Source: http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2010/01/new_ferry_servi.html
And the website for the new service: http://www.nbwhferry.com/
New Bedford Developments
- Thread starter Lrfox
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Source: http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2010/01/new_ferry_servi.html
And the website for the new service: http://www.nbwhferry.com/
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Why are Fall River's government buildings always bad knock-offs of Boston's? Their city hall is a tragic version of Boston City Hall and this is an imitation of the courthouse at Fan Pier.
I was wondering the same thing. It seems like Fall River imitates all of the bad construction in Boston. Beyond city hall, Fall River has a "central Artery" that still bisects the center of the city (even though, like the old South Station tunnel, a small chunk is underground). It also has a rotting, ancient, distracting upper and lower deck (route 79) like the one in Boston. Even the Braga Bridge resembles the Tobin to a degree. While I don't think the Moakley Courthouse in Boston is bad at all (in fact, from the water, it's great), this one sucks. I didn't get a picture, but it ignores the street completely with the exception of this (soon to be barren) little plaza out front. Anyway, even though I grew up nearby, I have very little love for Fall River except for the Highlands (upper and lower), Portuguese food, and some friends that still live there. It's a city that has destroyed most of the good urban roots it had in addition to being an economic black hole.
I was in New Bedford today (Job interview) and took some time to snap a few photos of current construction sites in town.
First, the Coalition for Buzzards Bay headquarters renovation looks like it's coming along nicely. This building will be entirely green when completed:
(far right of this photo)
I also went by the new Marriott hotel site to see how progress is moving. To my surprise, it's moving pretty fast. Now, Half of this structure will be the renovated portion of a historic Whale Oil building but I couldn't see that side as the way was blocked. So, you're only getting the waterfront side, and not the historic side:
The new hotel sits right across from one of my favorite buildings in town, the Bourne Counting House:
First, the Coalition for Buzzards Bay headquarters renovation looks like it's coming along nicely. This building will be entirely green when completed:
(far right of this photo)
I also went by the new Marriott hotel site to see how progress is moving. To my surprise, it's moving pretty fast. Now, Half of this structure will be the renovated portion of a historic Whale Oil building but I couldn't see that side as the way was blocked. So, you're only getting the waterfront side, and not the historic side:
The new hotel sits right across from one of my favorite buildings in town, the Bourne Counting House:
I know, you're not the only one who had a hard time believing it. It's a city position and I know the people involved. It's actually contingent on grant money so I'm not holding my breath.
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Patrick
Guest
Wait, someone is actually looking to hire? I thought they erased that word from the dictionary.
what is the position?
what is the position?
It's just an entry level position at the office of economic development. Really low level, but right now, I could use the work and it would be a good resume booster. I still don't think it'll happen. Like I said, it's contingent on grant money that they applied for and I doubt they'll get it.
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Patrick
Guest
Well resume boosting jobs can matter as much or more than education in some instances, so I don't think you should be downplaying it...plus, that's a good place to start to build within the city.
A 24 hour attraction isnt a good use of space?
Im thinking of the casino in Montreux, Switzerland, which is by the water and is very urban (and the only thing open past 6pm)
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Patrick
Guest
Yeah, I agree with your general point ^
You can't just want a market because it looks nice, because the reality is unless public money subsidizes it (and why would it?) they usually don't work out in american cities (with a few exceptions for larger cities). Europe seems to still do quite well with the markets, but america, especially small cities like NB, seems to not do so well. a lot of cities do, however, benefit from occasional outdoors farmer's markets, and these are great because they A.) provide the same service as an indoor market, and B.) do so at the most economic cost (free or close to free) because the city just needs to allow a bunch of wagons and stands to hang out for a couple hours on a saturday. A casino would be more viable, obviously since this is planned rather than a market, and this in itself should indicate that there would be more demand for its use than something else. True urban vibrancy comes from people, adn whatever gets them in town is good (most of the time). I know casinos get a bad reputation, and I wouldn't want one in my city, but if it was struggling I would be much more open to the idea.
You can't just want a market because it looks nice, because the reality is unless public money subsidizes it (and why would it?) they usually don't work out in american cities (with a few exceptions for larger cities). Europe seems to still do quite well with the markets, but america, especially small cities like NB, seems to not do so well. a lot of cities do, however, benefit from occasional outdoors farmer's markets, and these are great because they A.) provide the same service as an indoor market, and B.) do so at the most economic cost (free or close to free) because the city just needs to allow a bunch of wagons and stands to hang out for a couple hours on a saturday. A casino would be more viable, obviously since this is planned rather than a market, and this in itself should indicate that there would be more demand for its use than something else. True urban vibrancy comes from people, adn whatever gets them in town is good (most of the time). I know casinos get a bad reputation, and I wouldn't want one in my city, but if it was struggling I would be much more open to the idea.
Good points, New Bedford actually has a few successful markets including an excellent one at Sid Wainer and Sons on Saturday mornings. There are a lot of local farms in the area and of course New Bedford is the leading fishing port in the country, so there are some great markets. I still don't think the powerplant site would make a good spot for one just because it's too large and too prime of a location. I'd rather see some of the mill space elsewhere used for a big market.
New Bedford as a whole is struggling economically, but downtown isn't. The fear is that the casino would take away from downtown businesses (thus bringing the area down) rather than provide a boost. I personally believe it wouldn't have a big impact either way, but mostly leaning towards improvement. The market for businesses that's downtown is established and growing. A casino won't take away from that. The people who frequent the nicer restaurants downtown do so because they're unique. Candleworks, Waterfront Grille, Cork, etc are all successful because they're local and different. An Emeril's or Ruth's Chris may be wonderful for the elderly visiting from CT, but the people who help the businesses that are already downtown there succeed will continue to do so. I think the added traffic and the fact that the hotel will be right next to the city center will bring SOME foot traffic (the Casino developers promise to host shows at downtown's Zeiterion Theatre... a beautiful spot), but not tons.
In all I think the biggest benefit of having a casino is the tax dollars. New Bedford is so grant-dependent that it has difficulty producing and sustaining progress anywhere outside of downtown which really is an oasis in an otherwise struggling city.
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Patrick
Guest
a casino doesnt seem like it would compete for downtown traffic. instead, it seems like the kind of venue that would attract new visitors who, but for the casino, would otherwise not visit the area (in addition to a few who are regulars). Bangor maine just opened a casino, with a large attached hotel, and it seems to have brought a lot of people to the area. the city is now also considering building a new civic center bigger than portland's.
http://www.aaanne.com/images/travel/specials/CloseToHome/Hollywood.jpg
also, casinos bring a lot of venue-specific traffic, like a civic center, and such people demand other spinoff services so, unlike a civic center, a casino would enliven an area with foot traffic for restaurants AND provide additional tax dollars (instead of being subsidized by them). It seems like a smart thing to do. Of course, there is the issue of bringing an unwanted "type" of people to town, but when that sort already inhabits the area, there shouldn't be too much of a problem. Don't take that the wrong way, I'm just saying NB and the surrounding area isn't some conservative suburb. The key, I think, is to make the development contingent on having the supporting economy (restuarants, clubs, bars, etc) all be built OUTSIDE of the casino, so as to embrace the community, which would in turn spur further econ development, in theory.
http://www.aaanne.com/images/travel/specials/CloseToHome/Hollywood.jpg
also, casinos bring a lot of venue-specific traffic, like a civic center, and such people demand other spinoff services so, unlike a civic center, a casino would enliven an area with foot traffic for restaurants AND provide additional tax dollars (instead of being subsidized by them). It seems like a smart thing to do. Of course, there is the issue of bringing an unwanted "type" of people to town, but when that sort already inhabits the area, there shouldn't be too much of a problem. Don't take that the wrong way, I'm just saying NB and the surrounding area isn't some conservative suburb. The key, I think, is to make the development contingent on having the supporting economy (restuarants, clubs, bars, etc) all be built OUTSIDE of the casino, so as to embrace the community, which would in turn spur further econ development, in theory.
Another historic mill set to be converted into apartments. Good news for this entire complex which really is massive:
Original Story
Original Story
REAL Urban development downtown. The owner of the Catwalk Bar and Grill has pulled paperwork on "Rose Alley Townhouses." These townhouses are to be built on a parking lot on the narrow cobbled street known as Rose Alley (just behind the new Alehouse). Personally, I think this is a wonderful development. It's a small parking lot on a more quiet downtown street that wouldn't be good for businesses. Adding more residences to the area is only a good thing. I think the location would mean high demand too. No yards, No driveways, Just wall-to-wall urban town homes. The ground floor garages remind me of many residential neighborhoods in San Francisco. If this were on a main street I'd be concerned about the lack of street level interaction, but this project is on a tiny back alley that rarely sees traffic anyway so it's fine.
There hasn't been an official press release, but i DID get my hands on some renderings:
This is the location:
http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8...943,-70.922338&spn=0.003091,0.006968&t=h&z=18
There hasn't been an official press release, but i DID get my hands on some renderings:
This is the location:
http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8...943,-70.922338&spn=0.003091,0.006968&t=h&z=18
A little positive press for NB from NBC 10, Providence/New Bedford
Businesess Find a Home in Downtown New Bedford (WJAR).
(video at the link)
More available by following the link at the top of the post.
Another hotel story:
Waterfront Hotel set to open on schedule (June)... additional funding made possible the renovation of a historic neighboring building as part of the hotel happen ahead of schedule.
Businesess Find a Home in Downtown New Bedford (WJAR).
(video at the link)
More available by following the link at the top of the post.
Another hotel story:
Waterfront Hotel set to open on schedule (June)... additional funding made possible the renovation of a historic neighboring building as part of the hotel happen ahead of schedule.
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