Bike Committee weighs Max Pak

by Keith Howard

The Somerville Bicycle Committee met Feb. 20 with Stephen E. Smith Jr., principal developer of the five-acre K.S.S. Realty project, to answer questions about the multi-family, 199-unit residential neighborhood, which his company will build at the Max Pak site located at 56-61 Clyde St.

     The entire project will take about four years to complete. During the first half of development, construction vehicles will use part of the Community Bicycle Path between Lowell and Cedar Street to gain access to the site.

     The covenant, a written agreement between the city of Somerville and K.S.S. Investment, mandates that K.S.S. will not delay the city’s construction of the path and will leave the path in the same or better condition.

     K.S.S. Investment is trying to accommodate and be cooperative, Smith said. “For me it’s easier to go down Clyde and Warwick,” he said, “but this is less intrusive and noisy to people.”

Smith encountered a plethora of questions and comments from members of the community regarding the decision to use a section of the Community Bicycle Path for the development of the property.

     Bennett said his organization helped to raise $8,000 to help reconstruct the path and worries that this development will cause further delays.

     “I feel like we needed to be informed. I don’t want to say you can’t touch it, but I do feel that we have been contributing to the community path for a while. People are going to feel burned,” said Joel Bennett, founder and chairperson of the Friends of the Community Path.

     The redevelopment of the Community Path is currently scheduled for the spring of 2009.

     “My concern, after reading the proposed covenant, is that it says K.S.S. gets to use the community path, and when it’s done, it gets returned to us as it was before. All the benefits seem to go to one side,” said Bicycle Committee member Ron Newman.

     In a private interview, Smith commented on the decisions being made to keep the best interests of each party in mind. “I worked with the city to create a draft of the covenant. It’s something that’s good and represents the interests of the community, and it’s acceptable to us,” said Smith.

     The portion of land, which is currently the property of the MBTA, was deemed unsuitable for public use, he said. “We are using part of an abandoned track to get to and from the site because it creates much less traffic. It’s abandoned. In the future it will become part of the path. I was a little puzzled as to why we weren’t using it,” said Smith.

      A great deal of time was spent analyzing the potential effects of our project upon the city and the results proved our development will only have a non-discernable impact on the city’s traffic, he said. 

     The covenant can be worked on, and things can be added to or taken away to best meet the needs of the people of Somerville, he said. “This is not the end all, be all,” said Smith.

     K.S.S. Realty must receive a special zoning permit from the city’s Planning Board, and amendments must be made to articles 6, 7, and 17 of the city’s zoning ordinance, before the project can begin.

     “The entire BOA is listening. We want to hear from everybody involved to make an informed decision. This zoning will effect the whole city, but the Max Pak is what drives it,” said Alderman-at-Large William A. White Jr.

     Alderman O’Donovan, Chairman of the Committee on Land Use, encourages people to voice their concerns March 1 at 6 p.m. in City Hall, where the Committee on Land Use will be hosting a joint committee meeting with the Planning Board to discuss the zoning amendments and hear from the public.         

     The last three years of planning the K.S.S. project have required more consultation than any project in the history of Somerville said Alderman O‘Donovan. “We started four years ago. It’s an evolving thing,” he said. 

Comments

[William Hurst]

Thanks for selling us out Sean, what's Teddys little nephew giving you.

[Bike Path user]

I'm not great at math, but my calculations tell me that if the development is expected to take 4 years (usually an optimistic estimate) and the bike path extension is scheduled for spring 2009, there's no way that can happen. The bike path extension would be put off until at least 2011. And I certainly think the agreement should be amended to state that the path will be left 'in better condition'. I think in order to access the path from Cedar they would have to pull up the old rail lines, which would certainly be a step in the right direction for the extension process. I also hope that the city has received the MBTA's permission for construction vehicles to access the path (it is after all their property, not the city's, and permission for use must be received).

[Alpine Street]

Does anyone else find it odd that SOD bought property on Warwick St. knowing that he was going to be Chairman of the Committee on Land Use?

Now he and another person appointed to the Maxpak Committee do not want the trucks coming down their street but let the abutters on Alpine and Princeton Streets now struggle with the noise and dust created by the trucks using this path?

I would think two-way traffic traveling down that path would be tight to say the least. Will it be a one way travel zone then leaving the construction site would utilize other avenues?

A lot of unanswered questions us abutters should voice come March 1.

[Ron Newman]

To 'Bike Path user': KSS wants to put gravel or pavement on top of the disused railroad tracks and ties and drive their construction vehicles on the resulting temporary surface.

The Bicycle Committee feels that if KSS wants to use the right-of-way as a temporary construction road, the existing tracks and ties should be removed first.

You'll hear more about all this at the March 1 hearing.

[Somerspeak]

It's taken O'Donovan four years to get this to the planning board? And residents of the streets that are next to the bike path are just now finding out about this "construction road" on the path?

Something smells here.

[it *is* funny]

Yep, just the fact that this Alderman bought a house on Warwick and then passed an ordinance (whatever) restricting construction vehicles on Warwick and didn't take the issue to the bike path community? Are there any rules under which an Alderman must recuse himself for conflict of interest? It *is* fishy....

[Ron Newman]

No ordinance has been passed (yet); the public hearing on March 1st is for a proposed zoning amendment, with this covenant 'attached' in some manner.

Alderman O'Donovan did not notify the bicycle committee before making this proposal. We had to scramble to schedule special meetings to deal with it once we learned about it.

[Yorktown Street]

Keith Howard, I'm sure Bill White knows the difference between "affect" and "effect." So should you, when you quote him.

[DickyBird]

Are not the elected officials of our fair city not squeaky clean the all just bend for Joey and as they all love clean Genie there can not be on shred of doubt that ever thing on the up ans up can there?
can't you just hear "When I was Mayor", funny the only two who rent.

[William Hurst]

Sean, when did you turn? Just like the rest of the politicians in this city you were once for us (you remember the people in your ward) but now it is just a game and the way this game is played goes like this, what can I get out of this, what is in it for me and how much can I get. It really should not be a shock to anyone that this is happening, he gets to grease his pockets before JL is elected as the new ward 5 alderman. Smart move SOD.

[Clyde Murdock]

It's never the lie that gets you, it's the cover up.

Richard Nixon

[The Mole]

“The last three years of planning the K.S.S. project have required more consultation than any project in the history of Somerville said Alderman O‘Donovan. “We started four years ago. It’s an evolving thing,” he said”.

Are you trying to tell us Maxpak took more effort than Assembly Square SOD, or even the Lowell Street bridge reconstruction? Are you stating this only because it is in OUR backyard? Do you really deem that the abutters of Maxpak are going to buy into your visions? That first year you reference in your above quote must have been the least profitable of the four. Turning the screws during that second year really started the ball rolling I bet. Like dangling a piece of fish at the nose of a shark.

Your new property is less than 150 yards from the proposed site that will support all those cars coming into the new site from Warwick Street. Are you then going to recommend the Bike Extension be utilized for incoming and outgoing traffic from Maxpak later down the line? Did you really buy the property on Warwick Street to lay your head on a pillow or just lay low until the boom hits that section?

With approximately 200 units going on the selling block how many of those are you getting tossed your way as a closing Attorney? How many of those are going to be listed by ReMax, a shell of a well known local Attorney.

There are so many “How Many’s” that will turn into “How Much” for one local politician. It’s just “How Long” this can go on is my question.

The Mole

[Ron Newman]

The covenant requires that KSS divide its development into two sections. Of the 199 units they propose to build, 65 would have vehicular access to Warwick and Clyde Streets, while the other 134 would have access only to Lowell Street, via the new ramp that KSS plans to build. There will be no vehicular through traffic from Lowell street to Warwick and Clyde Streets.

[Alderpeople]

If this development comes out looking anything like the piece of crap SOD had built on Somerville Ave I feel sorry for the people in this neighborhood.

[When exactly? Maybe never!]

Mr Hurst, could you refresh my memory? When exactly was SOD for the people of Ward 5? Was it while he was being APPOINTED to replace Stan K on the school committee? Or maybe while he was being APPOINTED to replace Stan K on the BOA? I would say if he was ever for the people of Ward 5 it was before either event took place, because once he set 'foot' in Stan's old seats on those boards he had already sold his soul to the devil.

[Ron Newman]

where is this building on Somerville Ave?

[William Hurst]

Right before SOD got elected he said I am for the prople of this ward (which ward he was talking about in what city or town who knows)

[Solh Zendeh]

Ron, the building is on the corner of Laurel. You'll recognize it because it's the one with the huge garage door right at the sidewalk facing Somerville ave.

[Fool on the Hill]

If anyone is willing to take the time, would you please outline the issues pertinent to the Maxpack development? I picking up insinutations in these posts, but its difficult to put them in perspective.

Or maybe the Somerville News could do a comprehensive article explaining all of the considerations.

[The Mole]

Bold & Brazen: I guess if you are the brother in law of the Mayor anything goes. Take a for instance if you will.

If any of us who lived in the City were replacing windows in our house, we are required to pull permits at ISD. This is to add capital to the city’s bottom line and to also insure the citizens is getting their job done by a licensed tradesperson. If you are above the law, brother in law to the Mayor, I guess you’re not required to pull a permit. So found out G & C Construction who is doing work on the “Sick Building”, aka Police Station for the last two weeks.

The owner of that company started to take out the windows in the academy room, where all the problems have been happening with water infiltration, and he started to cut the block making dust go all over the place making a bad health building worse. When he was asked to stop due to the materials airborne he did not. One smart officer called OSHA and they in turn called the State Inspectors Office and both took a trip into Somerville. By the way, the Police Officer did call Inspectional Services and complained about the work being done but Leo, Inspector, said that G & C contractor, the Mayor’s brother in law, did not need a permit because he was doing work for the City. Well the State Inspectors felt differently and “spin the disk” George L, Superintendent of Inspectional Services, who may or may not have the proper credentials still, plastered a “stop work” order on the work of the Mayor’s brother in law this past Friday.

Now again, if you or I had done this we would have had our Asses dragged into court facing fines. Why not in this instance? This Administration is so bold they perform their trickery in the public eye. They stomp all over us in daylight hours and nothing seems to be done about it. My money is on the City going under just like Chelsea several years ago and it will be because of this Administration.

No permits, no bid contracts, brother in law, no nadda…. Come on Mr. White, check those contracts...

The Mole

[Max Warwick]

We have a feeling that all will be revealed at City Hall on Thurday evening.

Right Sean?

[Born Here]

Now this is all getting good. The posts have been lacking, lets hope for some fireworks (no, not the ones Stan runs in July) !!
Maybe the pub. safety unions should go up and picket too. That would REALLY get Joey Cakes blood boiling....LMFAO

[Development Free For All]

The building on Somerville Avenue is atrocious, but I was unaware that there was a connection to SOD. How is he connected?
Also, the blame must go far, far beyond him for such affronts to our sensibilities. From George L to the PLanning Board, to the ZOning Board of Appeals......if the neighborhood is not vigilant and present a united effort against any type of development, anything will get approved. And even once approved, noone is doing follow-through. Look at the building at Morrison and Willow they are not following the conditions they agreed to (after many contentious meetings with abutters and the owner threatening court action against residents), and noone seems to notice or care. It's a free for all (for developers, anyway!).

[Johnny Protester]

someone mention picketers ?? shhhhh

[Ron Newman]

I know it's getting a bit off topic, but can you say more about the problems with the development at Morrison and Willow?

[Willey]

Chit walks and money talks.

[Willow/Morrison]

Look at the building, then look at the agreement hammered out with residents. I heard from Rebekah that the developer is not adhering to it. Who's minding the store? The owner used to own the garage at the same spot where they spewed fumes into the neighborhood for years, and painted vehicles without the proper equipment and permits. This guy is a shady character and not to be trusted.

[Born Here]

funny how ISD figures into alot of unresolved issues in the City...Hey, who runs the show down there anyway ?

[Ward5Born]

This is a dumb question. Could SOD really be that stupid to pull a stunt like this knowing that Joe Lynch is watching his every move with this project?

Or is it just plain old arrogance?

[Ron Newman]

Joe Lynch is certainly aware of all the issues here. He has attended several of our Bicycle Committee meetings.

[Willey]

Yes he could be. Arrogance is associated with anointing oils.

[it *is* funny]

Ron, just wanted to say thanks for posting here and on LiveJournal's Davis Square community. Most of the local news I get is from these two sources and my Alderman. Raising awareness (even just about the hearings going on, I find the City's website hard to churn thru ) for people who want to get involved is a great service to our Somerville.

[William Hurst]

Mr. Lynch is very much aware of what Sean is doing, and yes he does or did attend bike path meetings and Maxpak meetings. He is also on board (in the pocket) of one Mr.(Kennedy) Smith concerning the Maxpak developement. how was your lunch Joe with uncle Teddys nephew. Responsible reporting comes with the name.

[Ron Newman]

The city will take written public comment on the zoning proposal and covenant until noon on Thursday, March 8. E-mail your comments to mmasters@ci.somerville.ma.us (Madeline Masters) and jlong@ci.somerville.ma.us (John Long). Be sure to :

- include your full name and address
- address your comments to both the Planning Board and the Land Use Committee of the Board of Aldermen.
- say that your comments are regarding the proposed PUD-B1 zoning amendment

[Somerspeak]

So Ron, did you go and were there any fireworks? What was the general feeling about the project from the neighbors?

[Ron Newman]

No fireworks. Seemed to me like most comments about the project were generally positive.

[Max Warwick]

That sound we heard at City Hall last night was SOD sighing a great big sigh of relief. Looks like he's off the hook from pissing anyone off concerning the development. The one time champion of the people excused himself from voting on anything to do with the project because he bought a house next door to the property. But he still got some of his stooges over here to say they were in favor of it.

Nice. Don't you just love America?

[Ron Newman]

Max, were you at the meeting? Did you speak there?

Anyone who didn't, or who was cut off by the 2-minute limit, should be sure to submit written comments. See my comment above for how to do this.

[Ward5Born]

After the public meeting Thursday I was leaving city hall and saw Mr. Smith and Mr. Lynch in the parking lot. For someone who is in the pocket of Smith, Lynch sure did not look or sound too happy. Give em hell Joe.

We've known Lynch since he was a kid. He may seem like a whimp, but we know better. Got into a fight at Trum one day with two brothers. Wound up breaking both their noses.