tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86475485500009777532024-03-13T00:20:40.485-04:00Peabody RoundtableTeam Peabodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17147369945700006768noreply@blogger.comBlogger164125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647548550000977753.post-30382419142313509192011-12-25T04:40:00.001-05:002012-01-02T23:18:54.480-05:00Peabody Fire Fighter James Rice Dies in House Fire. Fund for Rice family and displaced residents established.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Veteran Peabody fire fighter James Rice died tragically when he was overcome by toxic fumes fighting a house fire on Hancock Street Friday. I join my fellow Peabody residents in mourning for the loss of a great public servant.</b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://media2.myfoxboston.com//photo/2011/12/30/jim-rice-1_20111230063654_320_240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media2.myfoxboston.com//photo/2011/12/30/jim-rice-1_20111230063654_320_240.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.salemnews.com/archive/x1750833815/g2581c20000000000009f23628122b49d402853cc7f5e758df7ae930932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.salemnews.com/archive/x1750833815/g2581c20000000000009f23628122b49d402853cc7f5e758df7ae930932.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Salem News Coverage:</b></span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.salemnews.com/local/x1818099849/Rice-mourned-as-help-pours-in-for-family-victims" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.salemnews.com/local/x1818099849/Rice-mourned-as-help-pours-in-for-family-victims</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.salemnews.com/local/x1666051697/Firefighter-dies-in-blaze" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.salemnews.com/local/x1666051697/Firefighter-dies-in-blaze</a><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.salemnews.com/local/x1666052086/Fatal-Peabody-fire-Photos" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.salemnews.com/local/x1666052086/Fatal-Peabody-fire-Photos</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.salemnews.com/local/x1666052036/Arson-ruled-out-in-Peabody-fire" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.salemnews.com/local/x1666052036/Arson-ruled-out-in-Peabody-fire</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<b style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Lynn Item Coverage:</b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.itemlive.com/articles/2011/12/24/news/news01.txt" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.itemlive.com/articles/2011/12/24/news/news01.txt</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<b style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Three funds have been established to assist both the Rice family and the residents displaced by the blaze.</b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Firefighter James Rice Memorial Fund, North Shore Bank.</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.local925.org/">Local 925 James Rice Fund</a>: [James Rice Fund, PO Box 4313, Peabody MA 01960]</b></span></li>
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<li><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>City of Peabody Fire Victims Relief Fund, North Shore Bank. <br /><br />North Shore Bank Donations are being accepted at any North Shore Bank branch office, or can be mailed to the North Shore Bank, 32 Main Street Peabody, MA 01960.</b></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>Peabody_Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05239483707014231094noreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647548550000977753.post-69075442978749620572011-11-09T00:25:00.000-05:002012-01-02T23:16:53.126-05:00Peabody Election Results 2011<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Total % vote Incumbent? </span></b><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b> </b><u><b>Mayor </b> </u></span></div>
<div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Bettencourt 8703 63.6%
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> </span></b></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Fitzgerald 4980 36.4%
</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> <u>At-large CC </u></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Gould 9012 18.7% </span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Garabedian 7601 15.8% I </span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Gravel 7526 15.6% I </span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Liacos 7123 14.8% I </span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Manning-Martin 7084 14.7% I </span></b></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Croce 5604 11.6%
</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Donovan 4227 8.8%
</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Ward 1 </span></b></u></div>
<div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Osborne 1547 56.8% I</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> </span></b></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Forti 1177 43.2%
</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> <b>Ward 2 </b></span></u></div>
<div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Athas 1089 I</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Ward 3 </span></u></b></div>
<div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Mello 1160 59.9% I </span></b></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Serino 777 40.1%
</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Ward 4 </span></u></b></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><span style="color: red;"> Driscoll 2182 I
</span><span style="color: blue;">
</span></b><span style="color: blue;">
</span></span></div>
<div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Ward 5 </span></u></b></div>
<div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Gamache 1521 I
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">
</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Ward 6 </span></u></b></div>
<div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Sinewitz 1955 I
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">
</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> PMLP (6 yr) </span></u></b></div>
<div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> D'Amato 7136 33.8% I </span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Aylward 4935 23.4% </span></b></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Birmingham 4825 22.9%
</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Feld 4186 19.9%
</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> PMLP (2 yr) </span></u></b></div>
<div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Bonfanti not reported I
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">
</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> School Committee </span></u></b></div>
<div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> McGeney 8296 27.7% I </span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Carpenter 8144 27.2% I </span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Charest 7108 23.7% I</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> </span></b></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Russell 6434 21.5% </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>Red color indicated winner(s) in race.</b></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #000099; font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">
</span></div>Peabody_Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05239483707014231094noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647548550000977753.post-49455994751093408352011-11-08T21:01:00.003-05:002011-11-08T21:04:06.901-05:00Ted Bettencourt is the next Mayor of Peabody<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>Congratulations to Ted Bettencourt. Time to fill those big shoes.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;"></span><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uVU1fYgURbs/TrnfcVHcz6I/AAAAAAAAAO0/Fzimhgxz_dk/s320/ted.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672810883447574434" /></div>Peabody_Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05239483707014231094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647548550000977753.post-30956740240915928542011-11-08T20:39:00.003-05:002011-11-08T20:56:03.447-05:00Peabody Mayor: Who will win, who should win.<span class="Apple-style-span" >Well the election is finished and only the votes need to be tallied.<span style="font-weight: bold; "></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >I decided to mostly stay out of the business of this election here at the Roundtable and occasionally jumped into the mix at the Peabody Politics blog.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >So who will win and who should win... a mighty bold statement and entirely based on my personal opinion, but here it goes and we will see the results soon enough.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Mayor:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Will Win: Bettencourt</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Should Win: Fitzgerald</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >It is plain to me... Sean has experience at running government on a day-to-day level and a broad background at multiple levels of government... and a true record of accomplishing things in his duties. Ted has been on the council, and even president, for 8 years and accomplished... well not very much indeed. Oh well... maybe he will grow into the shoes he will need to fill.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >As for the other races, I think the City Council will be mostly, if not all, returning to their posts. The exception might be Liacos who I think may be given the heave-ho from Gould. Donovan and Croce have the 'old and cranky' attribute that appeals to some folks, but usually doesn't get you elected.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >In the wards, I'd love to see Forte win, but I think it will be all incumbents yet again. Sadly Bob Driscoll was able to manuver Jeff Grayson OUT of his ward after last elections 1 vote victory... not the classiest move I have ever witnessed. And while I would love to see Mello ousted, he is very popular.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >School committee will be all the same faces... and its too bad because the only one who seems like he should REALLY BE on the committee is Russell - a real educator who might have made a real difference to our schools. I will keep hoping that McGeney or Carpenter will falter a bit and he will be elected, but this is Peabody and the incumbents rarely lose. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >As for the Light Commission... I don't really care except that I would like it if Aylward DID NOT get elected as I strongly oppose his position on the Massachusetts Go Green initiative. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Well now I will wait for the results like the rest of you...</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Peabody_Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05239483707014231094noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647548550000977753.post-74355501461263096642011-07-26T15:31:00.004-04:002011-07-26T16:03:54.242-04:00Election Update: With Donovan In... we all lose.<span class="Apple-style-span"><b>The Salem News and Peabody Patch report that Russ Donovan has filed papers to run for mayor in Peabody... again.</b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>The Salem News has <i>not</i> published this article on-line for some reason.</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>The Peabody Patch article is here: <a href="http://peabody.patch.com/articles/donovan-enters-peabody-mayors-race">Donovan Enters Peabody Mayor's Race</a></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Now the Salem News article has a short interview and here are the main points of Mr. Donovan's reasons for running:</b></span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>He doesn't think either Fitzgerald or Bettencourt will make the needed changes in Peabody</b></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>He is a non-politician</b></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>He is a fiscal conservative</b></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>He has no plans to raise money for a campaign</b></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>He wants to end bus fees for Peabody students</b></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>He wants to cut spending</b></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>He wants a 20% personal exemption for property taxes</b></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>He would slash the mayor's salary (to the avg. city worker pay)</b></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>He would not accept city health insurance (to set an example)</b></span></li></ul><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>So in his effort to cut the cost of city government he is going to run a non campaign with no fund raising, he will (I assume) hit the pavement and be speaking to people (but not spending any money on literature, outreach, etc.) in order to explain how he will CUT SPENDING while INCREASING SERVICES!</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Of course his non campaign is going to already COST THE CITY because he is forcing a CITY WIDE PRIMARY! I called the clerks office and they were unable to tell me today what the approximate cost of a city-wide primary election will be... but other I have spoken with estimated the cost to be between $15-20,000 TAX DOLLARS! </b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>All so a non candidate can run a non campaign on the platform of saving the city money.</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Russ Donovan is just as welcome as any other citizen to run for office. However... if you are going to run for office... THEN RUN FOR OFFICE! Don't make this some symbolic gesture that has no value to the city... except to cost us all $$$ for your personal ego building.</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>I mean... that $15,000 would actually pay for 50 Peabody students to ride the bus to school for the year. Wouldn't that be money better spent?</b></span></div><div><br /></div>Peabody_Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05239483707014231094noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647548550000977753.post-34360667909874328652011-03-11T22:43:00.003-05:002011-03-11T22:58:38.821-05:00Fitzgerald joins Bettencourt in race for Mayor<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Sean Fitzgerald, the current Town Manager of Plaistow, New Hampshire, has joined the race for Mayor of Peabody.<span style="font-weight: bold; "></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Salem News: <a href="http://www.salemnews.com/local/x449488850/Ex-chief-of-staff-is-mayoral-hopeful">Ex-chief of staff is mayoral hopeful</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >This can only be good news for all the citizens of Peabody. I think that the public can only be better served with a healthy debate of the issues and the platforms of these two men.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >I only hope that the campaigns can be kept positive and informative... instead of diving into the muck and mire that has plagued our political system as of late.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><img src="http://photos.northofboston.com/Newspapers/The-Eagle-Tribune/March-2010-ET/100304ETTJELAND4/802492717_M4va2-S.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 259px;" border="0" alt="" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >I have actually not seen Mr. Fitzgerald for some time. But I have found him to be an honest and forthright person. Don't get me wrong, he's still a politician... but he seems to have high expectations for himself and I have rarely seen him lose his cool.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >While I would say that Mr. Bettencourt has gotten off on the right footing... and is leading the charge at the moment, I look forward to seeing what Mr. Fitzgerald will bring to the table.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >But no matter who you favor now in March... it is going to be a much more interesting election season after today!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div>Peabody_Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05239483707014231094noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647548550000977753.post-56638825300657549302011-01-03T22:33:00.004-05:002011-01-03T23:14:20.540-05:00Bonfanti to Step Away - Will Not Seek Re-election<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 153);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">Mayor Michael Bonfanti in the State of the City address tonight has announced he will NOT be seeking re-election in the Fall.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Salem News: </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.salemnews.com/local/x1939354025/Bonfanti-I-wont-run-again">Bonfanti: I will not run again</a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">So who will be the one who will fill the corner office next?<br /><br />The big two expected candidates are, of course, Ted Bettencourt and Dave Gravel. But there are a few other possibilities out there. Anne Manning-Martin is very popular as is Beverly Griffin Dunne. And don't forget old Sean Fitzgerald who has always wanted to be top dog in his hometown.<br /><br />Old Salem News Story: <a href="http://www.salemnews.com/local/x104127709/Mayors-race-in-Peabody-up-in-air">Mayor's Race in Peabody up in the Air</a><br /><br />It will be an interesting election cycle!<br /></span></span>Peabody_Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05239483707014231094noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647548550000977753.post-90384895802498713932010-09-21T17:09:00.016-04:002010-11-02T14:54:26.178-04:00How to get a FREE HOUSE in Peabody AND make $23,000 in the deal... All because of your position as a City Board Member??<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Well I have sat on my hands for more than a week about this. I have now heard </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >some very disturbing information</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" > from more than 5 different sources. While I usually do not broadcast rumors, this one has too many verifiable facts to be very far from the truth.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" ><br /></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" ><div style="text-align: left;">According to people who really should know, <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/pub/paul-ruocco-cfp-%C2%AE/5/618/5bb">Peabody Zoning Board Vice Chairman Paul Ruocco</a> has been asked to resign from the Peabody Zoning Board after a rather disturbing series of events. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span">He purchased a property, had it subdivided based on incorrect information and ended up getting a FREE HOUSE and $23,000 - all because he was granted favors as a standing Peabody Board member. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span></span></span> It has also been suggested to me that other board members might be involved as well but I have not been able to verify any of these accusations.</div><br />This is what I have been able to find out:<br /><br />Paul Ruocco is (was) the Vice Chairperson of the Peabody Zoning Board.<br /></span><div><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" ><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" >Paul and Eleftheria Ruocco purchased 98 Bartholomew St. from the estate of William Farwell on March 18, 2010 for $127,000</span><div><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" >[<a href="http://www.salemnews.com/lifestyle/x1772338347/Peabody-real-estate-transactions">Salem News</a>]</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" ><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" >Now here<i> </i><u><i>I am relying on 2nd hand information</i></u> as the records are not available online (as far as I can find out.) Mr. Ruocco went to the Peabody Planning Board to request a variance to build a "pork-chop" subdivision. It is important to note here that the Planning Board has been rather reluctant to approve these types of lot-splitting schemes as it adds congestion and traffic into already crowded areas and is against the rule for required frontage for a new residence.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span">A pork chop subdivision is where you divide up a single property into a front and back (in a pork chop looking manner) so you can get two properties out of one lot. Here is an image of one </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span">possible layout</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> for these two new lots as I have no access to the actual plan and the current City of Peabody GIS does not show it split yet</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span">.</span></span><div><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" ><span class="Apple-style-span"></span><br /><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibMy_hmzlw4/TJkw4XbnRzI/AAAAAAAAAOI/a2cVM_E3q5w/s320/porkchop1.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 254px; height: 320px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519496563239896882" border="0" />It has been reported that Mr. Ruocco made a rather impassioned and moving case for himself stating (again this is 2nd hand) that he was planning on building a second home for aged relatives and additional family members to care for these relatives. I was told that while the board was reluctant to approve such an obvious violation of the code, there was a certain sympathy for the plight of the elderly relatives as well as a feeling of obligation to approve a fellow Peabody Board Members request.</span></div><div><span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><br /></b></span><div><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" ><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibMy_hmzlw4/TJlPXtmEoaI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/mSZF5QXa3Hk/s320/gis-2.jpg" style="text-align: left; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519530087114121634" border="0" /></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" >The subdivision was approved and the single lot officially became two lots.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: normal;font-family:Georgia,serif;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" > [<a href="http://www.salemdeeds.com/searchresult.asp?startyear=1995&startmonth=1&startday=1&endyear=2010&endmonth=12&endday=31&town=PEABODY-PEA&streetnno=98&streetname=BARTHOLOMEW+ST+&type=street&numperpage=40&streetnumber=98"></a></span><a href="http://www.salemdeeds.com/searchresult.asp?startyear=1995&startmonth=1&startday=1&endyear=2010&endmonth=12&endday=31&town=PEABODY-PEA&streetnno=98&streetname=BARTHOLOMEW+ST+&type=street&numperpage=40&streetnumber=98"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" ><b>Registry of Deeds</b></span></a><b>]</b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" ><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" >Then on June 25, 2010 the new extra lot (now called 98 Bartholomew Lot 2a) was sold to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Dimitra </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Mihalakakis, which is the former last name of Mrs. Ruocco (and perhaps the elderly relative referred to in the Planning Board meeting.) The price of this new lot was $90,000 to Mr. & Mrs. Ruocco.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibMy_hmzlw4/TJlRE-Sgb6I/AAAAAAAAAOY/B_QwBUVsiZ8/s320/90000.gif" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 248px; height: 320px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519531964201201570" border="0" /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >HOWEVER... in the exact same transaction the property was then sold to Roger Barile, a trustee of the Roger and Avery Realty Trust. Mr. Barile appears to be a developer and he paid Ms. Mihalakakis $150,000 for this new property.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibMy_hmzlw4/TJlRFcpNUDI/AAAAAAAAAOg/ikYAu4YdneQ/s1600/150000.gif"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 249px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibMy_hmzlw4/TJlRFcpNUDI/AAAAAAAAAOg/ikYAu4YdneQ/s320/150000.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519531972349481010" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >So Mr. Ruocco was able to purchase a property for $127,000 in March and then ask for special permission, based on questionable statements and his position as a City Board member, to subdivide his new property. Then 3 months later he DOES sell the property to his relative, only to then have it pass onto a developer who was never mentioned in his special requests for breaking the rules.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >In all Mr Ruocco and family were able to buy low and sell high, getting a "free" house and property AND netting a $23,000 profit!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >No wonder Mr. Ruocco is a Certified Financial Planner... he seems to have a special knack for making money. Even if it violates the spirit, if not the letter, of the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Sadly, I am told that this gets worse. That this may involve other people on the Zoning Board as well - however I have not yet corroborated that information and I have heard conflicting accounts.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >It has been told to me that this is being HUSH-HUSHED all through City Hall. Mayor Bonfanti supposedly asked for Mr. Ruocco's resignation and received it. But this also has been shielded in secrecy. Government should act in the open and be held accountable for its errors. Hiding information is no way to run a City. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >This is really yet another failure on the part of this administration. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >So, while Mr. Ruocco is still listed on the <a href="http://www.peabody-ma.gov/boards_commissions.html">City of Peabody website</a> </span>as being a member of the Zoning Board, I have heard he has indeed resigned.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >We need a higher level of integrity in our government. This City can not move forward if forces within are working this hard to pull us back down.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >I can only hope that more formal news organisations will get wind of this and look into this matter thoroughly. The citizens of Peabody deserve a full airing of our dirty laundry yet again.</span></div></div></span></div></div></div></div>Peabody_Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05239483707014231094noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647548550000977753.post-27828717377342076422010-08-26T14:38:00.007-04:002010-08-26T22:13:55.545-04:00School fees, vacation daze, Peabody 100k Club and an interesting blog...<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" ><br />Peabody was actually in the Boston Globe's Globe North section for something besides murder, transgender bashing or being the lowest <span style="font-style:italic;">whatever</span> for a change.<br /><br />---<br /><br />First, the annual listing of salaries must have made its way to the 'slow week' section of the Globe news desk. <a href="http://www.boston.com/yourtown/peabody/articles/2010/08/26/54_city_workers_top_peabody_mayors_pay/"> Peabody: Pay list shows 40 top $100K</a> We are yearly given a listing of the highest paid employees - not surprisingly which are managers, several light plant senior folks, high ranking school officials and police officers who do detail work.<br /><br />This is usually followed by a litany of average folks being outraged at how much money is paid for so little work being done. This isn't really true, of course - it is just that EVERYONE thinks someone else's job is simple and overpaying.<br /><br />I am of the opinion that almost everyone on this list is probably deserving of their pay. Where I take exception is to the public safety officers and the use of detail pay. I have discussed this issue MANY TIMES here and on the blogs and this isn't the intent of this post. We can, of course, discuss this in the comments if folks desire.<br /><br />I was actually a little surprised to see this published in the Globe. It is usually a 'higher intellectual' newspaper and this is more of a Salem News article - as they have never met a government employee worth ANYTHING.<br /><br />Of course, unlike the Salem News, the Globe goes into some detail giving some reasons for this high pay - most which made sense to me.<br /><br />---<br /><br />The next article didn't really concern itself with Peabody... which was good considering the focus. <a href="http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2010/08/26/high_schools_scramble_to_collect_sports_fees/?page=2">Pressure to Pay</a> looked at North Shore communities and the fees to participate on high school sports teams. It seems that while a few decreased fees, a few more increased fees. But Peabody was not one of these. Our sports fee structure stayed the same at $150 per sport with a $300 cap. <br /><br />The list of communities with fees shows Peabody to be on the lower end of fees charged with only Dracut having lower fees (Gloucester also has a lower starting range, but goes up to $380 per sport.) I am the first to admit that I don't like fees for school activities. But when the schools are in such dire financial straits, I can not see spending precious academic funds on extra-curricular sports or activities. So I was glad to see that while still trying to recoup expenses, Peabody is trying to maintain a minimal impact on parents and student athletes.<br /><br />It is only fair to also point out that 19 communities (or regional schools) in the area DO NOT have any fees for sports.<br /><br />---<br /><br />Ah summer! The time when everyone deserves to spend a little quality time away from their jobs and spend it with family and friends! Unless you are school superintendent Milton Burnett. Seems that because of the budget cuts, staffing reductions and major turnovers of key people (think principals here) he has been playing catch-up all summer trying to get ready for the coming school year.<br /><br />If you read the article in the Salem News, <a href=""> Superintendent's bid to carry over vacation is denied</a>, and read the excepts from his letter to the school committee... it is hard to imagine them denying him a one-time exception to the rule concerning the number of days one can 'carry over' into the next year. <br /><br />While I am not a fan or a foe of Mr. Burnett, I think he is totally correct on this one. It was the Mayor and the school committee who placed his department in the position where much more work than normal was required to be done (all without an assistant super) and this resulted in the necessity of missing one of the best perks of being employed - vacation time. <br /><br />I wouldn't blame him if he simply didn't show up for the next 10 days and let the schools suffer... well actually I WOULD blame him and I wouldn't stand for it. BUT this is ultimately the "fault" of the Mayor and the school committee and they should have allowed this as being FAIR and not played the political game of denying it in the hopes of appearing to be on the side of fiscal responsibility after the Salem News has been trying to stir up trouble with the Annemarie DuBois pension "issue."<br /><br />---<br /><br />I found this link to a blog run by the MAPC (Metropolitan Area Planning Council.) The Salem-Peabody Corridor Project is a new initiative that, I think, is focusing on the Rt. 128 - Main St. - Boston St. corridor and seeks to find improvements to facilitate improvements in traffic and community along the route. This was recently in the news when a group of planners, business people, city officials and citizens walked along the route (twice?) to get an 'on the ground' understanding of the project.<br /><br />The link to the blog is <a href"http://www.mapc.org/blog/salem-peabody">Salem-Peabody Blog</a> and the homepage of the project is <a href="http://www.mapc.org/subregions/nstf/salem-peabody-corridor"> Salem-Peabody Corridor Project</a>.<br /><br /></span>Peabody_Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05239483707014231094noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647548550000977753.post-6616177732240993832010-08-22T21:28:00.002-04:002010-08-22T21:47:35.913-04:00Main Street RisingCall me a cockeyed optimist (no one who knows me IRL would do that, btw) but things might be looking up downtown.<br /><br />That veterinary clinic next to the fire station is pretty professional-looking, and seems to be doing a good business. Next door, the old law office is being rehabbed in a substantial and attractive way. Tuscan red? - why the heck not?<br /><br />Up the street, the new sushi place, Maki Sushi, is getting quite the media buzz (no, I don't mean the Salem Evening News, which is owned by a conglomerate in flyover land that thinks that sushi = bait). I would never have believed that ol' Peabody could handle sushi, but there it is. The restaurant is simple and beautiful, the staff is super-attentive (NC stopped in for a meal a couple of days ago), and the food is innovative and could attract a much wider crowd than locals, in this writer's opinion. <br /><br />NC likes a beer with his nigiri though - and wishes that Maki had a beer/wine license. How sad that every dive/fight bar has got one, and hip, up-and-coming restaurants have access to none.<br /><br />Nevertheless, I strongly recommend Maki. Fresh, delicious, and so good-for-you. I have no connections to the restaurant people or the industry - so this is as unbiased as it gets. Go. Eat fish.Needham's Cornerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09481924802379210445noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647548550000977753.post-46271168539562307602010-08-19T21:07:00.003-04:002010-08-19T21:33:59.527-04:00Bettencourt wins, Niz loses, Peabody needs to be spending less time in courtrooms<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" ><br />First of all, hello to the folks who sometimes read this blog.<br /><br />I have been VERY inattentive to this space and can't promise I will do any better in the near future. All I can say is when I have something to say I will try and find the time to say it.<br /><br />A few stories of late have me thinking about Peabody...<br /><br />-----<br /><br />Bettencourt winning his pension is a terrible miscarriage of justice. The idea that he was not going to be able to somehow profit from his illegal activities is really besides the point. He broke the law and he did it at work... using work computers... and knowledge he could only illegally obtain through his position as a police officer. The fact that he simply was doing it to be a giant snoop and a big-shot know-it-all is really of no concern to me. This simply smacks of one public servant helping another one. Seriously can you even begin to say that what he did has no connection to his job? And THAT is the legal stance of whether or not someone should be allowed to keep their pension after they commit such a crime.<br /><br />And spare me your comments about 'his poor family' and 'all his good deeds' because I'm sure that many of the people he had arrested in his career were equally 'good citizens' who happened to also be criminals. Just like he is.<br /><br />-----<br /><br />The good news is that even when the City does some REALLY STUPID STUFF... such as having the City Solicitor advising public employees to NOT TELL THE WHOLE TRUTH IN A DEPOSITION (what the heck was he thinking?) the TRUTH of the matter comes out and an idiot like Niz loses BIG TIME. <br /><br />I would say that in a normal world NOT telling the whole truth to the general public concerning the 'transition' (read FIRING) of an employee - under the thought that the employee might salvage a little of his good(?) name - I would say this was a thoughtful thing to do. It happens everyday in the private sector. Someone gets called into the bosses office and is given 2 or 3 weeks to find a new position and 'move on' in good standing... or be let go if he/she decided not to go.<br /><br />So here the administration of the schools tried to protect the long storied career of a man some hold in high esteem by NOT acknowledging serious misdeeds and just saying it was time for a change.<br /><br />But being the type of person he is, Coach Niz couldn't do the right thing and instead of accepting responsibility for his poor choices and bad actions... decided to blame everybody but himself. And at the trial the truth came out and it looks like his reputation will never be the same.<br /><br />At least he lost. Maybe he will quit politics completely and do us all a favor.<br /><br />-----<br /><br />Is anyone else tired of the same old Salem News rant about EVERYONE WHO WORKS IN PUBLIC SERVICE IS PAID TOO MUCH AND DOES NOTHING!!! The latest "outrage" is a woman who has been working for the teachers union for many years and yet is allowed to maintain her standing as a public school teacher (since she is representing them.) The idea is that she can still log the time as if she was working AS a teacher when it comes to her pension. The Salem News is typically in a giant snit about how unfair this is to the public. <br /><br />Except that this is part of a contract that was agreed to by both the union and the administration (representing the public) many years ago. The idea that people today are not happy with it is, frankly, too bad. I can't sign a contract with someone and then change the rules after the fact. <br /><br />Suppose I signed a year long lease for $1000/month. But after the first month the landlord calls and tells me he isn't making enough profit and wants me to pay $2000... SORRY MAC! A contract is a contract. I don't know why it was scene as a good idea to allow this 20+ years ago, but both sides felt it was good and they agreed to it. <br /><br />-----<br /><br />I will try and be a little more active on the blog. I may or may not be successful. Leave a comment or not. If you have an idea, add it as a comment and I'll try to get to it.<br /></span>Peabody_Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05239483707014231094noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647548550000977753.post-88800660895235285452010-06-03T15:30:00.009-04:002010-06-03T17:05:19.047-04:00The future of Downtown: Medical Hub?<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-family:arial;">I have been trying to find out more information about the plan for a "Medical Hub" for Downtown Peabody that Councilor Bettencourt brought to the City Council several weeks back. I was not at that meeting and I do not have cable so I, like so very many Peabody residents, did not get the opportunity to see this plan as presented.</span></div><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;"></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I do not like to critique plans I have never seem, nor would I wish to point out flaws that might have been addressed in some fashion during the presentation by Councilor Bettencourt. And so I asked (via facebook email) if he would share a copy of this powerpoint presentation either with me, or in some online venue, so that everyone might have the opportunity to see this much talked about plan for Peabody's future.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Sadly, but not unexpectedly, I received no response, nor did any such public presentation become available (to my knowledge - and I have been looking for it).</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span">So I am going to give my response to this plan based entirely on the reports of the presentation made to the City Council which appeared in local media.<br /><br /></span></span></div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibMy_hmzlw4/TAgIaNYCJ9I/AAAAAAAAAN4/E2lW9uBiGPk/s320/DT-map.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 251px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478638193056294866" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span">In general... bringing new businesses into the downtown area is a good idea for Peabody. We should be looking for a wide array of activities to populate our downtown. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span">We have some very old and decrepit industrial areas that are mostly underused and in some cases abandoned as this type of activity is not going to be done in places like Peabody for the foreseeable future (despite what many of the previous Ward 3 councilors have hoped and wished for... it ain't coming back.)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span">We have some areas that have been newly renovated - for better or worse - mostly in the southern area of downtown. We have a rather eclectic (bizarre?) mix of uses along the real Main St. area - some that seem to be serving limited populations (specialty toy train stores, fofo's, Brazillian fashions) while others are serving the community at large (drug stores, grocery stores, restaurants, services, etc.). </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span">In general the more consumer oriented enterprises occur on Main Street and in the Square, while the more business oriented activities are on the Walnut Street side. This might have worked well in the days of bustling industry here in Peabody... but those days are gone, and good riddance to them in my opinion. <b>It is time to stop looking to the PAST to try and find some hope for Peabody's future.</b> But that is a rant for a different time and place.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;">So this brings us to the idea put forth by Councilor Bettencourt. My take on this is that he would like to see downtown become a 'medical hub' of businesses that are ancillary to the more comprehensive and brand new or newly renovated facilities that surround our area.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;">New facilities at Centennial Park and MGH North and mostly renovated facilities at Lahey Clinic, North Shore Medical Center and more. Councilor Bettencourt is correct that we have already become a medical hub of sorts for the North Shore region.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;">But lets examine why these places are where they are... and specifically NOT in downtown Peabody. All these new or renovated facilities are located where there is excellent access via the highway for patient, and business, convenience as well as tons of free parking . They are not locating in downtown Salem or Peabody precisely because access into and out of these areas is very difficult, if not impossible, at certain times of the day and space (thus parking) is at a premium.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;">So if I am a Doctor or an HMO and I am looking to locate my offices/out patient service centers... I am NOT looking to move into a decrepit, industry waste strewn, impossible to access, flood prone area in Peabody with little to no parking <b>and no real connection to the facilities I am currently visiting </b>(NSMC, MGH, Lahey, etc.) Why in the world would these types of higher end medical facilities look to move into downtown Peabody when much better locations adjacent to these main facilities already exists? <b>They wouldn't.</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;">So if the primary (hospitals) and the secondary (Doctor offices and HMO Centers - think MRI, CAT Scan, etc.) are not really going to be interested in Peabody as it is today... what medical uses might be of interest? Frankly, the only businesses that I can think of that would be interested in a location which is equidistant from these major hospitals is medical warehousing and medical reclamation (waste disposal). This seems like the most logical usage for the area if we are going to focus on 'medical hub' services.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><b>And of course that would be a HORRIBLE IDEA for Peabody and the future of Downtown.</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;">You know what... I actually <b>LIKE</b> people who are willing to think outside the box on issues. They often throw out outlandish ideas that may contain a little nugget of a great ideas at times! They also might be completely full of it! Councilor Bettencourt has made two of these VERY PUBLIC, very outlandish and very self promoting pronouncements in the recent past. I recall the idea that the Dearborn affordable housing funds be used to pay for low income folks energy bills as one of these ideas, and this is yet another.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;">Here is the <b>RIGHT WAY </b>to serve the People of Peabody when you get a <b><i>GREAT IDEA</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> but have no real clue if it is actually worth anything...</span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><b>Step 1: Go to the City's Experts on these subjects<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">We are paying planners, engineers, assessors, lawyers, construction professionals, etc. to be part of the City's management team! Why would you a) work without consultation with these expert people and 2) in some cases work against their recommendations?</span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><b>Step 2: Seek other inputs from outside City Hall<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Arthur Gordon is (was?) the largest landowner in the Downtown area, but he is not the only owner who would need to "buy into" this idea in order to a) get it passed and ultimately to b) make it actually happen.</span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><b>Step 3: Talk about your ideas to the people most affected by them to gauge their opinions, input and ideas<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">This is so important. People really do not like to see a brand new idea brought out in a venue like the City Council meeting as a Final and Complete Deal! It makes people nervous that deals were made and that few were considered in the thought process. I am not saying this is actually happening, but it is the perception. And in reality, it is the people who live and work and own businesses and drive through and visit and shop and eat, etc. in Downtown who will be the ones who will make this ultimately become a thriving community again... or just have this be yet another failed 'gee whiz' idea with no real foresight or long term plan.</span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><b>Step 4: Present your ideas to the government body most appropriate to look into the matter and seek to begin the process of thoughtful public discussion</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;">And this is why I was hoping that Councilor Bettencourt would release his plan... so we could all see it and think about the consequences of his ideas and then allow each of us to make our judgement of the idea on the merits, and not the rhetoric we will be sure to hear in the local media.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><b>So, I for one, think this is NOT a good idea for the future of Downtown Peabody.</b></span></div>Peabody_Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05239483707014231094noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647548550000977753.post-9535741888807535762010-05-18T13:16:00.013-04:002010-05-18T14:12:26.695-04:00Flooding Fan or Foe?? We need to get this fix STARTED NOW!<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Note: I have emailed Councilor Bettencourt and requested a copy of his Downtown Medical Hub presentation. I have not yet heard back (3 days) and will make a post (without having seen it) in 2 more if I don't hear back from him. I also requested that he publish this presentation online for everyone to see and offered to post it here if need be.</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibMy_hmzlw4/S_LUtOcI3HI/AAAAAAAAANo/GE0w70TqIQM/s1600/flood3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 210px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibMy_hmzlw4/S_LUtOcI3HI/AAAAAAAAANo/GE0w70TqIQM/s320/flood3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472670370643893362" border="0" /></a></span></span><span style="font-size:180%;">FLOODING! </span></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Love it or hate it - it simply makes sense to start this project as soon as humanly possible to relieve the number one issue that is impacting both the people who live, work and travel through Peabody Square<br /></span></div></div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibMy_hmzlw4/S_LUcK1uIVI/AAAAAAAAANY/8_Uji7AIHDo/s1600/flood2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 210px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibMy_hmzlw4/S_LUcK1uIVI/AAAAAAAAANY/8_Uji7AIHDo/s320/flood2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472670077619675474" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">and is holding up the discussions and actions needed to remake Downtown Peabody into a place we can all be (more?) proud to have as our own!</span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />Salem News: <a href="http://www.salemnews.com/local/x334295193/City-seeks-input-on-flood-plan">City seeks input on flood plan</a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibMy_hmzlw4/S_LUyP0921I/AAAAAAAAANw/IsMIzyFYe3Q/s1600/flood4.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 210px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibMy_hmzlw4/S_LUyP0921I/AAAAAAAAANw/IsMIzyFYe3Q/s320/flood4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472670456915811154" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span><span style="font-family: arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;">I can't really think of a good reason to delay this project from being undertaken. This is not a brand new area where work was never done before - so one would expect few, if any, surprises to be uncovered. In fact, this area has been worked on repeatedly for the past 20+ years all in an attempt to try and find CHEAP solutions to the flooding problem. </span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibMy_hmzlw4/S_LUmm_HdrI/AAAAAAAAANg/O6vmWTdcqlk/s1600/flood1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 209px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibMy_hmzlw4/S_LUmm_HdrI/AAAAAAAAANg/O6vmWTdcqlk/s320/flood1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472670256973969074" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span><span style="font-family: arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;">This is NOT a cheap solution, but instead is probably the best chance we have (in the current economic/political environment) to get a project of this magnitude underway here in Peabody.</span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">All images from <a href="http://www.life.com/">Life.com</a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span>Peabody_Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05239483707014231094noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647548550000977753.post-9034666911452882062010-05-07T23:49:00.002-04:002010-05-07T23:56:45.814-04:00Return to the Roundtable<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Dear Readers:<br /><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I would like to easily explain my absence by claiming some major catastrophe prevented my blogging, but it did not. Instead, it was more the case of many smaller important issues that needed addressing (work, family, health, computer) which conspired to keep me away from here.<br /><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">But that is not entirely true either.<br /><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Truly, it as all of these things, but it was also the disillusionment of watching the Peabody blogs, and the political climate in general, descend into baseless accusations and childish name calling.<br /><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Unless you have tried your hand at starting and operating a blog, you really don't understand that it takes quite a lot of time. And during the past 4 months I have had many important demands on my time. Especially considering these troubling economic times - a devotion to work related matters was essential.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br />I am certainly NOT complaining... but it was both frustrating and sad to see well reasoned discussions being overtaken by bluster, blather and bad manners. It simply became to easy to put off a post for a day... then a week... then a month.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I had hoped some of the other posters here might fill in some slack, but only Needham Corner rose to the occasion. My thanks go to NC.<br /><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">So why am I back? Well I have been reading the other blogs and was at least satisfied that there was somewhere to carry on the Peabody discussions. But then they both stopped posting as well.<br /><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I had decided to begin some limited posts on May 1st... and then both the Twisted Tanner and Peabody Elections also posted right around that time.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br />The conspiracy minded (and you know you're out there) might conclude that we are all in this together... or we are all the same person... but we certainly are NOT.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br />I will continue reading the Salem News, the Item and the Peabody Weekly News and trying to offer both opinions and a place to discuss the important articles of the week.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I do not promise to post more than about twice a week, but I will try to increase this if something important needs to be said.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br />I said that this would be a LAME explanation for my absence, and it is. But it is honest and I felt I owed it to you.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br />Bottom line is I felt like I was accomplishing little to nothing hereā¦ and all the time and effort required to continue this blog became too burdensome as I felt I was not making a difference. And I want to make a difference.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br />Peabody is a pretty good place. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Peabody can be a better place. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">And I would like to help make it better.<br /><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">That's why I'm back.</span></span></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;"></span>Peabody_Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05239483707014231094noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647548550000977753.post-82845210804890422242010-05-02T18:02:00.004-04:002010-05-02T18:15:08.774-04:00Major Water Break for MWRA does NOT appear to be affecting Peabody<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">There was a catastrophic water main break in the pipe from the Quabbin Reservoir new the Rt.128/Mass Pike interchange Saturday.</span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span style="font-weight: bold; "><img src="http://wwwimage.cbsnews.com/images/2010/05/02/image6452829g.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 244px; height: 183px;" border="0" alt="" /><img src="http://www.newsoxy.com/images/0502/catastrophic-water-leak.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 333px; height: 250px;" border="0" alt="" /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><a href="http://www.mwra.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">IMPORTANT INFO FROM MWRA</span></span></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">They are NOT listing Peabody as an affected area and so Peabody does NOT have a water emergency related to this event.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I do know that several parts of South Peabody do, AT TIMES, connect to the MWRA, but this does not seem to be the case at this moment.</span></span></span></div>Peabody_Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05239483707014231094noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647548550000977753.post-91418164343307320712010-03-30T23:24:00.002-04:002010-03-30T23:41:55.438-04:00Once a tidal marsh, always a tidal marsh<strong><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000099;">Spent the early evening strolling around downtown (encountering several family groups enjoying the natural disaster scene) and taking photos of flooding (and the abandoned cars of the morons who thought - "oh, that police warning doesn't apply to ME; I can get through it!" Ha, ha, joke's on you, suckah. I hold photos of numerous abandoned cars, water to the engine block, as evidence.)</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000099;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000099;">But seriously folks. The political scientist Halford Mackinder wrote in 1904, "Man initiates, but nature controls." He was thinking of Eurasia, but the same idea applies locally: we have natural watercourses, and they will prevail - and if humans have tried to manipulate them, well, then let's hope they REALLY understand what's going on.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000099;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000099;">For example: I stood on Sawyer St and watched the WAVES of water cascade over the st. It looked like the man-made granite-block channel of Proctor Brook wasn't even full, but the water found its way, over the street and through the Leather City Park.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000099;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000099;">(Which suggests: wouldn't it be smart to create other relief valves or bowls of topography in which the water could pool, without harm to traffic or business? The proposed park on Walnut St could be such a relief valve, and a much more "natural" approach to our flooding problem.) Or, we could just trust the engineers. Yeah, that'll work.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000099;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000099;">Any human solution is a manmade solution by definition, but some are more respectful of natural processes than others.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000099;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000099;"></span></strong>Needham's Cornerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09481924802379210445noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647548550000977753.post-13575178639935785282010-03-28T22:10:00.003-04:002010-03-28T22:19:51.687-04:00reduce re-use recycle<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(0,0,153)font-family:arial;" >Now that spring is in the air, this blogger is trying to lose the pounds gained over the winter while pounding the QUERTY keys instead of the pavements or the treadmill. (In short, I've been walking in the 'hood again.)</span><br /><p><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(0,0,153)font-family:arial;" >What I've noticed: people in my (downtown) neighborhood do not recycle in large numbers. Estimating, I'd say that one in 5 houses has a bin out on recycling day. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000099;"><strong>What is up with that? Are people trying to make a philosophical statement about the inefficiency of reuse (and its markets), when <em>reduction</em> of waste ought to be the main solution? Or are they just not convinced that a quick separation of wastes will be worthwhile for our community? Or what?</strong></span></p><p><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000099;">I am, as always, interested in your thoughts...</span></strong></p><p><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(0,0,153)font-family:arial;" > </p><br /><br /></span>Needham's Cornerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09481924802379210445noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647548550000977753.post-6031935000147905312010-02-11T22:06:00.005-05:002010-03-02T21:12:03.306-05:00Jeeves, bring me my fishnets and eyeliner. Stat!<strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Arial;" >So the civil rights of transgendered folks may well be tested in Peabody. At the Roundtable, we have been following this story underground for a week or so, waiting to see if it surfaced in the mainstream media, which it finally has.<br /><br />Salem News: <a href="http://salemnews.com/permalink/local_story_040221859.html">Transgender club alleges discrimination</a><br />Salem News: <a href="http://www.salemnews.com/punews/local_story_053222935.html">Transgender group, restaurant agree to mediation</a><br />Peabody Weekly News: <a href="http://weeklynews.net/drupal/node/427">Transgender club, Capone's enter talks</a></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Arial;" ></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Arial;" >Predictably, there's the usual round of redneck misogynistic commentary at the local rag. So sad: we like to think we live in a more enlightened Commonwealth, but of course (as the recent senate elections tell us) some of us live in a Roundtable fantasy world. The symbolism of "mah gud ol' pick-up truck" trumps high-end college degrees any day of the week. Apparently we prefer (collectively) to be governed by the less-educated.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Arial;" ></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Arial;" >Nevertheless: Do people have the right to enter and buy food/beverages at public establishments, regardless of their dress? That is, to what degree is dress (as a means of establishing conformance with gender norms) a criterion for admittance?</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Arial;" ></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Arial;" >Discuss amongst yourselves. I'll check back...</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Arial;" ></span></strong>Needham's Cornerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09481924802379210445noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647548550000977753.post-34770622179106735852010-02-04T22:14:00.002-05:002010-02-04T22:33:14.280-05:00Govt for the 21st century<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(0,0,153)font-family:arial;" >Thanks for all the great comments in the last post! It's terrific to see some serious discussion of downtown issues.</span><br /><p><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(0,0,153)font-family:arial;" >PI is still around town, but as I understand, he's pretty busy with work stuff. I hope he'll be back on the keyboards soon.</span></p><p><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(0,0,153)font-family:arial;" >I've been scratching my head over here, trying to figure out what the heck has been going on all these years with the Essex Retirement Board. (And all the city retirement boards, for that matter.) Would it not make sense for all the cities and towns to band together and manage their funds cooperatively? </span></p><p><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(0,0,153)font-family:arial;" >As I see it, there is some clerical/accounting work to be done to take applications, issue checks, keep records and the like. Then, at a higher level, there are investment decisions to make about how to balance reasonable returns with moderate risk. Peabody has a retirement board (volunteer?) and a couple of bookkeeper-types (paid staff). I don't think investment decisions are made locally, although I may be incorrect. Then, there's a whole administrative apparatus in Boston (state-level) that oversees all the local stuff to some degree too. </span></p><p><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(0,0,153)font-family:arial;" >Not that everything is always better if centralized (my experience with state bureaucrats hasn't been too impressive), but still....Shouldn't we be looking for ways to consolidate and share services wherever possible? A lot of our government structure is "because it's always been that way." Now might be a good time to take a fresh look at what is truly necessary in the 21st century. </p><br /><br /></span>Needham's Cornerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09481924802379210445noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647548550000977753.post-34569336417131809862010-01-27T22:20:00.004-05:002010-01-27T22:53:54.406-05:00New leaf? Or the same old leaf litter? (ie compost)<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(0,0,153)font-family:arial;" >Tomorrow night, Jan 28, the new director of Comm Devt (she's damned impressive; don't believe the usual carping over at always-good-for-the-cheap-shot TwistedTanners (sorry, TT, your commentship is pretty lame) until you check her out for yourselves) has been invited to talk about the update to the zoning ordinance that has languished several years in City Council committees. (fyi: if you are just now joining the party, the CC doesn't have much of a track record in proactive legislation; they prefer to shoot down other people's ideas rather than standing behind and enacting any of their own. Naysaying being easier than doing real work, as so many bloggers know...)</span><br /><p><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(0,0,153)font-family:arial;" >I don't know what the substance is of the proposed zoning for downtown Peabody. I don't see a lot of chat about zoning <em>substance</em> on Peabody blogs. Here's what <em>this </em>downtowner would be looking for: </p><ul><li>Will the zoning create lively, attractive, exciting streets, with commercial land uses that generate pedestrian traffic and SALES? </li><li>Will it be possible to create streets that are pleasant to walk along, instead of 4-lane "car sewers" that are just carrying through traffic to Salem and M'head? (oh, hi, GP, didn't see you there!)</li></ul>Tell me why, in these economic "tough times," the downtowns of Salem and Beverly (for example) are chock-full of upscale restaurant patrons and shoppers, while Peabody (which has much better roadway access) has dollar stores, check-cashing establishments, Bingo, and insurance office storefronts (hello? don't we all buy insurance online now??). We have every advantage - wide streets, good access, reasonably atttractive buildings, plenty of parking.<br /><br />Here's what we do NOT have: interesting restaurants; crowd-drawing cultural events (sorry, Peabody Institute Library); art galleries; one-of-a-kind shops; coffee shops with wifi (hey, bloggers!); did I already say interesting restaurants? C'mon City Council - stop hiding behind boring special permits and MAKE IT HAPPEN!<br /><br /></span>Needham's Cornerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09481924802379210445noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647548550000977753.post-54505945430651779592009-12-30T18:05:00.003-05:002009-12-30T18:22:55.375-05:00Happy New Year Everyone!<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" >This past year has been one of the tough ones. So many people having difficulties; some because they were playing it a little too close for comfort, but many others who have been suffering due to no fault of their own.<br /><br />Some are saying nothing good has come from this past year, but I disagree. There are many who have left us and others who have risen to high places. Times are hard, but they are not hopeless.<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibMy_hmzlw4/Szvf1qiriSI/AAAAAAAAANI/nLHPIKbFkC4/s1600-h/2010.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 380px; height: 261px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibMy_hmzlw4/Szvf1qiriSI/AAAAAAAAANI/nLHPIKbFkC4/s400/2010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421172689516333346" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" >I look forward to closing the book on this first decade of the 21st century - not because it was only filled with sorrow and trouble because it was not. No, I look forward to the great potential that a new decade might bring... to new triumphs and new opportunities, to new ideas and new possibilities.<br /><br />I know that this City, this State, this Country and our World can be a better place when each of us is willing to consider other points of view and to seek consensus with sound reason for all our mutual benefit. After all, we are <u>ALL</u> in this together... no matter what any one of us may think.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:130%;">I wish you peace and joy, good health<br />and good fortune this coming year.</span></span><br /></div>Peabody_Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05239483707014231094noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647548550000977753.post-86531607846757647782009-12-12T16:50:00.006-05:002009-12-17T23:14:30.892-05:00Changes in the Blog World yet again...<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >*** UPDATED ***</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >The Peabody Patriot has returned. Maybe they were<br />just experiencing a glitch? Who knows.<br />But I would rather see MORE blogs, and<br />points of view, rather than fewer.</span><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" ><br />It seems that the Peabody Patriot blog (aka Peabody Elections) has left the scene (again.) I am basing this on the fact that it has been several days and all you get is... </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">"The blog you were looking for was not found."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" > Now that blog was originally titled Peabody Politics and politics was the main focus, so maybe it will re-emerge </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" >when the political realm kicks up again.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibMy_hmzlw4/SyQcpyRhZhI/AAAAAAAAANA/EWF7amr_rTE/s1600-h/peabody_elections-12-09.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 247px; height: 197px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibMy_hmzlw4/SyQcpyRhZhI/AAAAAAAAANA/EWF7amr_rTE/s200/peabody_elections-12-09.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414484156201657874" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" >Now sadly it seems that the new blog, the Twisted Tanner, is more interested in being the National Enquirer of Peabody, rather than a place for adults to meet and discuss issues in an intelligent manner. I had held out hopes... and was certainly impressed with the amount of posts - and comments - even in the very first few days.<br /><br />And while the posts keep coming, they are lowering any sense of standards each day. Name calling, insulting nicknames, blatant favoritism and rumor presented as fact are becoming more and more prevalent.<br /><br />This all seems very deliberate and it is obviously the work of one of the previous Patriots (or more than one I believe) and has lost both a Peabody focus and all semblance of credibility.<br /><br />That is sad and unfortunate for us all.<br /><br />I was asked if I planned on "Closing Shop" or "Throwing in the Towel." Well, no actually. If I were to decide that bloging wasn't for me any longer, I would write a post saying so and then stop. I certainly wouldn't just disappear... I frankly find that incredibly insulting to the people who read and participate.<br /><br />And as for "<span style="font-style: italic;">Throwing in the Towel</span>," that sounds like a contest with winners and losers. I certainly do not see this as a contest and I absolutely don't consider blogging, or not, winning or losing.<br /><br />When this very busy season is done, I will have many things to discuss with you I am sure. We live in a City that seems to breed nothing but controversy and everyone has an opinion on these things. I look forward to hearing your and sharing mine.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" > </span>Peabody_Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05239483707014231094noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647548550000977753.post-66872855274064981482009-11-26T10:57:00.004-05:002009-11-26T11:03:08.379-05:00Happy Thanksgiving<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" >We are often over burdened in our hectic and harried lives ,<br />especially during these difficult economic times.<br />Today, Thanksgiving Day, is a very special time when we<br />can stop the roller coaster, if for just one hour, and<br />concentrate on the people and situations that make<br />our daily existence worthwhile and even joyous.</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibMy_hmzlw4/Sw6mEbSynvI/AAAAAAAAAM4/XrZ5EtPds5w/s1600/thanksgiving.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 236px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibMy_hmzlw4/Sw6mEbSynvI/AAAAAAAAAM4/XrZ5EtPds5w/s320/thanksgiving.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408442797494804210" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" >Please have a safe and joyous day of thanks.</span><br /></div>Peabody_Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05239483707014231094noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647548550000977753.post-29246536854504634622009-11-21T11:40:00.007-05:002009-11-21T15:29:53.945-05:00Congratulations Bob Driscoll<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" >The recount is over and the winner of the Ward 4 race<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:100%;" > is </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Bob Driscoll</span>... or is i</span>t? Well while there were some "issues" (two ballots missing per the Salem News, 10 missing per the bloggers), all involved have come to accept the new results as final.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Councilor Bob Driscoll has been<br />re-elected Ward 4 Councilor</span></span></span><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" ><br />The process may have had a few glitches in it, but in the end, I believe, the voters were fairly represented.<br /><br />The Salem News: <a href="http://www.salemnews.com/punews/local_story_325144209.html">Peabody's Driscoll wins recount by 2</a><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" >This was a very good example of real democracy in action. I was so pleased to see that BOTH candidates had decided to ask for a recount in order to ensure that the will of the people was being fairly represented.<br /><br />I think that as far as City Council races in Peabody go, this was a very respectful and collegial race - two qualities that should be well heeded in many of the other races around this City.<br /><br />I think Councilor Driscoll should be considering this coming term as his swansong and make sure to get done what he would like to see as his legacy on the City Council. I think it will soon be Mr. Grayson's turn to lead this Ward and to help steer the City.<br /><br />My congratulation to both gentlemen for a well fought battle and for showing us how to act in both victory and defeat.<br /></span>Peabody_Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05239483707014231094noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647548550000977753.post-3015950528360548922009-11-16T19:45:00.002-05:002009-11-16T20:29:29.595-05:00Ward 4 Recount Saturday<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" >2,299 people came to the polls in Ward 4 back on November 3rd to cast votes for Ward 4 Councilor. And, as it turns out... only 1 vote really mattered!<br /><br />Incumbent City Councilor Bob Driscoll received 1,150 votes while challenger, and political newcomer, Jeff Grayson received 1,149 votes.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibMy_hmzlw4/SwH8RZl-jVI/AAAAAAAAAMw/YDH3MdkJsrA/s1600/ward4race2009.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 208px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibMy_hmzlw4/SwH8RZl-jVI/AAAAAAAAAMw/YDH3MdkJsrA/s320/ward4race2009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404878403679456594" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" >The next time someone tells you that their vote doesn't matter in this world... send them to Ward 4.<br /><br />In a race this close it is almost a requirement to have a recount of the ballots to assure that the will of the people is accurately carried out. I was quite glad to see BOTH candidates step up to ask for an official recount of this election. And while it was certainly expected of Mr. Grayson, it was quite the classy move by longtime Councilor Driscoll.<br /><br />The recount will be done by hand and it will have witnesses (and lawyers) from both sides present. I can only predict with absolute certainty that City Clerk Tim Spanos will continue to do the excellent job that is his trademark for his many years at City Hall.<br /><br />The Salem News: <a href="http://www.salemnews.com/archivesearch/local_story_320003809.html">Recount in Ward 4 Councilor race scheduled for Saturday</a><br />Peabody News: <a href="http://weeklynews.net/drupal/node/127">Despite thin margin in Ward 4, lackluster turnout at the polls</a><br /><br />Now for my opinion.<br /><br />I absolutely hope that when the votes are rechecked that Mr. Grayson emerges as the winner of the election. This is not because I dislike Councilor Driscoll, because I do not. I just feel that Councilor Driscoll has had his time at the helm, and while he has never really done anything to harm Ward 4, he has not been the tireless and PRO-ACTIVE advocate for Ward 4 that I believe Mr. Grayson will be.<br /><br />I spoke with both candidates during the election season and I must say that I was wholeheartedly impressed by Mr. Grayson and his energy for Ward 4 AND the rest of the City. He has a vision and new ideas and a huge desire to get to work and try and solve some of these lingering problems faced by the City of Peabody.<br /><br />Now, Councilor Driscoll has been trying to deal with these same (and evolving) problems the City faces for 22 years. He has needed to come to terms with the knowledge that many times there is just NOTHING that can be done because of the situation, politics, money, connections - you name it! Something always gets in the way of true progress.<br /><br />Mr. Grayson has not yet been forced to face these (perhaps insurmountable?) problems. And he may indeed find that when confronted with them, he too will eventually find no way to solve them and can only do his best to more for small incremental improvements - all the while desiring great changes.<br /><br />But he is not yet jaded by the fight or cowed by the enormity of the job. For these reasons I would like to see his new spirit unleashed on the City Council in the hopes that he might be the spark to reinvigorate this flagging body... as well as the community they serve.<br /></span>Peabody_Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05239483707014231094noreply@blogger.com8