More pols dancing

Jordan Levy today

Jordan Levy is supposed to be bringing up on his show this afternoon something about a rumor of a big shake-up coming in the Worcester development team....     

2 Billion Dollar Deficit

Elections are now over.  How are we going to close a 2 billion dollar?

1. Swift Casino approval
2. Increase in State Income taxes

John Boehner Speech

Democratic Party

You really got to give them credit.    Honestly thought that there would be some very close state-wide and Congressional races.  In fact I would have bet on Mary Z over Bump every day of the week.  Not only were none of the races not close, but Mary Z lost.

The Massachusetts GOP is completely disorganized and has no co-ordinated efforts on the grassroots level.  On the other hand the Democrats are a well organized machine.  At least we got a YES on question 1?

The Day After

What can you say?     It is going to be a rough budget year for the Commonwealth.  Lets hope that spending is cut versus more taxes.

We will see.

Vote today

Yes
Yes
Yes

On the questions

November 2nd is coming

Another video

Sunday Telegram

If John Kerry or the late Ted Kennedy had come to Worcester for a rally at Institute Park to support Democratic candidates, do you think the story would be on page 7?   No way it would have been all over the front page.

Charlie Baker

Good turn out --good event at Institute Park today.

Diamond Chevrolet

Lot getting very very thin.

Franco Video getting picked up

Fleming and Hayes just posted the Franco video. Click here.

Another Good Video

State Rep James O'Day

Article in Herald regarding a Rally to Vote No on 1,click here.   here is a small part.

State Representative James O’Day, a West Boylston Democrat, said he had been sober for 12 years thanks to receiving treatment for alcoholism, and he warned that addicts who do not get help will be out on the streets.



“We’re going to have people dying on the streets.’’ O’Day said.

Baker & Brown

This Saturday, as part of their statewide bus tour, Charlie Baker will be having a rally with Scott Brown at Institute Park in Worcester (on Salisbury St across from WPI). Please arrive by 1:15 - the program will begin promptly at 1:45pm. Spread the word!!! 

Tax rates

Isnt the setting of the property tax rates coming up soon?

Chamber Of Commerce Debates?

I was thinking today, but can you think of a bigger business question then the 3rd question on the ballot this year.    An issue that is very important to businesses...    Maybe the Chamber could have hosted some type of debate on the Question 3, where the various candidates for state offices could express their opinion.

What about the Chamber endorsing candidates??

Yes on Massachusetts Question 1. It's a Double Tax.

Young Boozer

He is my favorite candidate

Sutner

Good blog today.  Link to you right on the bottom 

Business Expo

Dave Zimage has pointed out to that there are two airlines going to be there.  Direct Air and American Airlines?????? 

Illegals Medical bills top 37.5 million

Jim Polito on WTAG referred to this great story in the Boston Herald story. 

Paul Franco Video

Tom Foley Video

Telegram Endorses Baker

Now that is a shocker

Setting Modular House

If you are bored and nothing else to do. Check out the setting of the modular on Joppa Road today.

Barney Shuffle

RFP's and LDA's

Why does the City of Worcester bother doing RFP's and LDA's if nobody enforces the terms.   Mason Street and Canterbury Street parcels have made a mockery of the whole process.  These two parcels are poster childs for just putting the properties out for bid like the Courthouse.

Rumor mill

Rumorhas it that a frequent commenter on this blog may be moving back into D4?

Telegram Endorsements (Franco and Ferguson)

In the newspaper today WOW!!  Alot of Republicans including Franco and Ferguason locally !!!

Joe Salois As I see it

His stance on Question 1

Juan Williams fired by NPR

Juan Williams was fired from his job as senior news analyst from National Public Radio for remarks regarding Muslims and terrorism on “The O’Reilly Factor,” said The Washington Post.


Host Bill O’Reilly asked Juan Williams on Monday’s show if he thought the U.S. was facing a “Muslim dilemma.” Juan Williams said he becomes “worried” and “nervous” when he sees people in Muslim-style dress on airplanes. NPR said in a statement that Juan Williams’ comments “were inconsistent with our editorial standards and practices, and undermined his credibility as a news analyst with NPR.”

Bill O’Reilly also said on Monday’s show that it was “the cold truth” that “jihad, aided and abetted by some Muslim nations, is the biggest threat on the planet,” according to The Guardian.  Juan Williams, who is African American, often writes on racial issues.

Webster 5

Park Ave ranch to move behind Walmart (correction Walgreens) on Chandler Street

3 Maine Newspapers stop on-line commenting

Good story

Mike Elfland hope you read

Pharmasphere Terms of Conveyance

It is expired September 1st,  Remember this (the TOC) gave them 2 years to get their house in order to take title to the property that they won in Janaury of 2008.    Are we putting the property back out via an RFP?

Nope, I heard that we have given Pharmasphere more time.   Three years this January and we have nothing .  Not the dollar for the winning bid, not one penny in property taxes and not one job. 

Yes on 1 Video

Rumor Mill

Austin Liquors has been sold to the son of Yankee Spirits owner.

Herald Story on video below and YES on 1

click here

And Boston Herald says Yes on 1 click here 

Frank's partner heckles Beilat

Ronald Reagan was and is right

Telegram says YES on 1

Story here.

The gist of it is that "No reason to trust Legislature on tax use."   There are many opponents of question 1, who like to say how that these monies are earmarked to fund programs to help those addicted to drugs or alcohol.   As the Telegram points out the Legislature does not have a good track history when it comes to follow through on promises like that:

1. Cigarette Settlement
2. Fuel Tax

The Legislature facing multi-billion-dollar budget gaps, do you really think this money would not be tapped into?    In addition the sale of alcohol already has very high excise taxes, why not dedicate a portion of those monies to fund addiction services.
.

Trivia Saturday

Where was the first Ryder Cup played?

Worcester Airport is a No Man's Land

For the hell out it I searched Google News for Worcester Airport and came up with this story from September 21, 2010.

WORCESTER, Mass. — There is very little going on here at the Worcester Regional Airport. There are a couple dozen cars parked in the open-air parking lot. But no people.


At the parking attendant booth, the sign says “Stop For Attendant,” but there’s no one in the booth. When you pull a few feet up to the machine that dispenses parking tickets, you can’t get a ticket, because the electronic guts are hanging out of the machine.

Inside, plenty of parking spaces.


Inside the terminal, it’s very, very empty. Not one passenger in here. Not one passenger in front of the airline ticketing counter. No one to take the tickets. The escalators aren’t running.


There are no passengers down the way waiting to rent cars at the car rental counter, although there does seem to be someone staffing the counter. On one end of this football-length long terminal is a sign that reads “Welcome to Worcester.” On the other end, there’s a huge sign that reads “Air Capital of the World.”


Not here.

Cigarette Sales in Massashusetts

Interesting article, cliik here from the DOR   Quick summary....    Revenue Collections for cigarettes

• fiscal   2007  --     419.7 million
• fiscal   2008  --      pretty much the same
• fiscal  2009 -- a buck per tax excise tax was added and revenues increased to 569 million
• fiscal  2010  --  estimated to come in at  547 million

It is also estimated that the Commonwealth currently sells 217 million packs per year.  A 22% drop in sales the past two years since the new excise tax was added.

Question 3--- my answer (YES YES YES)

Jay Givan's Blog

Great one on why he is voting "YES" on 40B

Question 2--- my answer (YES)

Should we repeal 40B?

YES!!   Let me explain what 40B is.   40B is a tool available to developers, but they can only utilize it if, only if the underlying Town/City has less then 10% affordable housing, to get project approval.    Since most cities, like Worcester, have more then 10% affordable, designating a project 40B is not available in cities.    It is, however, it is a tool for developers in the surrounding towns that have not reached the 10% affordable housing level; for example:

• Paxton 40B
• Holden 40B
• Rutland 40B

Why would a developer want a project to be 40B?

ANSWER:       They are able to circumvent any. and all, of the local zoning regulations as long as 25% of the proposed units are considered "affordable",  under auspices that it will help reach the magical 10% level.     Although some of these projects may be called "friendly" 40B projects on the surface, the truth is that there is not much the planning boards in these towns can do to stop or change any of these projects once they are deemed 40B.  Why?  The developer can simply go to the state and have any decisons of the local planning board reversed.

Even worse, a developer, who maybe never intended to have any "affordable" units, may actually include 25% "affordable" units to just bypass the local board.    There is a great story in the Milford Daily News how Fafard Development was trying to build a 100 unit project (none affordable) in Bellingham that was rejected.  They came back and made 25 units "affordable" and called it a 40B project and there is not much the local planning board can do.   Here is a great quote from the Chairman of their local Planning Board Patricia Buckley, "Whatever comments we make, the (the developer) does not have to abide by them."

For more information on repealing 40B, click here.    

A "YES" vote on Question 2 has absolutely no effect on Worcester since 40 B, since it is not available now!!!!!       It will, however, give power back to local planning boards (mostly towns), who do not meet the current 10% threshold.

Store Closings

In the last couple of weeks:

1. D'Angelo's West Boylston Street
2. Ping's Garden
3. Boston Billiards

Record Liquor Sales in New Hampshire

The New Hampshire Liquor Commission recently reported unaudited income for fiscal year 2O1O ending June 3O. Net sales for the year topped the half billion dollar mark at $511.4 million, an increase of 4.8 percent over the previous fiscal year. Spirit sales increased 5 percent and wine sales increased 4.5 percent over last year. These results include a 6 percent increase in retail store sales, a 2.6 percent increase in grocery store sales and a 1 percent increase in restaurant sales over the previous year. Net profits from liquor operations grew to a record $12O million, an increase of more than 1O percent over the previous fiscal year, exceeding all national growth trends in the industry. This level of performance translates into over $1 billion in net profits over the next eight years for New Hampshire taxpayers.

Question 1--my answer (YES)

Should we roll back the tax on the sale of alcohol on package stores?

Obviously I am biased, but being in the middle of the state our customers do not drive out of state to avoid this tax.  In other words, if this was rolled back, we would not directly benefit.   I can tell you, however, about stores on the border of New Hampshire that have seen their sales drop 40% since this tax has been implemented.    It is not just the New Hampshire border, but the Rhode Island and Connecticut borders as well, that have seen their businesses drop.   The rumors of Yankee Spirits sales in Attleboro and Sturbridge during the recent sales tax holidays, even half true, were beyond belief.

The role of government is not to create jobs, but to create an environment that enables the private sector to flourish and create jobs, which then leads to those people with the jobs investiing their money back into their local economy and then the multiplier effect kicks in.    The fact that this tax has put businesses in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts at a competitive disadvantage to surrounding states is reason enough to roll back this tax.

I have read, however, many editorials that explain how this tax goes to help people who have a dependency on alcohol.    I say don't all taxes start that way?  The fuel tax initially was suppose to go back into our infrastructure, has that happened?   Remember how the settlement with the major cigarette companies was suppose to go to help encourage people to stop smoking?   All taxes start based on a good reason, but they all end up in the General Fund.

Vote "yes" on Question 1 to put businesses that have chosen to do business in Massachusetts on a level playing field with surrounding states.  More importantly I believe that monies in the hands of the citizens that are actually paying these taxes do more for our economy to stimulate the economy, then to give these monies to the government.

Sutner's blog

The Chandler Business Group Candidate questions got a plug in Sutner's story today.  Check out blog link to your right.  His blog at the bottom since there are no "feeds".

Allegiant Airlines

Allegiant Travel Co., which operates an airline marketed to leisure travelers in small cities, said Friday its total traffic in September jumped 24 percent as the airline grew new routes.   Allegiant flew passengers 362.7 million miles last month, compared with 292.2 million miles the same month a year earlier.

Dick Chernisky Letter

Link Telegram

Worcester needs a 10 percent cap on affordable housing. The only exceptions should be affordable homeownership and quality senior housing for ages 61 and older.   We need the 10 percent cap because the overbuilding of affordable housing, and the poverty it generates, is undermining Worcester as a viable place to live, invest and go to school.

Suburban malls with free parking didn’t kill downtown Worcester. Poverty killed downtown. Suburban and Worcester shoppers didn’t drive 20 miles out of their way to avoid a downtown parking fee. They wanted to avoid the vagrants, social misfits, gangs of low-income youth and the stench of urine. Parts of the Galleria smelled like a cesspool.

CitySquare will face the same problems the Galleria faced. Without the 10 percent cap, CitySquare will not be able to give Worcester the upscale downtown it needs for a tax base. Upscale stores and affluent condo owners will not invest in a city that’s filling up with poverty from the Third World.

Poverty is also killing our neighborhoods. I not only see prostitutes walking Main Street, I see people walking June Street who look like they belong at the PIP shelter. The West Side isn’t getting wealthier like it should, it’s getting poorer. This isn’t progress; it’s destruction of a city.

Remember the 10 percent cap is the “silver bullet” that we Worcesterites have been looking for to begin the restoration of our city

Answers to our questions

I have been trying to keep everyone's answers up for two days.   The last set was from Paul Franco and the two days are up.    No other ones have come in, so back to our regularly scheduled programming.   If aother set comes in, I will post answers for two days.

Like to thank those who answered. 

Franco's Answers

1) Do you support or oppose the repeal of sales tax on alcoholic beverages?

Yes. The new taxes enacted last year on alcohol are form of double taxation. Right now our citizens are paying a tax on a tax. That’s wrong.   
Massachusetts does not have a revenue problem. We have a spending problem. Over the past year, state government has continued to increase its payroll and failed to cap spending. I believe that we should cap state spending to the rate of inflation which will force our state to live within its means. That way we will never have to face again billion dollar state deficits or the threats of having local aid cut.

2) Do you support or oppose the cut in the sales tax from 6.25% to 3%?
Yes. Taxpayers deserve to keep more of their hard earned paychecks. The money we pay the government in taxes is ours. I’m sure, like me, it bothers you when politicians talk about how they can’t support a tax cut because it costs too much. The implication is that allowing taxpayers to keep more of what they’ve earned costs the government. It’s not their money …it’s ours.
Moreover, I have signed the No New Taxes pledge and I am endorsed by Citizens for Limited Taxation.

3) If the voters approve rolling back the sales tax or the income tax, will you honor the voters wishes?
Yes, I will honor the wishes of voters. As a Lt. Col. in the U.S. Army reserves, I believe that it is important to restore integrity to Beacon Hill. One of the most crucial steps is to honor the will of the voters.
As the next State Representative, I will also be accessible. I will hold regular office hours, conduct town hall meetings and sending out newsletters (not at taxpayer expense.)

4) Small business is a key part of the economic recovery in Massachusetts, what are your plans to facilitate effective support of small businesses?
Three out of every 4 news jobs are created by small businesses. With unemployment at 8.8%, we need to encourage small business development. As our next State Representative, I will work to pass policies and reforms that reduce government burdens. I have a plan that includes:

• Rolling back the sales tax increase to make Massachusetts once again competitive with other states like New Hampshire.
• Reforming unemployment insurance to reduce this heavy financial burden on small business
• Keeping utility costs low and waive sales taxes on energy efficient equipment
• Prohibiting more health care mandates that increase the costs of insurance

5) Grassroot Community Based Organizations (CBO) are an integral part of community development, what will you do to secure funding for local CBO’s and prevent 9C cuts during the budget process?
I will work to make sure that funding that is in the best interest of the district is kept intact. Moreover, I will work to make sure that local aid is not cut and that municipal officials are told early enough for planning purposes about local aid funding.

John Fresolo's Answers

1) Do you support or oppose the repeal of sales tax on alcoholic beverages?
I support the repeal of the sales tax on alcoholic beverages. During the last budget deliberations (FY11), I voted against the entire budget because it included the increased sales tax on alcoholic beverages.

2) Do you support or oppose the cut in the sales tax from 6.25% to 3%?
I oppose the rollback of the sales tax to 3%;  however, I would support bringing the sales tax back to 5%.  I originally voted against the increase to 6.25%, feeling the sales tax should have been left where it was at 5%.
 
3) If the voters approve rolling back the sales tax or the income tax, will you honor the voters wishes?   
To know for certain, I would need to see some facts on the effects that a 3% sales tax would have on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.   However, I am leaning towards honoring the voters' wishes if they were to do so.

4) Small business is a key part of the economic recovery in Massachusetts, what are your plans to facilitate effective support of small businesses?
I've always supported any economic package that includes tax incentives for small businesses that put new people to work.  Small businesses that help to develop the workforce should be rewarded.  I also support limiting taxes in general.  The best thing I can do as a Legislator is to lower the individual tax burdens which enables people to spend more money in their local communities and small businesses. 

5) Grassroot Community Based Organizations (CBO) are an integral part of community development, what will you do to secure funding for local CBO’s and prevent 9C cuts during the budget process?
I will speak directly with House Leadership to try to secure that funding for CBO's is included in the budget.  As for 9C cuts, the Governor has complete control over what is cut and what isn't.   My only ability as a Legislator is to advocate against such cuts by contacting the Governor and Lieutenant Governor's office to voice my opposition.

Steve Grossman's Answers

1. Do you support or oppose the repeal of sales tax on alcoholic beverages?
Oppose. I would have preferred that the legislature work with the existing excise tax on alcohol, but (see below) we cannot afford to lose the $100 million in revenues that the alcohol sales tax generates until our economic crisis abates and we see a sustained increase in tax revenues that would enable a reduction or elimination of this tax.
2. Do you support or oppose the cut in the sales tax from 6.25% to 3%?
Oppose.
I would like to see lower taxes and would support rolling back the sales tax increase when the economy improves and state revenues recover. I’d propose a phased-in reduction of the sales tax back to 5% based on economic growth. But the harsh reality is that – even with no tax cuts – we face a potential $2 billion deficit in the next budget. The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation warns that Question 3 would see the Commonwealth’s finances “over the cliff,” cutting essential services such as education, public safety, and human services by as much as 30%


3. If the voters approve rolling back the sales tax or the income tax, will you honor the voters’ wishes?
I will do everything possible to implement the measure if it passes. We must respect the will of the people, and a failure to do so would undermine public confidence in their government. In 2002 when I ran for governor I called for implementing the income tax reduction passed in 2000 even though I had opposed the cut originally, because when the people speak, we should listen.
4. Small business is a key part of the economic recovery in Massachusetts, what are your plans to facilitate effective support of small businesses?
For the last 35 years, I have run a fourth-generation family-owned small business creating jobs, managing money, meeting payrolls, and solving problems. I am the only candidate for Treasurer whose entire career has been all about creating jobs primarily within the small business sector of our economy. I intend to bring my experience and expertise as a small businessman to work as Treasurer. I have made it a top campaign priority to help small businesses grow by moving state money into banks that are willing to make business loans and to use the influence of the office to increase capital for small businesses. I also will use the bully pulpit of the office to push for giving small businesses greater clout in negotiating lower health insurance premiums.
5. Grassroot Community Based Organizations (CBO) are an integral part of community development, what will you do to secure funding for local CBOs and prevent 9C cuts during the budget process?
I commend your group’s efforts in helping to create a better Worcester. I support CBOs and will work to see that they are able to continue to play their role in community development. I must caution, however, that given the budget crunch I previously described funding cannot be guaranteed for any program. Deep cuts are inevitable whatever the outcome of the tax cut referenda.

Rod Madnick's Answers

    1) Do  you support or oppose the repeal of sales tax on alcoholic beverages? OPPOSE.  I am not opposed to user taxes, where a person can make a decision to use or not use.


    2)  Do you support or oppose the cut in the sales tax from 6.25% to 3%?    OPPOSE.  It is too drastic a change.


    3) If the voters approve rolling back the sales tax or the income tax, will you honor the voters wishes?   I have to first do the study I describe below! My interns from Holy Cross, Clark and other colleges will come with me to Boston. We will go over the budget line by line and examine every department to see where we can save money and where we should spend money. Only after that, will I make a decision on taxes. Some taxes are more regressive then others. I favor a reduction in some taxes and an increase in others. This is not a simple issue. This is not an issue you can address with just a yes or a no. I will issue a report on taxes if elected, in May 2011.


     4) Small business is a key part of the economic recovery in Massachusetts, what are your plans to facilitate effective support of small businesses?   This in on my web www.electronmadnick.com in detail. Frankly I need to listen to your organization and see what you think should be done.


     5) Grassroot Community Based Organizations (CBO) are an integral part of community development, what will you do to secure funding for local CBO’s and prevent 9C cuts during the budget process?    I am opposed to across the board cuts. Some programs are more important then others, CBO programs are important. I am not opposed to the Governor giving a report in writing.   When it comes to raising additional revenues the Governor is going to have to convince me that it is needed. I am not opposed to using the Common Wealth Stabilization Funds for worthy programs. The only tax that I might consider is a progressive income tax rather then the present flat rate, but again on taxes, I want to wait until the study is done that I have mentioned above

I     I will not make a tax increase pledge. We all remember George Bush Senior’s statement; “read my lips no tax increases.” After he became president he had to increase taxes. I am sure he meant it when he said it. 

Chandler Business Association Candidate Questions--2010

Please give answers to the following questions limiting you answer to 100 words.   We will post answers as they come in.

1. Do you support or oppose the repeal of sales tax on alcoholic beverages?
2. Do you support or oppose the cut in the sales tax from 6.25% to 3%?
3.  If the voters approve rolling back the sales tax or the income tax, will you honor the voters wishes
4. Small business is a key part of the economic recovery in Massachusetts, what are your plans to facilitate effective support of small businesses?
5. Grassroot Community Based Organizations (CBO) are an integral part of community development, what will you do to secure funding for local CBO’s and prevent 9C cuts during the budget process?

Local Meals Tax

The most recent numbers are in click here and open the file entitles Local Meals Tax Dsitribution.   City of Worcester's qtrly collection

342,103.38

Congress punts

story here    here is a small part


WASHINGTON — A deeply unpopular Congress is bolting for the campaign trail without finishing its most basic job — approving a budget for the government year that begins on Friday. Lawmakers also are postponing a major fight over taxes, two embarrassing ethics cases and other political hot potatoes until angry and frustrated voters render their verdict in the Nov. 2 elections.



As a last necessary task before leaving, both the Senate and House passed a temporary spending measure needed to keep federal agencies operating when the new budget year starts.  As Congress moved toward a messy end to a session fraught with partisan fire, President Barack Obama campaigned for Democrats in Iowa and Virginia, accusing Republicans of being dishonest about what needs to be done to revive the economy and restore middle-class dreams.


With their House and Senate majorities on the line, Democratic leaders called off votes and even debates on all controversial matters.

Sutner Blog

I like it and would like to put it on the blog log but

1. if you are not a subscirber can you access it?
2. does it have the feed feature like all the other blogs?

Help!!

Chevalier Furniture

I need to set the record straight on this on.   Initially I was not crazy about this project but the more I have been looking at it I have changed my mind, which I believe I have been saying?  Just in case this will be a good project --why?

• The city has given some money, 750,000 in HOME funds to help but not an outrageous amount like some of the other projects
• Good balance between market rate and low-mod income (50/50)
• Off street parking is being provided, not to mention the availability of the Union Station Garage

Driving by the project I can see this adding alot to the neighborhood and being a springboard to maybe more market rate housing.  I see none of this potential when I drive by Southgate Street, May Street or the Hadley.

Real Health Insurance Relief

There was an article in the newspaper regarding the Lieutenant Governor's debate.   One of the issues that came up was the cost of health insurance premiums.

The Commonwealth Division of Insurance rejecting the rates did not very little to lessen the increases that employers in the merged makets have received.  In fact , in the case of Fallon it did absolutely nothing.   There are many things, which I have mentioned here many times the Commonwealth of Massachusetts could do to provide real relief.

1. Stop the never ending open enrollment.  Currently people can sign up have coverage and drop the next day.   Actually there is legislation pending to limit open enrollment to two months per year.  It should be one month. 
2. Enable people to buy health insurance that does not require you to have prescription coverage to meet MCC (minimum credible coverage) to avoid the State Penalty.  Walmart and Hannafords have a great list of prescriptions you can buy at unreal costs without needing any underlying prescriptoin coverage.
3. This one would be tought but enable groups to opt out of all the state mandated benefits like larger companies that self-insure do.
4. Need to increase the amount of the penalty not to have health insurance.
5. Lastly--the state subsidized CommonwealthCare is a mess.   We should audit that to make sure subscribers are not eligible for group health insurance with their employer and add an asset test like we do for Medicaid.

If any of these were actually done, they would provide real rate relief for small employers.

Southwest buys Airtran

Story

Southwest may seriously now take a look at Worcester

New blog link

Holly Robichaud writes for the Bostone Herald and writes a blog called the Lone Republican.  

Hadley Parcels

Two parcels abutting Hadley:

1. Caravan Building
2. Ionic Boys Club

Both listed on the auction block in yesterday's newspaper.

Nemeth Article Today

Robert Z Nemeth wrote a story about Eric Stoltz today.  Bottom is that he praised Eric on his community involvement and how he was the most qualified man to take over Harvard-Pilgrim after Charlie Baker.  I too commend Eric on all his community involvement.

I see his move to Harvard-Pilgrim a little like Pete Carroll leaving USC for the Seahawks.   As a Worcester tax-payer, I am very concerned about the future of Fallon.  They are a great company to have in downtown Worcester, but I see the next couple of years being very rough on them.  As much as Eric may have been the most qualified person to run Harvard-Pilgrim, he also may have seen leaving Fallon now as the right time to get out.

Governor Cristie

McGovern-Lamb debate

Jahn takes Nick K to task

I am sorry but I have to take Nick K. to task for lack of a more detailed analysis of the Clark pilot payment (CCP) agreemetn. Nick, please, you're touting this CPP as 262k the city will take in every yr plus the 2.5% annaul increase in the payment over the 20 yrs term of. You re not doign even the most basic deatiled analysis here. By your own writing on Tuesday yuo state the CPP will allow Clark to remove "some 20 properties" from teh city tax rolls. According to my 1/2 hr of research, Clark owns 21 tax paying properties in Worc ranging from the rrestaaut at Downing and Park Ave (former site of Pipins?) to 3 deckers to MT lots to nicely refurbished store fronts on Main St. Total taxes paid by these 21 properties now is 156k. Thats 156k the city will not receive in the future Bottomline that is not being said here is the city will only realize the 262k CPP LESS the 156k loss in property tax revenune. Net to the city in thsi deal is therefore 106k per year plus the 2.5% increase over the 20 yrs. of teh CPP.........one hell of far cry from teh 262k news stories of late. Nick if you doubt me please go to city website for the treasurer's office and enter Clarks name then click on every property listed as being owned by Clark and if it is a taxable property note the amt of tax they pay annually & then tally up the lost taxes....156K by my count. I mean to call thsi 262k to teh city is like saying a 120M$ powerball win is really 120M$ to the winner...The reality is it's more like about $35-40M$ to the winner. Money paid out over time has a decreasing value every year. Similarly, money not paid out every yr. (Clark's Property taxes) has an increasing value every yr. Why do you think Clark agreed to the 2.5% increase each yr........b/c thats the maximum amt their property taxes that will not now be paid woulda gone up every yr. on average. Then take the 106k that remains and assume the lions share of that will go to fix up Clark and its immediate area.......and it's even more of a win for Clark. And gee i almost forgot, whats that stretch of real esate called Downing St the city will hand over for free to Clark really worth........i'd argue it's pricless to Clark. kinda how that stretch of Putnam lane is Pricelsss to CSX (a tax paying entity).

Classic

O'Day Sticker Campaign

I was talk to a friend of mine, who is a police officer that worked a polling district that is represented by John O'Day.   He mentioned to me that there was a sticker campaign run by someone else??    Was this in the newspaper.  Anyone know anything about that? 

BioTech in Worcester

Very interesting story on the WBRU website.


Here is another one

Congressman McGovern

Stopped by Paul's place yesterday to get an update on what we have been doing.  He was great and I want to personally thank him.     Paul-where are the pcitures.

Chandler NRSA Accomplishments

450,000 of CDBG monies

Facades completed

1 38 Chandler Street Alan's
2 54 Chandler Street Roland's
3 208 Chandler Street Matt Dumas
4 210 Chandler Street Suney/Katch
5 216 Chandler Street Suney
6 232 Chandler Street Living Earth
7 344 Pleasant Street Bahnan's

pending

8 150 Chandler
9 438 Pleasant Weagle
10 222 Chandler Vasken
11 455 Pleasant Johnny Mac's

Home Improvement

1 23 Newbury Street
2 20 Newbury Street
3 36 Newbury Street
4 24 Hawley Street
5 210 Chandler Street front
6 210 Chandler Street back
7 40 Mason Street
8 21 Preston Street
9 100 Piedmont Street
10 85 Piedmont Street
11 12 Congress Street
12 18 Bluff Street
13 174 Austin Street
14 98 Chatham
15 8 Hollwood

Misc

1 MLK workforce development (approximately 15,000)
2 summer work crew 2007 (WCAC reimbursed except Miller)
3 summer work crew 2008 Rick Miller
4 summer cwork crew 2009 Paul
5 planters and benches
6 5 camera systems
7 2 summer interns in 2007
8 sponsored 2 earth days
9 master plan


CDBG-R monies 250,000
Economic Stimulus monies Approximately
Not NRSA

1 18 Mason Street
2 17 Mason Street
3 33 Newbury Street
4 28 Newbury Street
5 97 Piedmont Street
6 18 Winslow Street
7 107 Austin Street
8 16 Merrick Street
9 20 Hawley Street
10 26 Bancroft
11 100 Chatham
12 9 Bancroft
13 5 1/2 Bluff
14 5 Parker
15 13 Larch
16 11 Larch
17 21 Pemberton
18 16 Congress
19 13 Merrick

City Manager O'Brien

Few years back, I remember thinking "strong" mayor would be a good idea in Worcester, but I am not so sure anymore.  Thought this may be as good a time as any to point out what a good job our City Manager is doing and this may be one of his best weeks yet:

1. Negotiate a PILOT with Clark.   Believe this is the 3rd on (Mass College of Pharmacy and WPI being the others)
2. Check register going on-line
3. Last week, or the week before, the RFP for the new Housing study was put on-line
4. Administration public opposition to the repeal of 40B, realizing that this would result in even more no-lo housing in Worcester.

Rumor Mill Cranking

Big law firms hurting right now.   Specifically one in Wocester that rhymes with D & D may be hurting more them just a little.

Joppa Road

Not much blogging lately--kind of busy.   Joppa Road starting to take shape.  To date approximately 8,000 in fees and permits. 

Precedent

Ther terms of the original RFP for the Pharmasphere parcel specified that you had to take title to the property within I believe it was 90 days.   In this case the winning bidder was, however, was able to negotiate terms of conditions (TOC) that allowed him to put off actual purchase for 2 years.   Even at the expiration of the TOC, the winning bidder is given even more time.  Did I also mention the 2+ million dollar HUD loan that the city has guaranteed.

My point is next time the city has a bid, I should bid.  If I win, completely disregard the terms as laid out in the RFP and ask for 2 years to close on the property an inquire about a HUD loan.   My point is the terms of an RFP should be followed not negotiated with the winning bidder, it is not fair to the other bidders who lost or prospect who chose not to bid based on the terms of the RFP. 

Pharmasphere

Pharasphere won the bid for $1 in January, 2008, because they were suppose to "move forward quickly", but were given until September 1st, 2009 to obtain a building permit before they have even have to take title to the property within ten days for $1.

Even ithough they did not have the building permit on September 1st, 2009, the Terms of Conveyance (TOC) can not be terminated until September 1st, 2010 as long as Pharmasphere "has pending applications to obtain such permit and is diligently pursuing such permit."    Evidently they were in fact "diligent".

September 1st has passed, one would assume that the TOC has expired, but I have heard that they are being given more time.    It will be three years in January that this property has sat in limbo without one penny of taxes being paid.   Now we are putting all hopes on Converted Organics buying Terrasphere to make Pharamasphere happen, although it appears to me all three of these companies are in essence the same people?
 

Converted Organics Press Release today

Converted Organics Inc. (Nasdaq:COIN) today announced that its Shareholders have voted to approve the acquisition of 100% of the interests of TerraSphere Systems LLC pursuant to the terms of an agreement dated July 6, 2010 (the "Agreement").

The Company expects the acquisition to close in mid-November 2010, subject to closing conditions, which include the restructuring of certain of Converted Organics' debt to the satisfaction of TerraSphere's majority holders.

"We are pleased that our shareholders have approved the acquisition of TerraSphere and look forward to the closing of the transaction," said Edward J. Gildea, President of Converted Organics. "The acquisition of TerraSphere and its vertical farming technology would provide Converted Organics and our shareholders with an important new growth engine and would give the Company access to a market that we believe holds tremendous potential. We believe we are well positioned to continue developing TerraSphere's technology and expanding this business through the addition of new partnerships and licensees, while advancing the Company's position in this nascent market."

Governor Christie

CitySquare

Read alot about this and got to say this is a good thing for Worcester.  Obvious I know, but still a little disappointed that Front Street reconnecting to Washington Square.   You can even see a curb cut McGrath Boulevard showing where the road will come into Washington Square..  In fact, we should put a mural on that side to show people where the road would be?

Also I was very glad to see Nick K give Dan Benoit the credit he deserves for this idea.  Who knows maybe some of the low no developers will evern hire a local architect like Dan for their next project?

Randy Moss

JetBlue to Turks

Note press release below!!   JetBlue to Turks & Cacois.   Lets try to get one of these Boston departures out of ORH???

 JetBlue Airways Corp. said Wednesday that it will begin offering service from New York and Boston to the Turks & Caicos Islands in the Caribbean in February.   On Feb. 17, it will begin flying daily to Providenciales, the most populous of the islands, from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.

On Feb. 19, it will begin weekly Saturday flights from Boston Logan International to Providenciales. That service will end in April and run in following years only in peak tourist season — November to April.

JetBlue expects to start selling tickets for the new Turks & Caicos service in October.

Real Estate Flippers

There was an article in the Sunday Telegram a couple Sundays ago.  I can not link in since I have yet figured out how to access the on-line edition myself.   The story detailed a mortgage scheme which I have explained many times on this blog.  It works like this:

• You find a property and buy it
• You sell it right away at an inflated price
• Lets take an example where you buy for $125K and turn and sell for 200K
• You really need an appraiser in your back pocket, who will say that your spent alot of money rehabbing the place etc to come up with a 200K appraisal but, in the day,--you could find one
• You then find a buyer who will get a mortgage for 200K (many times from Long Beach Mortgage) and you make 75K, of which you give the buyer 10K since his credit is about to be ruined since no one payment will be made

The guy in the Sunday paper did this, but with a little twist.  He would buy a three decker, condo it and sell the units to straw buyers.   Bottom line it was fraud and was one of the many causes of the real estate crash.  As a result many changes have been made in the mortgage market to curtail this fraud especially the appraisal process.  They don't even let you know who it will be and you can not even talk to them. 

What killed me was they interviewed Ron Charette from the South Worcester Neighborhood Center, who went on to explain how real estate flippers like this killed the neighborhood?   This guy was not a real estate investor/flipper, he was an outright thief!!!!!!!!  

My point is the Executive Director of the South Worcester Neighborhood Center should be holding meetings inviting real estate investors/flippers and to come down and see the opportunities that are available in this area not calling real estate investors bad people?  Meanwhile, he has turned around and is working on a 7 million dollar project that will have all low-income rental units that nobody in the neighborhood wants?  

We need to roll the red carpet out to investors to come to Worcester and buy property.  Instead we roll the red carpet out to no low income developers and wonder why tax collections attack private developers as "flippers"and we wonder why revenues are down in the City of Worcester?

Slumerville

Last night I went to the Worcester Court Club to put in two miles on the tread mill.   Like it there since, I can put on the headphones and have my choice between 4 or 5 differnt channels to watch.   Last night I imagined that I would catch some pre-game hype for the Saints-Vikings.   Instead I watched Chronicle do a spotlight on Sommerville.

It was as if Paul was talking to me go through the headphones detailing the various projects going on throughout the City.  It made Worcester look pathetic and I could not help but think "why the hell does Paul not go back there?".   Truth is I have been getting the feeling that Paul is in fact going to spend less and less time in Worcester and that truly is sad. 

Amazing in this city we put the heads of CDC's on a pedestal, but a guy sinking his own private money into the City of Worcester is seen as no big deal.     Ever since Deval Patrick came to Worcester and touted Southgate Place, costig approximately $300,000, three days after a story in the Telegram detailing the Hadley apartment costing $510,000 each, I have never been so down on the City of Worcester and I can not blame someone like Paul moving back to Sommerville.

Holyoke HUD Audit

Update in the Springfield Republican August 31, 2010.  HUD feels that they should have spent 1.75 million on 7 duplexes not more then 2 million and they may want Holyoke to pay back $288,000.  Got me to thinking 7 duplexes at 1.75 million comes to 250K per duplex or 125K per unit.

Seems like a bargain to me (125K per unit) compared to the 510K for the Hadley.

V-66

Remember that station--great video

2010 Ballot Questions

It would be interesting to see where all the candidates stand on the three ballot question on the 2010 ballot.

Link 

I am votingYes on all three

Linear Air

Keeps cranking, article

Concord, Mass.-based Linear Air, an air-taxi service that features Eclipse 500 very light jets, increased its revenue growth 104 percent from the first half of 2009 to the first half of this year, the company has announced. “In 2009, we took our lumps along with everyone else, and more than many, given the bankruptcy and reorganization of Eclipse Aviation,” said CEO William Herp (in photo). “But so far this year, we have seen growing demand for business day trips and leisure travel.” The company, which has just acquired its fifth Eclipse 500, is expanding into metropolitan New York with aircraft, crew and sales staff now based at Westchester County Airport in White Plains, N.Y. Linear Air has also announced a program under which it will manage aircraft and generate charter income for Eclipse 500 owners. The program requires no upfront cash outlay and no minimum monthly management fee and involves no markup on maintenance or other expenses.

City Square

I got to tell you--I am totally confused as to what has happened here?   Only half the garage is being torn down and now there is no new garage being built and there is no street being done..  Am I even right about that?  Bottom line is that all City Square seems to be right now is a new office building with one of the tenants being UNUM.  Other then that, there is nothing else--right?

Jahn, after you check out Mason-Winfield drive the Hadley-Odd Fellows (building next to old Mart) and say to yourself 30,000,000 dollars.   It is a complete mess.   What the hell happens to the Hadley now anyhow?  Are parking lots ever built for the tenants?  The IONIC boys club??  

Converted Organics

September 6, 2010



Shares of Converted Organics (NASDAQ:COIN) traded at a new 52-week low Friday of $0.37. Approximately 842,000 shares have traded hands Friday vs. average 30-day volume of 481,000 shares.
Converted Organics closed at $0.4, approximately 30.5% below its 50-day moving average of $0.57. SmarTrend will be monitoring shares of COIN to see if this bearish momentum will continue.
SmarTrend is bearish on shares of Converted Organics and our subscribers were alerted to Sell on May 20, 2010 at $0.83. The stock has fallen 52% since the alert was issued.

Converted Organics

The parent company behind Pharmasphere press release--I dont see these guys being around much longer:

On August 16, 2010, we received a letter from the NASDAQ Stock Market ("NASDAQ") notifying us that we do not currently meet the minimum of $2,500,000 in stockholders' equity requirement set forth in NASDAQ Listing Rule 5550(b)(1) (the "Listing Rule") (the "Letter"). On our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010 that was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 13, 2010, we reported stockholders' equity of $2,152,450. In addition, the Letter states that as of August 13, 2010, we did not meet the Rule's compliance alternatives of either market value of listed securities of $35 million or $500,000 of net income from continuing operations in the most recently completed fiscal year or in two of the last three most recently completed fiscal years. As such, we are currently not in compliance with the Listing Rule.

Pursuant to the Letter, we have 45 calendar days, or until September 30, 2010, to submit a plan to regain compliance to NASDAQ and if NASDAQ accepts our plan, NASDAQ can grant an extension of up to 180 calendar days from the date of the Letter for us to regain compliance with the Listing Rule. The Company plans to submit a plan of compliance by the required deadline, such plan will include debt restructuring of the Company, as well as completion of the TerraSphere acquisition if such acquisition is approved by Company stockholders on August 31, 2010. Management and the Board of the Directors of the Company encourage all stockholders to vote their shares in connection with the TerraSphere acquisition.

Mayor's Task Force on Job Growth & Business Retention

Click here.    I have had a chance to flip through it and discuss it this morning.  There are basically 4 parts:

1. Municipal Staffing and Organization
2. Promoting a Fair and Equitable Taxation System
3. Business Incentives
4. Branding & Marketing

We need to increase our commercial tax base, we all know that.  Over the last 25 years, since the adoption of the dual tax rate, the value of the commercial/industrial portion of the tax base has declined from 35% to 19% 

Looking at the 4 categories, the emphasize should be place on #3--Business Incentives.    Go to existing businesses waive their permitting fees for any expansion, water/sewer connection fees, lock in assessed values for a certain period of time (Philadelphia Plan).   I also like #1 alot---Municipal Staffing and operations.  As far as #4) --Branding & Marketing?   If we do #1 and #3 correctly, the city will market itself.  Word will get out that Worcester is a place that welcomes business. 

I have a problem with #2.  Although we need to close the gap between Residential-Commercial tax rates, we need to close the gap by increasing the commercial tax base by following the recommnendations laid out in #1 and #3 and the gap will close all by itself.     Attempting to merely set the rates to close the existing gap, for example, 50% over 3 years, will never happen politically nor do I think it would attract the corresponding commercial growth as much as the other recommendations.

Lastly taxing 4+ units commercially will 1) never get approved on the state level and 2) is a horrible idea, sorry. .   We want to be attracting residential development not scaring them away with the possibility of a commercial tax rate.   Wonder how the owner of the Mayo Group feels about that idea?

Clive's Tea Party Story

The other day Clive wrote a story about the Tea Party, that I did not exactly agree with.  I had no idea that my support of Tea Party meant all of the different things that he mentioned.  At this point, I usually say something like "click here".    Since I have yet called the toll free number to access my articles on-line, I can not.   Even if I had, can you access a link that I post?

The thing that I found incredibly ironic, however, is that I can post a link to the New York Times article written by Jane Mayer on 8/21/2010, that appears to be the basis of the story written by Clive and a follow-up story by Frank Rich a week later in the New York Times.   I can not, however, link to the Worcester Telegram, that I subscribe to, story written by Clive?

Mike Elfland you seem like a nice guy, but this new business model seems to be destined for failure.

A Tale of Two Cities

Brought to you by Harry T as written in the Boston Herald. 

Hadley Fall Out && Zimage wins be!!

It truly amazes me how little discussion has ensued after it was revealed that the Hadley Apartments cost $510,000 each to develop.     At this point I am start to believe that this train has left the station and there is no stopping it.

Drove by the market of the Worcester Center today and one of the ramps is being torn down so Zimage officially wins a bet--FINALLY.  Congrats Dave.