Fred OConnor

Location

Joined

October, 2017

Recent Activity

Commented on 500 Talbot Avenue 5 years, 6 months ago
Yes, I'm interested!
Commented on 500 Talbot Avenue 5 years, 6 months ago
Modern and sophisticated!
Commented on 500 Talbot Avenue 5 years, 6 months ago
A coffeeshop!
Commented on The Shawmut Project 5 years, 6 months ago
Yikes, Sean. That's not a positive attitude. Abutter or not, this development effects my neighborhood and I'm going to continue expressing my opinion, whether it's here or at the neighborhood association meetings.
Commented on The Shawmut Project 5 years, 6 months ago
I disagree, Shawn, and welcome the debate. The property maybe old but it's not historic. I just checked the city's landmark commission's site and it's not listed. And being old doesn't mean it shouldn't be redeveloped. Housing is a better use for this parcel. This project could indeed help solve the city's housing crisis. Don't underestimate the power of many small developments, including those in Melville Park. As for affordability, some units have to be designated affordable based on the city regulations. The city defines affordability to remove the relativity factor you wrote about. Yes, the developer had to sell it to abutters, but the abutters have to be willing to compromise (like I wrote in my previous comment) and realize the developer can't accommodate every request. And, indeed, the neighborhood is stuck with a garage for the foreseeable future. I don't know of any other developers who are looking to build on this site. And other developers may be turned off from the property if they learn about the challenges their predecessors faced. Finally, the hot real estate market will eventually cool. I'd prefer that neighborhoods take advantage of this building boom while we can.
Commented on 500 Talbot Avenue 5 years, 6 months ago
Just one: how soon can you start construction? The city and neighborhood are in desperate need of more housing.