sure the majority of people in town share their views and even if the do they clearly don't share their passion.

In fairness, sad as it is to note, the majority of people in town aren't passionate about much these days. (See 39% voter turnout.)