UP|Greater Boston

What if Boston annexed again?

cloudship — Tue, 06 May 2008 22:50:39 -0500

Boston has a suffering reputation? I always heard that Boston was thought of as one of the "cool" cities and one of its big selling points was that is was such a dense, real city and not just a huge sprawl. Why on earth would you want to change that? If you mean why Boston may not be as much of a tourist city, well, I think number 1 is that our economy is still pretty depressed, and number 2 we need to put more effort into tourist marketing and tourist spots.

If we really need that sort of thing.

Boston City Hall

cloudship — Tue, 06 May 2008 22:44:56 -0500

you're not going to get some nice recreation of a 1920's urban environment there. Even if you could rebuild there, all you are going to get is big corportate skyscrapers. I don't think you are going to get any useful street pattern again. That land is too valuable for that. While the plaza may not be pretty, it is functional. It's the only open gathering spot that works downtown for large events, it's a major foot traffic corridor, and it is open space for the federal building, who wants a clear zone around them. I think the city needs to focus more on making the plaza work right (and dealing with the wind problem), and less on building new buildings.

What if Boston annexed again?

Lowerdeck — Tue, 06 May 2008 21:28:46 -0500

QUOTE (whiteybulger @ May 6 2008, 12:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The last great annexation push of 1872 was driven by population envy in the Boston elites. Western cities like St Louis were passing Boston by at the same time that Boston's sea trade had dried up. The age of the Boston China traders was over, and railroads had allowed business to move inland to the sources of raw materials. Boston could offer water and sewer services that were needed by rapidly growing suburbs, but not a lot more. It was enough to bring in Dorchester, West Roxbury, Brighton and Charlestown, but Brookline - wisely, in the end - stayed out. The question is, what are the advantages to the towns and to Boston? Other than bragging rights - do we really want San Jose bigger than Boston? - what does it get you? Massachusetts was settled so long ago that the communities have had a long time to become vain about local control.

Here's a contemporary article about the 1872 annexation from my web site.

http://rememberjamaicaplain.blogspot.com/2...mes-boston.html

San Jose isn't even in the top two most known places in the Bay Area. San Francisco and Oakland will trump it. San Jose may have a big population, a lot of land, corporations and the tech industry, and a NHL team... but it's overshadowed by nearby San Francisco as a world class destination. Boston doesn't have that problem.

What if Boston annexed again?

The Voice of Reason — Tue, 06 May 2008 14:02:14 -0500

The only way annexation makes sense to people is if there is an emotional aspect. as mentioned ego is a vary powerful force. developers continually waste money on towers that are taller than the market demands. pure ego. So, since every city has its fair share of ego, I suppose annexation is a possibility. but that wealthy suburb is likely full of ego as well.

the only reason a suburb would join a city would be in the manner of a bourough. It worked in Toronto and New York all though NY was ages ago

What if Boston annexed again?

JimboJones — Tue, 06 May 2008 13:27:58 -0500

We need to de-annex, not annex! The outer boroughs of Hyde Park, Roslindale and West Roxbury don't share the same interests or concerns as those who live in the South End, Back Bay, or Beacon Hill neighborhoods. This disconnect keeps both from getting the attention they deserve!

But, suppose we did annex. I don't think Brookline or Cambridge would be eager to give up control. And, they are pretty healthy when it comes to economies - what would be the point?

On the other hand, Chelsea and Revere (and Winthrop?) could probably use our assistance. Thing is, what do they offer us in return - more tax revenue? Not enought to offset the added expenses. Land for redevelopment? Possibly.

Thinking about moving to Boston?

Cotuit — Tue, 06 May 2008 12:23:37 -0500

QUOTE (MPLS_9 @ May 4 2008, 09:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

In the city there was one place (Columbia, Columbus....?) quite near the Boston Globe that was about what I pay here in Minneapolis, near retail and the T, etc.

Columbia, depending exactly where, that area can be a no man's land. And if it was listed as "Columbia" then it likely is in no man's land.

Check out Waltham. I lived there car-free in the late 90s. I moved there from Brighton so that I could afford my own place. The Moody Street area is nice, lots of restaurants and shops. There is a grocery store on Main Street. The commuter rail stop is at Moody and Main, apartments get cheaper the further from the T station you are, but you don't have to get too far for prices to drop. In addition to the Commuter Rail there are several express buses which serve the Financial District and Back Bay via the Pike, and a local bus that runs to Watertown Square and Central Square Cambridge. The Commuter Rail stops at Porter Square in Cambridge, a short walk to Harvard Square. And a cab to Waltham isn't too much if you want to play in Boston past the last run of the T.

There are a lot of nice areas in all the towns outside Boston that you mentioned, and there is the possibility to live car-free in some of those towns, but not all areas of those towns, you could find yourself trapped in some quasi suburban area if you don't know where you're looking, and transit services get less the further out you go.

I'd cross Brockton off the list if you really want to be car-free and near Boston. Brockton is pretty far away, and while the downtown is certainly walkable, there's only so far to walk, you'd be wanting to have a car at some point.

I'd give Quincy a look too, its been 8 years since I've lived in Boston, so I have no idea what the prices are doing out there (I hear they're going up, like everywhere).

In the city proper, I'd look south, Dorchester, Roxbury, Savin Hill, Ashmont, Mattapan, basically the Ashmont branch of the red line.

What if Boston annexed again?

Cotuit — Tue, 06 May 2008 12:07:00 -0500

I imagine the last time there was a chance to annex anything would have been when Chelsea went into state receivership in 1991. Even then, I imagine Boston would not have wanted it (similar to how Maryland probably doesn't want the District of Columbia). Now that Chelsea's fortunes have turned, maybe it would have benefitted Boston to get those property tax receipts, but Chelsea is almost an island and has no direct land connections to Boston, so physical logistics would be an issue (though Boston is able to administer Eastie).

But of course annexation is crazy talk in New England. In fact there was a proposal in the late 80s to create a separate city within Boston called Mandela.

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/...,962627,00.html

What if Boston annexed again?

whiteybulger — Tue, 06 May 2008 11:51:41 -0500

The last great annexation push of 1872 was driven by population envy in the Boston elites. Western cities like St Louis were passing Boston by at the same time that Boston's sea trade had dried up. The age of the Boston China traders was over, and railroads had allowed business to move inland to the sources of raw materials. Boston could offer water and sewer services that were needed by rapidly growing suburbs, but not a lot more. It was enough to bring in Dorchester, West Roxbury, Brighton and Charlestown, but Brookline - wisely, in the end - stayed out. The question is, what are the advantages to the towns and to Boston? Other than bragging rights - do we really want San Jose bigger than Boston? - what does it get you? Massachusetts was settled so long ago that the communities have had a long time to become vain about local control.

Here's a contemporary article about the 1872 annexation from my web site.

http://rememberjamaicaplain.blogspot.com/2...mes-boston.html

What if Boston annexed again?

The Voice of Reason — Tue, 06 May 2008 10:08:39 -0500

Annexation is not the answer for really anything.

Boston gets plenty of love. If the city population were 1 Million, the MSA would still be 5 million or whatever, so nothing would change in the world view. People know Boston is a big deal. Every American knows just how important Boston is from the minute American history is tought in School.

If Boston lacks any international acclaim it's due to the lack of large international corporations. Also the number of international flights affects international recognition. Boston will never be NY or LA as far as a gateway to America. Tall skyscrapers will not change the view of Boston either. Boston is what it is. It is a huge city, a wealthy city, and a nice city. it is well known as an international education center. If Boston has any inferiority complex it is unwarrented.

Annexation brings in more people and more land and more expenses to a city. In order for it to be a benefit it would have to create savings on services like fire, police sewage, water etc. Primarily there would have to be a way to prove that the education system would improve and money could be saved and therefore taxes lowered. If these savings were beneficial to both parties it might be possible. Otherwise it just brings more expenses to the city and raises a population number that means little.

There may be cities that would benefit from Annexation, but the problem is that the town annexed would likely suffer. Why would a wealthy town with good schools and a healthy tax base join a major city that is short on cash and not as healthy over all. it is better to be the only fish in a pond rather than be a small fish in a dirty pond that you have less control over.

If tiny little bankrupt Hartford could annex the equally small, but wealthy West hartford, would the city be better off? HELL YEAH! Would Hall and Conard still be 2 of the best public schools in the state? Hell no. Would West Hartford be worse off? would its tax dollard be filtered to the poor of Hartford? yes yes yes.

What if Boston annexed again?

Lowerdeck — Mon, 05 May 2008 21:41:32 -0500

You do live in New England, right?

Annexation never flies around here. I couldn't see any of the towns surrounding Boston joining up with the city. Especially Brookline and Cambridge. The only way it could possibly happen is if some town has complete financial collapse and needs Boston to bail it out via combining services. And even then, it could only be some place with a lower income level and a high blue collar population.

What if Boston annexed again?

Woonsocketier — Mon, 05 May 2008 16:32:14 -0500

Boston is fairly small in land area, and I think its reputation suffers because of its "low" population (although the region is much more populated than some of those large sunbelt cities). Even though it would never happen because of the politics and work involved, do you think an enlarged Boston would be beneficial? Montreal did something similar in 2002, and although it did not completely work out as planned the city was able to put itself close to 2 million people. Simply by annexing four or five towns in the vicinity, Boston could go from 600,000 to 900,000.

Lets say for instance that Boston annexed Cambridge, Brookline, Somerville, Malden, Everett, Chelsea, and Revere. Here's what the larger city would look like.

New population: 1,003,442
New land area: 83 sq. miles
New density: 12,089./sq mile

What are some thoughts on this pie-in-the sky proposal?

Thinking about moving to Boston?

MPLS_9 — Sun, 04 May 2008 20:35:32 -0500

QUOTE (nowyano @ May 4 2008, 03:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well, in Lynn I've found some old houses that look like they are right out of a New England B&B that are converted into apts. Some are right near the ocean, others are real close to the commuter stop. In Everett, the area I found is right on what looks to be a pretty major road, just north of Charlestown. It's close to a shopping center and fast food joints. Looks pretty nice on the Google Street View.

QUOTE

Revere can be as expensive as Boston around Revere Beach, it is also having a bit of a resurgence b/c of high costs of in city living and younger people moving there. However if you are not directly around the T stops (Wonderland, Revere Beach, I don't remember if Orient Heights is Revere or E. Boston) there is not too much.

I can't recall exactly where I found a place of interest, but I think it was near Chelsea. A racetrack was nearby. Greyhounds?

QUOTE

Malden, well Malden is Malden. Blue Collar, one nice strip of stores near Malden Center T Stop, a lot of development along the strip between Wellington and Malden T Stops, nothing but homes around Oak Grove T. If you could live within walking distance of Malden Center it might be your best bet of the five.

Brockton is a bit of a hall from the city, but it has turned from a pretty bad place in the late 80s/90s to a decent town. I would say of the five Brockton would be the worst if you were planning on leaving your car behind. Malden, or Revere would be your best bet if you are planning to use only MBTA to commute.

If I were you I would look a little closer into the city (Cambridge, Somerville), a little south of the city (Quincy), if you can spend a little more West of the city (Brookline, Newton). There are also a lot of good neighborhoods in the city that are affordable for a single person in Allston-Brighton, Jamacia Plain, Dorchester, and Roxbury. Don't let people turn you off to Dorchester/Roxbury, there are some really good, really safe, really cheap places in both those neighborhoods (Lower Mills, Adams Village, Savin Hill, Fort Hill just to name a few).

Well, I found a few places and they are all literally right near the two commuter stops in Brockton. About a mile away from some mall to the west, and another shopping area due east. That's exactly what the listing on Craigslist said about Malden. Said it was like a 2 minute walk to Malden Square.

In the city there was one place (Columbia, Columbus....?) quite near the Boston Globe that was about what I pay here in Minneapolis, near retail and the T, etc. And there's always the little studio in Chinatown for $800.

Anytime I find a place I might be interested in I scout the area as best I can with that Google Street View (if it's available). Pretty handy little tool. Plus I always search for things in the area like restraunts, grocery, etc.

I do appreciate the help and incite though. Very much. Thanks!

Thinking about moving to Boston?

MPLS_9 — Sun, 04 May 2008 20:18:46 -0500

QUOTE (Dozer @ May 4 2008, 07:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Depending on your budget and space requirements, Brighton by Cleveland Circle is a beautiful part of Boston close to the green B, C, and D lines (the C and D are the fastest when commuting to Boston, assuming that is where your job is located. Where will you be working?). I lived there and loved it, though rents have surly increased since I was there. Still, it's worth a look. Drawbacks would be it's high numbers of college students (it's close to BC), and it being on the edge of city proper. Still, there is virtually no crime (one of the safest parts of Boston), and if you eventually do bring a car, there is abundant on-street parking and permits are free (as they are throughout Boston). For a nice one-bedroom I would expect to pay anywhere from $1,400 - $2,000/month. I lived in a very nice 2 bedroom for $1,400/month a couple years ago.. just have to search search search!

Where will your job be?

Well, right now I work security for Hennepin County in Minneapolis. Make about $14-$15hr. The company I work for has some accounts in Boston (Logan, that I know of) so maybe I can transfer. But I don't know if the pay is the same. And even if it is, $15 doesn't go as far out there as it does here. I currently rent a large 1 bedroom with a den for $730 and it's on the very edge of downtown Mpls.

I have a degree in criminal justice and plan on pursuing some cop jobs out there. Problem is, Massachusetts has a 1-year residency requirement and only give their civil service exams every other year, so I'm looking at security work of some kind for a minimum of a year.

I look at a number of places online every day but Craigslist is my top destination. I only look at places with photos and Google map, preferrably with the "street view" option so I can click and look around. Not the same as being there, but it's better than nothing at all. Maybe I shouldn't dismiss the roommate option so readily, but I have 2 cats and moving across country to live with some stranger(s) isn't something I'm too keen on, but maybe I need to re-consider it.

Thinking about moving to Boston?

nowyano — Sun, 04 May 2008 16:29:15 -0500

QUOTE (Mpls2Boston @ May 3 2008, 12:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'm moving from Minneapolis sometime in August. Right now I'm looking around Everett, Malden, Revere, and Lynn. Also Brockton. I want to live alone, so living in the city is probably out of the question. I'm leaving my car here in Minnesota so I need to live near the trains. From what I've seen, that's pretty much anywhere.

I'm not sure what you already know about these cities, granted they are cheaper, but they are not especially nice. Everett fairly urban, but fairly run down. Both Lynn and Everett have fairly big gang problems right now, but Lynn also has a lot of renewal and renovation happening in its downtown, especially by the commuter rail station. Lynn also has a decent waterfront.

Revere can be as expensive as Boston around Revere Beach, it is also having a bit of a resurgence b/c of high costs of in city living and younger people moving there. However if you are not directly around the T stops (Wonderland, Revere Beach, I don't remember if Orient Heights is Revere or E. Boston) there is not too much.

Malden, well Malden is Malden. Blue Collar, one nice strip of stores near Malden Center T Stop, a lot of development along the strip between Wellington and Malden T Stops, nothing but homes around Oak Grove T. If you could live within walking distance of Malden Center it might be your best bet of the five.

Brockton is a bit of a hall from the city, but it has turned from a pretty bad place in the late 80s/90s to a decent town. I would say of the five Brockton would be the worst if you were planning on leaving your car behind. Malden, or Revere would be your best bet if you are planning to use only MBTA to commute.

If I were you I would look a little closer into the city (Cambridge, Somerville), a little south of the city (Quincy), if you can spend a little more West of the city (Brookline, Newton). There are also a lot of good neighborhoods in the city that are affordable for a single person in Allston-Brighton, Jamacia Plain, Dorchester, and Roxbury. Don't let people turn you off to Dorchester/Roxbury, there are some really good, really safe, really cheap places in both those neighborhoods (Lower Mills, Adams Village, Savin Hill, Fort Hill just to name a few).

Thinking about moving to Boston?

Dozer — Sun, 04 May 2008 08:52:57 -0500

QUOTE (Mpls2Boston @ May 2 2008, 11:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thinking about moving to Boston?

Lowerdeck — Sat, 03 May 2008 22:30:01 -0500

The Boston area is brutally expensive. I don't know much about the North Shore, but I would assume most of the blue collar towns up there are cheaper than Boston proper and many other suburbs. Your blue collar towns are probably better bets to finding one bedroom apartments as well, outside of Boston proper.

The best I can say from experience up there on the North Shore is taking the Blue Line to Revere to go hang out at a nearby hotel and drink with some friends. So... at least Revere is on the Blue Line... easy access to Gov't Center and the rest of Boston. That area is also near the airport though, so the noise might not be fun.

Brockton... can't say much from experience there either. I however haven't heard much good of the place.

Thinking about moving to Boston?

Mpls2Boston — Fri, 02 May 2008 23:52:12 -0500

Boston City Hall

tombarnes — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 11:23:18 -0500

I agree that the restoration of Hanover Street is a good beginning. As for the other buildings, I see no particular reason for retaining the other buildings of Government Center beyond the few remaining fragments of Cornhill Row. Government Center was simply bad urbanism every way one looks at it. 1,2 and 3 Center Plaza could well follow City Hall into the dustbin of history and Boston would be better off without them. I'm not suggesting rebuilding Scollay Square as it was, merely building something which would recall Scollay Square in terms of scale and layout. Obviously, this is a huge task which cannot be undertaken lightly. Re-connecting the North End to the city via Hanover Street is imperative. How about Endicott Street?

Boston City Hall

Lowerdeck — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 20:35:49 -0500

To restore more of the street grid, you'd have to start tearing down more than just the city hall proper.

Looking at Google Maps... the most obvious connection between Cambridge St. and the North End is Hanover. Doesn't need much in demolition to get that accomplished.

Boston City Hall

tombarnes — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 01:12:40 -0500

I would like to see it torn down. While it's an interesting piece of the brutalist period, reclaiming something of the street pattern (if not the sleaze) of Scollay Square would be a definite plus for Boston. In most cases, I'm in favor of retaining significant structures of architectural types I don't necessarily favor. In this case, however, the slash and burn mentality of the 1950's ruined the core of the old city. Why not reconnect the city to the North End? I think this is being done to some extent, but the City Hall seems to be an impediment to this goal. The point in the video about the street grid is the key to the puzzle.

Boston City Hall

Scott — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 04:46:00 -0500

Cool video!^

I like his ideas but I don't want to see City Hall torn down, just the plaza and the building put to a better use.

Too many memories of going to concerts and Celtics parades there.

Urban Retail

atlrvr — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:17:53 -0500

QUOTE (atlrvr @ Feb 5 2007, 06:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

DKNY is leaving its place on the 1st block of Newbury St and is being replaced by Spain-based Zara.

Zara is open now, but not in the DKNY spot (I believe they are still there). They opened where Emporio Armani was located (who did relocate to Copley).

Also, it looks like True Religion is upfitting a store front on Newbury.

Greater Boston Photo Thread

atlrvr — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 11:21:17 -0500

Old and new....John Hancock Tower from Commonwealth Ave. Mall.

http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/post-a4963-Fairfield-St..jpg

IN-PROGRESS: 45 Province St.

atlrvr — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 12:30:34 -0600

Great...can't wait to see them....this building has been flying up recently.

IN-PROGRESS: 45 Province St.

hueion39 — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 12:04:05 -0600

Hey altrvr, I've got a new 500 ft view of this project now.

I'll try to remeber to bring a camera to work... Walking up state st, you can see it inching over Boarders now.

Boston City Hall

Cotuit — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 10:51:40 -0600

Boston Pictures

jessandunnotis — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 12:00:21 -0600

hmmm...should I be viewing your pics via Firefox or something other? All I'm seeing are little boxes with red x's or code. :-(

In Progress: Two Financial Center

atlrvr — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 11:00:12 -0600

This has been under construction for about 6 months now, but so far, they've just been shoring up a big hold for the basement/parking garage.

Their is now a website for the project that includes a rendering. I dig it....I think it mixes well with the Leather District.

http://www.2financialcenter.com/

The T

northernbizzkit1 — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 13:59:50 -0600

Does anyone know when the Breda cars will be on the D line?

Greater Boston Photo Thread

atlrvr — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 19:32:11 -0600

One of my favorite views in downtown....looking down Franklin St. (Jan 4th, 2008)

http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/post-a4803-FranklinSt.010408.jpg

PROPOSED: Filene's Tower

Coj — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 13:12:42 -0600

I cannot wait to watch this go up. This is a great project to help re-energize Downtown Crossing.

The T

DoctorGonzo — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 17:05:08 -0600

QUOTE (atlrvr @ Jan 2 2008, 10:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The new blue line cars have been delayed another couple of weeks, but T officials are optimistic that they will have the first 4-car set operating by the end of January.

The Blue Line program has been going well lately, some small delays are nothing to worry about.

Greater Boston Photo Thread

atlrvr — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 06:28:16 -0600

Christmas Day on Comm Ave.

http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/post-a4726-CommAve.122507-2.jpg

Rivervision 2020

enilsson — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 10:32:20 -0600

QUOTE (Lowerdeck @ Sep 20 2007, 09:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

So the question is... where does the Blue run between Charles MGH and Kenmore? What would be the best route for it in everyone's opinion?

Once the Blue Line is extended to Charles MGH the logical choice is generally along Storrow Drive. in a cut and cover method. This "missing link" between Charles MGH and Kenmore Square represents a modest cost for the benefit gained - an alternative to using the automobile or the vulnerable Green Line in commuting to Downtown/Logan from Riverside and Route 128. If the Blue Line is not extended to Charles MGH there is some argument that Bowdoin to Kenmore via Newbury St is preferred as that is where most users are located. That route, however, does not open up the potential for redeveloping the riverfront to make the Esplanade more accessible.

PROPOSED: Filene's Tower

atlrvr — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 05:47:38 -0600

Still not much evidence of construction from the exterior, but they are there demoing the interior on a constant basis. The developer said they wouldn't beging exterior demo until after the new year, so hopefully it will occur soon.

Pic from Jan 4th.

http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/post-a4721-1-Franklin010408.jpg

IN-PROGRESS: 45 Province St.

atlrvr — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 05:43:28 -0600

They are making pretty good progress....it's about 7 stories up, and they are pouring roughly a floor per week, so it should top out probably around early summer.

Pictures from Friday, Jan 4th.

http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/post-a4719-45Province010408-1.jpg http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/post-a4720-45Province010408-2.jpg

Greater Boston Photo Thread

atlrvr — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 12:15:34 -0600

Yes....this building is the current South Station. The east (left in the photo) portion of the building has been reduced by about 70%. Currently, the is Amtrak's terminus serving NYC, southern commuter rails, the Red Line subway, and Silver line BRT line.

Greater Boston Photo Thread

ZachariahDaMan — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 00:30:39 -0600

Just sharing one of my old postcards with you guys. The back reads "The South Station located in Dewey Square serves the patrons of the New York, New Haven and Hartford and Boston and Albany Railroads Trains leave here for the South and West." Is this building still there?

The T

atlrvr — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 09:12:24 -0600

The new blue line cars have been delayed another couple of weeks, but T officials are optimistic that they will have the first 4-car set operating by the end of January.

Greater Boston Photo Thread

atlrvr — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 20:47:04 -0600

The first big snow of the year....from Dec. 13th.

http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/post-a4708-Dec2007-Pics-010.jpg

Greater Boston Photo Thread

atlrvr — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 16:07:58 -0600

Everyone loves the T

Green Line at Hynes......last outbound train of the evening at about 1am.

http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/post-a4702-Dec22007-007.jpg

Boston City Hall

atlrvr — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 11:17:09 -0600

At a breakfast meeting this week at the Seaport Westin, the mayor reaffirmed his commitment to moving city hall to the waterfront, though he did add, that there would be a service center at Dudley Square at a building already owned by the city.

New England International Auto Show

cloudship — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 10:40:43 -0600

So, did anyone go to the auto show this year? What did you think?

I went Friday late afternoon - was pretty dead. While the floor space itself was bigger, it seemed like the displays and content was a lot smaller. I am not sure if this is because of the show planning, or just a lack of interest from the exhibitors. I was very disappointed it was only one weekend this year.

The Littlest Bar | Off-topic posting

Cotuit — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 09:32:06 -0600

We're having an UrbanPlanet Holiday Party on December 13th in Providence. It's a long way to go on a Thursday night, but everyone in Mass. is invited none-the-less.

Boston Logan International Airport

tocoto — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 21:42:59 -0600

A Globe article says Boston will get non-stop service to Beijing China starting next year.

Greater Boston Photo Thread

tocoto — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 20:31:40 -0600

I think you guys are underestimating the price of a condo in the back bay. I doubt there is a cupboard for $250k. Beacon St in Brookline is not cheap by any stretch and many of the buildings are commercial professional and office buildings. Condos in the Fenway especially north of the turnpike are really expensive (some of the buildings have stunning interiors).

Boston Logan International Airport

atlrvr — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 08:28:39 -0600

http://boston.bizjournals.com/boston/stori...tml?jst=b_ln_hl

This article confirms that Continental will move to Terminal A on Nov. 11th. The good news in all of this is that it will allow JetBlue to expand.

Copley Place

Temeteron — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 11:49:23 -0500

Coming Soon.....Intimacy

IN PROGRESS: Columbus Center

Dozer — Sun, 28 Oct 2007 10:04:40 -0500

Was walking home from a bar last night after watching the Sox game in Boston, and went past the Columbus Center construction site. Attached to the fencing was this reassuring sign:

At least, I felt reassured (at 2am after a few drinks, it doesn't take much).

IN PROGRESS: Columbus Center

Dozer — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 20:15:50 -0500

QUOTE (Cotuit @ Oct 22 2007, 05:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That seems like a long time.

I read the same article. I guess there are a lot of utilities that will need to be moved, and since it will require the closing of parts of the turnpike, they won't be able to work on it 8 hours a day as with most construction projects. Further, this project is supposed to include ground water replenishment features which I am sure are also adding to the length of time needed for this. That's just my understanding though..