This morning I took one of my walks around East Cambridge and my wanderings took me through the undeveloped area of Northpoint. With all the rain we've been getting this summer, the area is dotted with areas of standing water. These are attractive to shore birds if they remain long enough to sprout a population of insects. Today I saw a spotted sandpiper and spotted a group of three lesser yellowlegs feeding in these pools.
Watching these beautiful birds got me thinking about the development that is planned for this area and how perhaps some of this land might be spared for publicly accessible wildlife habitat. According to a ruling by the Middlesex Superior Court in Moot v. DEP, thirteen acres of that land is Commonwealth tidelands. That is, filled land that was never conveyed by either deed or an act of the legislature, leaving title to the land in the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. That means we own it, not Tim Mellon and his railroad. How can we use these facts to enhance the Common Wealth?
What is thirteen acres of developable land within walking distance of downtown Boston worth? Should we just give it away to some gazillionaire? I don't think so. I don't even think our pro-bulldozer governor could justify that. We might be able to work out some kind of a deal though. I'm thinking maybe even fifty-fifty. Six and a half acres of woods and wetlands designed to recharge groundwater, provide wildlife habitat, and flow through to the Millers River might be nice.
There is a lot more work and thought that needs to go into this. Moot v. DEP is not settled yet, and that may have a bearing on the outcome. The Northpoint issue is less settled than many people think.
Mark, I think you are bringing up some very important points-we sort of have this ability to not pay attention to the little chippings-away of local control of space- and I think it is good that you are trying draw attention to this...there really isn't much left.
That is a construction site and private property. If I see you walking through it again, I'll sick the lame ass security guard on you. The park is not open and anyone walking through an active construction site is just plain stupid, just like your idea. YOU don't own that parcel, JLL and the Pan Am systems owns it. Its for homes and businesses and a beautiful new park in an effort to revitalize the area. This is a city and we are lucky to have this much open space planned in a commercial development. If you're gonna go all left-wing liberal, do it on the fact that the timer to cross 6 lanes of Monsignor O'brien STARTS at 7 seconds and the 3 lanes of Cambridge St START at 17. Talk about the poor lighting at these areas and the additional facts that there are 3 lanes going south on Rt. 28 into a median divided area of 2 lanes without letting anyone know that the space is only wide enough for 2 lanes. Use your efforts for the good and safety of the inhabitants that are "invading" your community and maybe we can all get along.
Hi Anonymous. I like your points! I really think you should have your own blog too - anyone can start one on the CCTV website. Click here to get started:
http://www.cctvcambridge.org/user
I would love to hear what else you have to say.
Dear anonymous,
I guess you haven't been paying attention. Jones Lang Lasalle pulled out over a year and two law suits ago. Another potential partner, Archon, bailed last spring. That just leaves Mr. Mellon & Co. And the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The "park" is certainly supposed to be open. The city of Cambridge was not supposed to issue certificates of occupancy on buildings Sierra and Tango until it was completed. Nor is any of it fenced off.
Active construction site? Again you haven't been paying attention.
People in East Cambridge, including me, have been talking to the State Highway Department and the City for years trying to get pedestrian signal improvements at these and more locations. Where have you been, we could use your help.
As for the security guard, I waved and he waved back.
Maybe you should come to some of our community meetings and find out what is really going on.
Is that why JLL has been continuing to work at the buildings? Is that why the security guard that waved back at you is getting paid by JLL (and totally clueless)? I do concede that construction hasn't been going on for the last 2 weeks, but it is obvious that it is NOT yet completed. The fencing was removed in order to landscape the edge conditions. In addition, the lights haven't been turned on. The park has yet to be turned over to DCR. I will get clearance on these items.
According to newspapers that you read, Archon has bailed, but according to my sources, intimately close to the development, reps from Archon continue to make site visits. They are concerned with the residential market and are looking for a partner to take that portion of the project.
As far as Sierra and Tango are concerned, TCOs were given because (1) the buyers, many of whom had purchase and sale agreements for 3 years, (I was in for 2) were so patient and (2) several are still not in the building due to an unfortunate water leak from a shower valve left open over a weekend. Gotta love union labor (not to mention the guy sitting in a folding chair in the fully functional passenger elevator pressing the buttons).
Maybe you should talk to people instead of regurgitating what you read in the newspaper and find out what is REALLY going on. Northpoint is the best thing to happen to East Cambridge. I support a local church and I walk my dry cleaning to a local service. I frequent local family owned establishments and I am proud to be a new member of the East Cambridge Community.
One last thing, I do plan on going to some community meetings. I feel that there is a new mindset that comes with a transit oriented development which presents new challenges and will require a level of sophistication in order to react to those challenges. I will be certain to voice my opinion in shaping the future of this area, which is sure to be the crown jewel of East Cambridge, and perhaps all of Cambridge in the next 10-15 years.
Please post the dates, times and locations of the meetings so that I may attend.
Best,
Living at Northpoint
Dear Anon.,
Welcome!
Check out the East Cambridge Planning team website:
http://www.eastcambridge.org/
There are, from time to time, other events, but they are usually announced at ECPT meetings.
I look forward to meeting you there, and I promise not to call you stupid. See you there, or maybe at the Nprthpoint wilds.
interesting dialogue, and good to know that there are northpoint residents interested in getting involved in the community - not surprised that there would be some glaring at each other across the table, or the internet, as it were, but I am hopeful that anon is right and that this development can be done in a way that supports quality open space so needed by we urban dwellers.
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