New Bedford Developments

^The disrepair is probably due to the fact that it's a poorly maintained public housing project that was cheaply built in the first place. The residents (for the most part) are getting a free or highly subsidized ride and just plain don't care about upkeep while the people who own properties in town tend to care more for their own property as they have something at stake.

The new front yards are much larger than what typical homes in the area have. In fact, this area is relatively high density. In comparison to the existing United Front project, I would say the new front yards are larger. However, in all fairness, the existing project has large parking lots in the front (abutting the streets) and large backyards/shared space in the rear.

I'll go ahead and say that the new project is progress over the existing one, but that's not saying much and it's not nearly as good as it could be. The reconnection of the street grid is about the best thing that's happening here as it can really contribute to the improvement in the immediate vicinity of this project (it's nice not far at allfrom United Front).
 
first - any rendering looks a lot better than what is actually built in new england. only renderings of projects in places like miami even remotely resemble the actual projects when built. But, imagine the reaction of public officials if they were shown a project on a treeless street with trash floating around in the winter. I realize this is stuff people probably already know, but I am restating it because I too for a while used to complain about how crappy actual development looks compared to renderings, and this is the only conclusion I could come up with. The drawings have probably been used in a pitch to the local community or to get federal aid or something.

Also, I agree it looks too suburban. At first I was going to say I liked it (compared to other housing projects, especially) but then when I read it was close to the city center I reconsidered. I know what your mean about the trashy front yards. in the summer (and perhaps the winter also) there will be plastic swimming pools, abandoned kids bikes, jump ropes and skateboards and other 'debris' hanging out. It is unsightly. I think what the city should concentrate on is more public space, and less private front yards, because in an area like this, it sounds like that may be the only way to enforce some cleanliness.
 
^You're right about the finished product not matching the rendering. It never happens. I'm guessing that this rendering is so colorful and bright so it could be used to seamlessly move those project dwellers out of their units so it could be rebuilt. Think about it, everyone of those people probably dreams about having a colonial home in the suburbs. This rendering makes it appear that the city is giving them exactly what they dream of. If I were in their shoes, I'd be thrilled about the idea of it (the reality is a different story all together). I just think that the "suburban" urban housing project has been done before and has never worked.

This project is too close to the city center for it to be this suburban looking. It's not IN the city center, but it's only about 8 or 9 blocks away which is close. If they wanted the open space, they could have rebuilt the street grid (as they're going to do), and built the project much higher density (wall to wall, hugging the street- even keeping the same generic architectural theme if they wanted... one section is row house and looks ok if it were closer to the street) and left either half or probably even a whole newly formed block as a nice public park (they could use a little one here). It would get a heck of a lot more use than the tiny "yards." But yeah, I'm just waiting for the plastic pools and uncut grass. This is a real dark spot in an otherwise decent urban neighborhood.

Anyway, it's a housing project so I guess I shouldn't expect too much. The redoing of a grid here is enough for me to be happy about because it leaves the potential for it to be filled in the future with something a bit better.
 
I can only imagine the decision to include yards like this is linked to research studies that conclude lack of definable personal space in larger urban housing projects (think chicago) is what has led to so many problems in those places. But then again, I don't know if this could be ameliorated or not by the type of park that I suggested and you agreed with (I think we were saying the same thing, anyway). Sometimes parks are areas for trouble too.

I think the best idea is to integrate section 8 with other types of housing. there should be no 'project' anywhere in the country. Developers are often times given density bonuses for including affordable housing units (or subsidized units) in their projects, and this is the right approach I think. A redeveloped project is still just a pig with lipstick.

projects from china to maine are all disgusting failures.
 
The design looks pretty standard Hope VI. This is what you get when you mix government planning, value engineering, and New Urbanism.
 
A redeveloped project is still just a pig with lipstick
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In Boston, Harbor Point and Mission Main came out of redevelopment pretty well.
 
Nothing big today, but these are cool construction/renovation photos of the Rose Alley Ale House on Front Street (taken from their facebook page). RAAH opened last fall and is one of the best bars in New Bedford now featuring two bars of craft beers, live music, harbor views and great pub grub. It's in one of the city's most historic buildings which is why the renovation was cool to watch.

some samples from the page:

Interior:


Exterior (They build an addition on the right side to nearly double the size of the building).


The facebook pics: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2023392&id=1472037254

The official site: http://www.drinkrosealley.com/index.htm
 
Went there a couple weeks ago ... lipstick on a pig. It's a New Bedford shitbox with the same dirtbag clientele as every other place in town. You still pay $7 for a beer but it no longer comes with a complimentary eightball.
 
^Oh Come on, it's not that bad. The beer selection is great (a pretty diverse lineup) and the crowd isn't bad. If you want to see a dirtbag clientele, check out the National Club or Fins around the corner (you can get your eightball there). What more would you expect out of a pub in a small port city? It's just fine for what it is.
 
Perhaps it was just the night I was in there but it was a trashy crowd, nearly on par with that of the Tam. It didn't help that they didn't have Stella and the stooge behind the bar retorted that they had a special on some Dogcrap Maple Syrup "IPA" which turned out to be complete trash, not to mention grossly overpriced. I just don't see the appeal in drinking with a bunch of fist pumping wannabe beer connoisseurs from ZooMass-Lite. I should note I later dined at the new Airport Grill on that same evening. It wasn't up to the average quality of Boston, but for what it is it was quite passable and the crowd was decent as well.
 
In any of the small cities in Eastern Mass. you're bound to run into some of that trashy crowd. In fact, you get plenty of it in and around the bars on Lansdowne or Faneuil Hall too. New Bedford is no exception and Rose Alley has its nights. I'm no fan of Stella, but whenever I've been to Rose Alley, they've been pushing the Dogfishead crap (I hate it too... I go downstairs and get a large bottle of Fin Du Monde from Unibroue... 9%abv and $9 with a glass) too. The Dogfishead is grossly overpriced. I think it's junk.

I've been on rough nights (the "good" crowds rotate primarily 4 bars downtown... RAAH, Hibernia, Cork, and The Pour Farm) and also on good nights. I guess it's just a matter of luck (and knowing where else to go if it sucks). For a small city nightlife, I think it's alright and it's getting better. It's not Newport, nor will it ever be. It won't be Providence either (though Providence has some crowds I would judge as trashier), but it's not so bad (I'd take New Bedford over a good bunch of cities in New England for nightlife). The Wannabe "beer connoisseurs" is an unfortunate annoyance. The Pour Farm up the street has better prices, a good selection, and a better crowd (founded by brewers) but no food. It doesn't have the feel of people trying too hard like RAAH does.

Never been to the airport grill (old or new) and you're the first person I've heard even mention it. I'm glad it was OK. The best restaurant, hands down, (and crowd for that matter) in New Bedford is the Fresca Grill ( http://www.frescagrill.com/ ). Check it out when you're down there. Reasonably priced and relatively inventive. Waterfront Grille is a close second but it has some of the annoying "cliche" New Bedford types occasionally. I haven't been to Candleworks in forever, but found it to be highly overrated.
 
The Airport Grille seems to be busy 7 days a week, it became popular very quickly. I have only been to the "new one" 2 times but I work nearby and see the crowds in the parking lot and inside the terminal.
 
Another developer locks up a second potential casino site just south of Downtown at the Canon Street Power Station (NStar). These plans are impressive and if NB gets a casino, this has to be the one. Here's an article from the Standard Times: http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091218/NEWS/912180319 .

The company is KG Urban Enterprises and they have an IMPRESSIVE slide show with every sort of rendering you can imagine. The slide show is here: http://kgurbanenterprises.com/cannon_street_show/cannon_street_station.htm

Here are some select images for those who don't want to check the link:

This image shows where the casino site is relative to the historic district:


a view from downtown (Zeiterion area):


From the South:


A view of the waterfront work:


A view of the Exhibit Hall and Ped. Bridge:


Street level view of the entrance and renovated power plant:


A view of the floor inside the power plant's main structure:


An interior view of an addition to the plant:


A view from the Whaling District:


Night view from the Whaling District:


Harborwalk Portion:




I have to say, I'm VERY impressed. From the renovation of the old power plant to the harborwalk and effort to incorporate the existing historic area by making seamless connections, this looks very promising. More than that, it's a truly urban project.

Of course, this hinges on the state passing casino legislation AND selecting this company as one of 3 (I believe the current plan is to allow 3 casinos) in the whole state to build. That is, to say the least, a long shot. However, I was skeptical of the casino plans but this looks like it can really be beneficial to the city.
 
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There's got to be a better use for a space like that than a casino. How about a market?
 
Ron Newman said:
There's got to be a better use for a space like that than a casino. How about a market?
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The site was where they originally planned to put the Aquarium. Budget restraints shrunk the project and it was opened in a smaller package (but still nice) on Union St. downtown.

Personally, I think the site would be great for some expansion of the seaport (it's being considered and they've even applied for $50+ million in grants). However, nothing seems to be close to reality at this point.

A casino isn't my favorite option, but that plan is pretty good.
 
The Casino not only beautifies the downtown area, but guarantees 4,000 permanent jobs.
Anyone that believes a "MARKET", or an "AQUARIUM"; could do more for New Bedford is not very informed on economics !!! The KG Project is outstanding. It will totally bring life back to the downtown, increase the the tax base income by mountains, and could also help all the small local downtown businesses that are starving at this point and can't hold onto a "DREAM' if the politicians don't get moving. This is a golden opportunity for New Bedford to make a glorious comeback and draw the tourists back. Keep sitting on your hands and contemplate small ideas; and you certainly will be the looser....
 
Casinos help local businesses? Usually they destroy them. Does New Bedford want to become Atlantic City?
 
Wow, i must say that i like it alot!

If there has to be casinos in Mass, I would much prefer this, than building a new resort type deal on a field in Middlebury.
 
Dr. Donald A. Kadlec said:
The Casino not only beautifies the downtown area, but guarantees 4,000 permanent jobs.
Anyone that believes a "MARKET", or an "AQUARIUM"; could do more for New Bedford is not very informed on economics !!! The KG Project is outstanding. It will totally bring life back to the downtown, increase the the tax base income by mountains, and could also help all the small local downtown businesses that are starving at this point and can't hold onto a "DREAM' if the politicians don't get moving. This is a golden opportunity for New Bedford to make a glorious comeback and draw the tourists back. Keep sitting on your hands and contemplate small ideas; and you certainly will be the looser....
Click to expand...

I believe a market or aquarium would do more for New Bedford in terms of livability (everyone forgets, the aquarium exists, just in a smaller form on Union Street-- the Ocean Explorium) and aesthetics. I think that for prospective residents (and even some general tourists), those things are far more attractive than a casino. Furthermore, the casino will bring a negative aspect that those other attractions wouldn't bring. Most people consider a market or an aquarium a positive thing to live around while casinos have a negative stigma that's far from unfounded.

I don't know that the Casino "beautifies" the downtown area either. It cleans up and revitalizes a stretch of harbor south of the downtown area. Aesthetically, it does little for the downtown area other than offer a view of the two towers (something I assume historic district residents won't be too fond of). What it DOES do is clean up an area and bring life to an area that is currently largely unused.

Personally, I haven't been thrilled with the idea of casinos. You are correct to point out that they do have an apparent immediate economic boost (i.e. taxable revenue), but Ron pointed out that they often take away from local businesses. The other casino proposal for the Hicks-Logan area (along I-195 north of downtown) terrifies me because of these reasons. It is planned to be a self-contained resort casino. It's like a city within a city. Furthermore, it's between downtown and the primary traffic source (I-195) which means that no one will travel into town to get to the casino. It essentially cuts off traffic from downtown New Bedford. Finally, it makes no effort to ingrain itself into the urban fabric of the area (including downtown) which means that it will draw AWAY from the city center and not enhance it.

This proposal doesn't do that. It's not the typical walled off resort. It looks like every effort was taken to have this proposal blend into the city's urban fabric. There are connections to downtown (it's RIGHT next door) and the waterfront. It's south of downtown which means traffic and people will have to travel through the center of the city to get to the casino which means more exposure for local businesses. It really appears that this developer wants something a little different than the prototypical resort casino and the renderings show a significant effort to blend the resort into the existing fabric of the city.

I don't see New Bedford following the footsteps of Atlantic City. If built, this would be the only game in town. New Bedford would hardly resemble the strip of casinos and boardwalk that exists in New Jersey. Furthermore, the Whaling District and historic downtown area are established already. Sure, I wouldn't say that they're "booming" (although they're steadily growing in popularity for tourists, residents and businesses), but they're doing well enough. This market won't change for the worse with the addition of the casino, it's already there. It can only benefit from the added traffic flow. The existence of a functioning historic core is something else that Atlantic City doesn't have. It's built around the casinos... This casino proposal is tailored to New Bedford, not the other way around.

Tying the resort into New Bedford's historic center also benefits the developer. Casinos are popping up in a lot of places. This site is further from New York and the mid-Atlantic than Foxwoods or Mohegan. These guys need something extra to draw people into their resort. Having it located adjacent to a picturesque historic seaside New England city center (with ferry service to Martha's Vineyard, and HOPEFULLY rail to Boston) is a huge selling point. I know, I know, it's New Bedford, but the marketing team will advertise it as something like Newport (which NB isn't and never will be) in order to hook people into it. I think if this comes as advertised, it can be hugely successful for both the city and the developer.

I would still prefer the $50+ Million renovation of the plant as a shipping center. The city will find out if they received that money in January. New Bedford grew by 30% as a cargo port over the past year, and continuing that growth can do more for the city's economy than any casino could. However, if that money isn't granted, the Cannon Street Station proposal looks to be a solid back up (if legislation passes, of course).

Markets are wonderful, but I think one would fail at this site (too large and a bit out of the way). I'd like to see a local produce market (seafood as well as locally farmed produce and wine, etc) somewhere downtown (like Wings Court, or Herman Melville Square) on a regular basis before dedicated indoor space is given up for that purpose. Unfortunately, I think the Bourne Counting House would have been a perfect location for a market on the first level, but it was renovated into office/retail space instead ( a good renovation).

Anyway, I like this proposal. I still prefer other means of renovating this site, but if the shipping grants don't end up in NB, I think this casino location would be great for the city. It's too close and too tied into downtown for it not to help. It certainly wouldn't have a negative impact on businesses there.
 
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Just saying, they have casinos in downtown St. Louis, and they do absolutely nothing for the urban environment. They're giant sarcophagi, swallowing people each morning and not spitting them out until late at night. There are no windows, and no outward facing retail or dining. Not even the Four Seasons hotel, which is attached, has an entrance that isn't tucked away from the street. Totally self sustaining, totally anti-urban.
 
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