November 30, 2009

Boston Globe Sunday Editorial

"Housing Policies leave cities behind"
You would almost think it was written by Jahn or me, click here. You got to read this!!!

November 29, 2009

9 May Street

I have to file this under "different rules for different people"... Here is what I can figure.

The sewer line in May Street is a combo sewer and drain line, which when it rains is near full capacity. As a result sewerage from 12 May Street can not enter the line and backs up into the basement and we have all seen the damage that has done.

On the other hand the sewer line on Main Street has capacity to handle the sewerage from 12 May Street. What to do? Just run a sewer line above ground through an abutting property that neither you nor the City of Worcester owns and tap into the Main Street line.

Imagine a private developer doing this?? The more I think about this, this really is incredible.

November 28, 2009

Weight

Day after T-day, November 27th, tipped the scales at a all-time high of 230 pounds. Paul, you have inspired me. I have a goal of 210 by April 1st? Five pounds per month for four months.

Worcester Fitness and Jared's Subway diet here I come.

November 27, 2009

Telegram Story

There is a story in the newspaper today entitled "Holy Cross official lashes out at D4 Councilor".

Reading the headline I assumed that during a public hearing a Holy Cross official went after Councilor Haller rudely. Then I read the story. The reporter was not even there; however, "several neighborhood residents told the Telegram that there was a private exchange after the meeting. How about the names of the neighborhood residents??? Do you really think "several neighborhood residents" called the Telegram about this exchange?

Then the reporter quotes comments from Mr Vellaccio, the Holy Cross official, from the person being "lashed out" it?? Wouldn't that be somewhat biased?? Did anyone else confirm these quotes? I would not even run this on the blog if someone reported this to me.

Next time Paul Colyer and I get into a heated arguement and he lashed out at me, I am going to call the Telegram and tell them how Paul "lashed out" at me and see if they run a story on it?

November 26, 2009

Neighborhood Stabilization Monies

For the hell of it I went on line to see how our Neighborhood Stabilization funds have been doled out. Looking up Neighborhood Stabilization Loan Fund on line, I have found 3 mortgages (grants):

  1. 10/1/9 Main South CDC $1,700,000 for 189 Beacon Street
  2. 9/21/9 Main South CDC $1,700,000 for 20 Charlton Street
  3. 9/6/9 Worcester Stabilization LLC (David Zisskind) $700,000 140 Eastern Ave

If I am reading this right Main South CDC has received 2 of 3 loans (which are really grants)granted for Neighborhood Stabilization to the tune of $3,400,000. I was told just the opposite that these Neighborhood Stabilization monies were suppose to be funneded to private property owners not just the CDS's.

In addition the Worcester City Economic Development

  1. 9/25/9 Main South CDC $400,000 for 93 Grand Street and 58 Gardner . Not to mention most of their NRSA monies went to this project also.

Over the last two months it looks $3,800,000 has gone to Main South CDC. What credit crisis? Ironically the Chandler Business Association, who has done ever thing that we were suppose to do regarding our NRSA, can get no monies for Year 3 funding when we have nearly $300,000 representing some 25 projects lined up.

A member send me a message today. Maybe we should call ourselves the Chandler Street CDC and we would get whatever we want? Starting to think he is right. Just another example of the unfair playing ground between the developers of low to mod income housing and the private developer in the City of Worcester.

Porter Airlines

New airlines out of Boston, Porter Airlines, could we get them to come to ORH?

Chicago Sun Times

Great story on how "Affordable housing units used by many to turn quick profit". This does not happen in Worcester since there is no market for condo resales, but who is making sure that the people receiving millions in grants are making sure that underlying tenants are in fact low to mod income and "qualify" during the affordable period.

Hadley Apartments

The Hadley project is suppose to have condos coming, but more importantly where is the parking lot/garage? The tenants in the apartment building and the new condos are suppose to have off street parking.

Does anyone know the status of this facet of the project?

November 25, 2009

Royal Institution Property

The Chandler Business Association has asked for a copy of the LDA (Land Disposition Agreement) for the parcel that was sold 4 years ago on November 5th, 2005. We have not received it yet.

November 24, 2009

1-7 Piedmont Street

Worcester's latest low-mod income property development. According to the website: This project is designed to serve single residents or couples through the construction of 12 one bedroom apartments on floors two to four at affordable rates in addition to providing 4 commercial/studio/retail spaces on the street level. There is a deficit of both in this target area.

How much is this going to cost? Appears to be two loans:
  1. Book 43717 page 1 Mass Housing/EONS 2,756,012
  2. Book 43716 page 343 Banknorth 520,800

In other words in the 3,200,000 - 3,300,000 million dollar range. Please note this project has absolutely no off street parking. Ironically I am listening to the D4 Councilor at the City Council complaining how a project on the corner of May/Woodland that has provided off street parking, but the tenants are parking in the street not the said lot, thus putting a strain on the neighborhood.

Where do you think the people who live at 1-7 Piedmont Street will park, when in fact there is no off street parking at all? ZBA waived all parking requirements here. Just another example of the double standard between private developers and developers of low to mod income housing.

12 Hollis Street

7/24/8

  1. bk 43126 pg 310 deed 130,000
  2. bk 43126 pg 323 bank mortgage 100,100
  3. bk 43126 pg 339 bank mortgage 26,000
  4. bk 43126 pg 348 city of worcester 66,519
  5. bk 43126 pg 353 city of worcester 4,500

10 Hollis St

7/24/8

  1. book 43126 page 188 deed 130,000
  2. book 43126 page 201 bank mortgage 100,100
  3. book 43126 page 217 bank mortgage 26,000
  4. book 43126 page 226 city of Worcester 66,519 (home funds)
  5. book 43143 page 244 city of worcester 4,500 (home funds)

10B Kilby Street

10/14/8

  1. book 43405 page 247 deed 130,000
  2. book 43405 page 260 bank mortgage 127,991
  3. book 43405 page 270 worcester mortgage 66,619.70
  4. book 43405 page 275 worcester mortgage 5717

November 23, 2009

8A & 8B Kilby Street

After reading about the Housing Director, I decided to check out some recent sales; for example 8B Kilby Street. All these transactions recorded the same day-- 11/13/2008

  1. Book 43505 Page 314 Deed 130,000
  2. Book 43505 Page 326 Mortgage 100,100 from Bank of America
  3. Book 43505 Page 342 Mortgage 26,000 from Bank of America
  4. Book 43505 Page 358 Mortgage 7,510 from Mass Housing Partnership

So far so good. Bottom line it is mortgaged to the hilt. Here is where I get confused there is a 4th mortgage

5. Book 43505 Page 365 Mortgage 66,519 from the City of Worcester

Jahn, help!!! Here you have a property sold for 130,000, but now has 4 mortgages in excess of 200,000? Bottom line it appears to me that the Main South CDC can sell a unit for $130,000 get it 100% financed and then get the city of Worcester to kick in another $66,000!!!! Bottom line Main South CDC gets about $200,000 for a unit that they sell for $130,000???

Same with 8A Kilby on 12/22/8

  1. Book 43615 page 289 deed 130,000
  2. Book 43615 page 301 mortgage Bank of America 100,100
  3. Book 43615 page 317 mortgage Bank of America 26,000
  4. Book 43615 page 335 mortgage City of Worcester 66,519

In total it looks like both side of this duplex were sold for $130,000 each, but the Main South CDC received about 400,000, not 260,000,, since the City of Worcester gave out over $132,000 in HOME funds? Worse part is that these mortgages helld by the City of Worcester are in last position. If the mortgagee ever goes into default on any of the "hard" mortgages and a non low to mod income person takes title during the affordability period, the presiding jurisdiction (City of Worcester) needs to pay back the HOME funds.

November 22, 2009

Housing Director

There is a story in the newspaper today about the City of Worcester Housing Director, Scott Hayman, being put on administrative leave. Before I comment, let me say how untrue it is when someone asks why I hate low to mod income housing. I don't!! My problem, however, is that in Worcester there is an over-reliance on low to mod income projects, when we are well beyond the Commonwealth of Massachusetts required level. We need market-rate housing!!

Same here, I like Scott Hayman, although I have questionned many of Scott's Housing policies and decisions over the past ten years. In fact, about 5 years ago an empty building went out for RFP on Gardner Street, right behind Moynihan's, that was awarded to Main South CDC. About 6 months after the award, I was told that Main South CDC was not interested and I could buy it through direct negotiations, since I owned the abutting empty lot.

About a month later, the Main South CDC changed their mind and now wanted to buy it? I questioned this since the initial RFP stated the winning bidder had to buy the property within either 30 or 60 days? It was now some 7 months later!!! The Executive Office of Neighborhood Services (EONS) disagreed with me and continued with the sale to the Main South CDC until I called the Inspector General, who agreed with me and ordered the property to be rebid. This prompted the Executive Director of the Main South CDC proceeded to call me a "pain in the ass" in Worcester Mag. Evidently asking for terms of an RFP to be enforced, which the Inspector General agreed was the right thing to do, is being a "pain in the ass"?

This one transaction exemplifies the whole problem with the City of Worcester Housing Policy and their over-reliance on CDC's, whose main function is to create more low to mod income housing in the City of Worcester. If Jahn, I or you had won the bid, you can bet that that we would not have gotten any extension to put up the cash to buy the property.

Exactly what the City of Worcester is looking into?? Don't know, but I have a couple of requests:
  • Review all LDA (Land Disposition Agreements) that have been signed the past five-seven years on properties conveyed via the RFP (Request for Proposal) process. Look no furter then the former Royal Linen property on Mason Street that was conveyed over 4 years ago, are they in compliance with the LDA?
  • Review the financial statements of the 5 NRSA's. How can the Beacon Brightly NRSA invest practically all of their monies to benefit the Main South CDC?
  • Review the policy, whereby a private party partners with a local non-profit partner, moves the property temporarily into the non-profits contol so that they can get EPA Brownfield Grant monies only to transfer it back when the clean-up is done. This was done on Mason Street and is proposed to be done at City Builders. Is this legal?
  • How do the same contractors time and time again get all the contracting work, who by the way, many of which are not based in Worcester?

Maybe this is a good time for the City of Worcester to review the whole direction of our Housing Policy. In 2003, we paid RKG some $25,000 to do a Housing Study and it was awesome. They nailed it and told the City of Worcester it was over-reliant on the CDC's and their quest to build low to mod income housing developments everywhere. RKG even suggested that we tear down three deckers to provide off street parking for the neighborhood, versus spending $600,000 to rehab a three decker.

At that time their conclusions were attacked, by those with a vested interest to see the current policy continue, and the City of Worcester caved, disregarded all the recommendations in the study and continued to do everything that RKG told us not to do. Check out my map. City Manager O'Brien and the City Council should not pay for another study, but merely dust off the RKG study, read the conclusion and change the whole direction of our Housing policy.

Lastly get ready for the wave of people, the same ones who attacked the RKG Study without knowing any of the facts that need the gravy train of Federal and State monies to keep building more low to mod income housing to support their livelihood, come to Scott's defense .

November 19, 2009

CitySquare Financing

The rumor mill is cranking today. Remember how financing was with, I believe, Starwood. New financing now–believe it or not- Hanover Insurance Co.

On the reliability meter I give it a 8.5 out of 10

Today is officially ground hog's day

The Chamber letter on abolishing the dual tax system in the paper, click here, although I got to like the plug on the Chandler NRSA

Bay State Bank

There was a story in the Telegram today about how they changed the bank into a loan center, click here. Why do you think they did this????

Now this is completely unconfirmed but my opinion, but how many times had this bank been held up the past 3-4 years? How much business do you think the retail tellers actually did here??

I would chalk this up as closed business.

November 18, 2009

Project Status

  • Blackstone Visitor Center
  • Pharmasphere
  • UNUM move
  • Sale of ORH
  • the property across from Elm Park

Bueller??

Bueller??

DIrect Air and Dulles

Direct Air will offer service to Dulles International Airport from Melbourne, Fl, six days a week, twice a day beginning Jan. 11.

UNUM comments on CitySquare

In today's Telegram, click here. Here is one quote

“I think we’re very focused on getting the lease settled. So again, I want to assure, we are absolutely committed to that project. We’re very excited about that project and, again, getting the development under way.”

Please note the absence of a date. My January 1st deadline bet is looking with Dewey.

November 17, 2009

Anonymous COmment

Want to make sure everyone see this to my post below that was e-mailed to me


Anonymous said...

This was the only time since Direct Air has been at the airport that passengers had to be bussed to Hartford. It does not happen a lot as was stated. Also, I just tried to book a flight around Xmas, and it looks like Direct Air has added many flights to the schedule! Great sign!

Larry Johnson

Cincinnati coach Marvin Lewis said Monday the team would meet with Johnson, cut last week by the Chiefs, but added Johnson would be a backup to Cedric Benson if he signed on.

November 16, 2009

Tosh O

Absolutely hilarious on Comedy Central. Here is one of his skits for "web redemption". Click here and check out the current video on the guy whose ladder collapsed during an infomercial.

Here are the other web redemptions.

Pats Game


How did that happen???

We can go back and forth, but if Maroney does not full the ball at the goal lie the pats win. Do you remember Antwone Smith? Give me Larry Johnson. Now that Taylor and Morris are hurt, we need a solid running back.


November 14, 2009

Lew E

You know the State Rep from Holden with an "R" after his name. He sent out an e-mail today that, more or less, if Glodis runs for State Auditor he would seriously consider a run at the Sheriff.

Good e-mail and Lew is a good man, I would consider him for my vote and I would not even have to change my address to Worester.

Airport Customer e-mails (3)

Hi Bill,

Sorry I took so long but do not think we will use this airport again. It was foggy so we had to be bused to Hartford. From what I hear this happens a lot. The computers were down at the airport also. We also had bought our seats but they said that did not matter it would be open seating. But I must say it sure did seem like a good idea and a very nice airport.



Hi Bill,

I was impressed with the planes, very clean, very spacious and modern. The crew was good too. I just think it is the fact that I can not depend on them if it has rain or fog.



They did give me a $100 credit to fly if I book again within a year because they did change our flight dates also as we were supposed to leave on Thursday and they cancelled Thursday flights.

November 13, 2009

Salter School

Gret story by Clive today, click here. The thing the Salter School need to go was to rename themselves Salter School CDC and add in some low to mod income housing and they would have gotten anything that they wanted from the Zoning Board of Appeals.

On a serious note I don't really know the whole story so I am not taking sides. My point is I only wish the ZBA was as tough when a CDC comes in front of them asks for 100 different variances and gets them? The people on the board are all good people and they think they are doing the right thing (low to mod income housing), but they really need to take a step back and rethink this.

November 12, 2009

Residency Rules

There is a story in the newspaper today that the Mayor wants to be more lenient on the residency rules. Click here.

I agree with her. In fact I already thought we had been doing this:

  • some politicos vote whereever no matter where they live
  • State Senators live in Boston while representing Worcester
  • city councilors change to voting addresses to their mom's house

On a serious note maybe we should consider letting people who do not live in the City of Worcester serve on boards? The only requirement being that they must be a tax-payer in the City of Worcester.

Direct Air Adding Melbourne

Note this article from the Niagara Gazette. Here is part of it:


FALLS AIRPORT: Direct Air adding flights to Melbourne
Service between Falls and Florida will appeal to cruise and theme park travelers

November 11, 2009

CVS Update from Councilor Rosen

Here's information regarding the CVS.

I talked to CVS' Director of Real Estate for this region. She said that, with the acquisition last year by CVS of the over 500 California based Long Drug Stores for $3 billion, CVS now has over 7000 stores to manage in the USA.

CVS intends to open the new Park Avenue (at May St.) store on January 24, 2010. Thats more than two months away for a store that appears to have been completed a few months ago.

This new CVS store will be replacing the small store doing business now on Park Avenue near Pleasant St. At first I was told that there might be some legal issue with the lease at the small store, issues that require CVS to keep that store open for so many months more before a new store can replace it within such close proximity. Perhaps the landlord receives more rent if the store's sale figures reach a certain plateau. She said if that's the case, the lease could have a clause in it to protect the landlord from decreasing sales caused by the actions (closing) of this CVS. This issue was one that she was not completely sure of.

She also suggested that, with the acquisition of Longs stores, their limited number of setup teams have been working hard on those transitions and probably haven't been available to the Worcester and other new stores around the country. In scheduling Worcester's new Park Avenue store for setup and opening, they also didn't want to disrupt the Christmas and Hanukkah shopping season at the present small store.

I asked her why the word "Pharmacy" is covered on the new store. She said that laws provide that a pharmacy can't be advertised at any new store until the MA Board of Pharmacy has officially licensed a pharmacy to operate at that location. That won't happen until much closer to the grand opening in January.

Gary

Last night city council meeting

You know the one that starts at 7:00PM? Started last night at about 7:38PM!!!

CVS on Park

Why has it not opened yet? Anyone know???

I have been told it has something to do with their occupancy permit?? Strictly unconfirmed, but something along the lines if they get an occupancy permit now they need to pay taxes for the whole year but if they wait until January 1st--they will save alot of money????

Again strictly rumor. Anyone out there know what is going on.

November 10, 2009

Worc Community Healthlink

This is what I am hearing, talked to some of the contractors.. The work be done up there is outside is to expland the parking lot. Inside, however, work is being done on the 5th floor to house PIP customers overnight. Why they need an expanded parking lot is beyond me???

Also work may continue on other floors. 25???

PIP

Maybe it is me but I am not sure how I feel about taking a problem like the PIP and saying that we are making it all better by spreading their clients throughout the City of Worcester?

WCRN Tomorrow 11AM

Chandler Businss Group will be on with Gary tomorrow

November 09, 2009

Come to New Hampshire

Check out

El Deliciosso

They are no longer mobile. They have set up shop on the corner of Park Ave and Chandler. Rumor has it that it already a hot spot for trouble at night with one shooting.

Woo Card

Check out the Woo Card website. I got a flier in the mail today regarding a kick-off event on November 23rd 11:30AM at the Hanover hosted by Jim McGovern.

I have note read the flier and have reviewed the website. Is this card free or does it cost money to earn the discounts through the WooCard. If it does cost money, how much? Actually, I just found it costs $20 bucks to start wooing.

Here are some of the benefits:
  • 50% discount off the Christmas Carol at the Hanover
  • Ecotarium $2 off adult and $1 off children tickets
  • Music Worcester $3 off regular admission
  • Museum of Russian icons-buy one ticket get one free
  • Fruitlands-buy one ticket get one free

Too bad restaurants could not sign up and off a discount if you use the WooCard?

Open Question

Restaurants next to Hanover.. Anyone noticed that not much work has been going on there. Anyone know a status?

Jahn was right

Months ago Jahn said that he heard Diamond Chevrolet was moving. Another blogger heard the ad and I heard it today. Diamond Chevrolet is off to Auburn.

November 07, 2009

Palmieri

In Nick K column before election he mentioned how Frank Raffa has started a write in campaign against Phil Palmieri. The reason being if Phil were to run for Pedone's seat and win, then Frank would be the next district councilor as the runner up.

What caught my eye was when Nick wrote Mr. Palmieri recently changed his voter registration address to 247 Shrewsbury St., which is where his mother lives, where he grew up and in Mr. Pedone’s legislative district. Mr. Palmieri’s previous voting address at 28 Buckingham St. is outside Mr. Pedone’s district and is instead represented by state Rep. James O’Day, D-West Boylston, whom Phil ran against and lost.

Say that again? You can just change you voter registration to your mom's address. Does this mean I can just change to my mom's address too and vote in the City of Worcester elections? Maybe I can do that and run for City Council.

Guess if we allow a person to be our State Senator for four years, who lived in Boston but declared his mom's address as residency, nothing should surprise us.

November 05, 2009

Worcester's Ground Hog Day

The annual right of fall when the Chamber of Commerce comes out complaining about the dual tax system is fast approaching.

Harrington Corner


Looking good


Mike Warshaw

Just was on Fox 25 news for a good 5 minutes talking about the Bay State's top 100 places to work. Looked and sounded good.

Telegram

7:00AM Holden

Last night I go to bed with the Yankees leading game 6th in the 8th inning. Today I pick up newspaper and go right to the sports section and see a listing for Game 7 and time, Think to myself somehow the Phillies must have won only to see a subtitle under the picture with a score from the 6th inning.

For all my fellow bloggers, there will be no Game 7. The Yankees won last night 7-3 and are the World Series Champs of 2009. Maybe tomorrow the Worcester Telegram will have that on the front page of the sports section.

8:00AM Worcester

Just got to work and the newspaper had the Yankees winning the World Series.. Must have been the Holden edition.

November 04, 2009

Mayor O'Brien

Congrats to our new Mayor. Just heard that he won every single precinct. That is incredible.

$12 Million tax levy limit

Now that the election is over, this will be the big issue over the next three months. The philosophy will be how can we expect more money from the Commonwealth when we are $12 million under the tax levy.

Council will vote to tap into the last $12 million. Dewey, looks like I will win the UNUM bet which is less then two months away. Double or nothing on this one.

The day after

I would never make is a political pollster. Remember a few months back I wrote that we should just have 11 councilors, all at large, and no district councilors. Well, I am back on that again.

First, it is very difficult to beat a sitting district councilor.

Second, since there are only 6 at large spots it is pretty hard for someone to break in on a city wide basis.

In other words, at most we may get 1 maybe 2 new councilors every two years under the currrent system. If it was the top 11 , I think you would see more turn over and more interest.

November 03, 2009

Prediction

15% voter turn-out today,

6:55PM..... Here is my other prediction, I think Casella stands a very good chance of beating Smith.. As far as the other races, I have no clue.

Editorial on Philly Plan

Click here

Put my comment on the Telegram website

Gardner Property Taxes

Story in Worcester paper, click here. Small section:


With the city struggling to attract new business in a slow economy, the City Council voted last night to continue to tax all property at the same rate.

During a public hearing before the vote, City Assessor Dennis Comee told councilors that charging industrial or commercial taxpayers more than residential ones would hamper the city’s economic development efforts.

November 02, 2009

WOOCard?


Save the Date

Monday, November 23, 2009

11:30 a.m.

Hanover Theatre
for the Performing Arts
2 Southbridge Street
Worcester, MA 01608


Congressman Jim McGovern

invites you to

join him when he unveils

the Worcester Cultural Coalition's new WOO Card.


November 01, 2009

Royal Linen Building

Four years ago tomorrow, November 2, 2005, the City of Worcester deeded the former Royal Linen Property (48 Mason Street) to Mason Winfield LLC.
  • 11/2/5 book 37717 page 51 48 Mason Street 66,853
  • 11/2/5 book 37717 page 59 47 Mason Street 43,147
  • Total 110,000

Two months later Mason Winfield transferred 48 Mason Street to one of the minority owner stake-holders (Worcester Common Ground, a non profit entity) for $10,

  • 1/1/06 book 38185 page 55 48 Mason Street $10

Since that time Worcester Common Ground has received a grant in the amount of 170,000 from the EPA BCRLF to remediate 48 Mason Street. Since Common Ground is a non-profit they (Common Ground) will not have to pay the 170,000 back. It is grant.

Some four years later not a thing has been build on 48 Mason Street. Since this property was dispensed via an RFP (Request for Proposal), there must be a corresponding LDA (Land Disposition Agreement), which spells out the timeline of development that the buyer agreed to honor.

Lets hope the terms of the LDA are enforced.

Public Option

In a Wall Street Journal article, the CBO (Congressional Budget Office) estimates by the year 2019, 30 million will be insured through the new government run insurance exchange, while 6 million of which will have the public option. There is absolutely no way will this happen, look no further then the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' government insurance exchange, the Connector Authority, who had similar estimates. Lets look at what has happened here.

First, the private insurance sold through the Connector Authority has had very little success. Why? There simply is no savings for a person to go this route. Although alot of people complain about the cost of health insurance (including myself), the private carriers competing in the marketplace simply do not have the waste and extravagances that many allege. This begs the question why would anyone want to pay more to go through any of these government exchanges, if there is no savings? They will not and have not in Massachusetts unless of course it is the only place for them to get insurance which typically will lead to adverse selection, bad claims experience for the underlying exchange and even worse rates.

Second, the public option. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts offers a highly subsidized plan for people earning up to 300% of the Federal Poverty limit called Commonwealth Care, without any questions pertaining to a person's assets. An applicant can literally be worth millions of dollars, but if there income falls below the guidelines below, they can get Commonwealth Care.
  • 1 $32,496
  • 2 $43,716
  • 3 $54,936
  • 4 $66,156
  • 5 $77,376
  • 6 $88,596
  • 7 $99,816
  • 8 $111,036

A family of 4 earning under $66,156, even one of substantial wealth, qualifies for Commonwealth Care. These plans have good benefits and great rates, much less then the private marketplace. This has been wildly successful and far exceeded estimates with nearly 200,000 subscribers. The cost to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, however, has been hundreds of millions per year now rumored to be close to 1 BILLION dollars in the read, also far beyond initial estimates.


The Federally run public option will even have a larger pool of applicants since it increase the guidelines to 400% of the Federal Poverty limit! If 200,000 members costs the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 1 BILLION, what will 6 million members cost the Federal Government. Now keep in mind that the 6 million will most likely be 20 million, since the rates are cheaper then the marketplace and a person earning up to 400% of the Federal Income limit, without any regards to net worth, can qualify.

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results. The public option will merely see a huge migration from the private marketplace to a tax-payer subsidized option costing the Federal Government hundreds of billions of dollars.