Fred's profile - coUrbanize

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.

Commented on 500 Talbot Avenue ^{5 years, 6 months ago}

Maybe with a mural displaying the history of the building, which was originally a garage, according to the developer? It's a very cool story of how a building and land have been modified to meet the neighborhood's needs. And props to the church for trying to cash in on the hot real estate market.

Commented on 500 Talbot Avenue ^{5 years, 6 months ago}

While a garden would be great, I wonder who would pay for it and the upkeep. The city isn't likely to this service and making the developer or building management company foot the bill would likely result in higher condo prices or condo fees for residents, which could hurt the building's affordability. After all, someone has to pay for a garden. A studio's class fees could factor in the expense of maintaining the patio. In other words, a private business should pay for the patio.

Commented on 500 Talbot Avenue ^{5 years, 6 months ago}

outdoor area for quiet fitness classes!

Commented on 500 Talbot Avenue ^{5 years, 6 months ago}

The neighborhood could use a fitness studio that offers assorted classes. While there's a BSC gym in Adams Village, having a fitness studio closer to Codman Square would be a great option and benefit the community.

Commented on 500 Talbot Avenue ^{5 years, 6 months ago}

I want to see a gym/fitness studio!

Commented on The Shawmut Project ^{5 years, 6 months ago}

This is the second developer who was unable to build housing at this site. We're now stuck with a garage instead of much needed housing. Folks have to compromise, whether it's on parking, unit affordability or density. When we can't give up something, we get nothing.

Followed 500 Talbot Avenue ^{5 years, 9 months ago}

Commented on 500 Talbot Avenue ^{5 years, 9 months ago}

I want to see a gym/fitness studio!

Commented on The Shawmut Project ^{5 years, 11 months ago}

Home ownership is the most meaningful contribution The Shawmut Project could bring to the neighborhood!

Commented on The Shawmut Project ^{5 years, 11 months ago}

I'll say it again: good design. That will have the longest impact. Good design can inspire people and make them feel great about where they live. Including retail in the project and funding some of the Dot Greenway or helping maintain it would also help the neighborhood long term.

Commented on The Shawmut Project ^{5 years, 11 months ago}

Number 3. I like how each building is different yet they still feel unified. The difference building heights, materials and styles are appealing. Now here's what you should avoid (not that you asked). I loathe the big box designs that are popular in Southie. They're soulless and boring and make each building look the same. They lack interest and do nothing to improve the neighborhood. Above all, the design has to enhance and give back to the neighborhood. After all, these buildings are likely going to be with us for awhile.

Commented on The Shawmut Project ^{5 years, 11 months ago}

Option B - Urban Village is my preferred site layout!

Commented on The Shawmut Project ^{5 years, 11 months ago}

I think housing that's affordable for middle class residents is critical to helping solve Boston's housing woes. The middle class needs a place to live and this development should meet that goal. Home ownership helps keep people (and the taxes they pay and business patronage) in Boston.

Followed The Shawmut Project ^{5 years, 11 months ago}

Commented on The Shawmut Project ^{5 years, 11 months ago}

Home ownership is the most meaningful contribution The Shawmut Project could bring to the neighborhood!

Commented on DotGreenway ^{5 years, 11 months ago}

Let's talk about funding. In addition to securing grants and any government money that's available, developers should contribute funding as part of a community contribution.

Commented on DotGreenway ^{5 years, 11 months ago}

Murals or placards telling the history of each neighborhood would be great. Pictures of historic homes or what the neighborhood used to look like would be great.

Commented on DotGreenway ^{5 years, 11 months ago}

I'd visit the DotGreenway 3 - 5 times a week!

Commented on DotGreenway ^{5 years, 11 months ago}

I'd like to see benches, picnic spaces, a spot for a community garden and a train spotting platform. I also think any bike path should be separated from the walking path with some type of barrier.

Commented on DotGreenway ^{5 years, 11 months ago}

Public space for recreation and art. It could also be used to bring the community together.

Followed DotGreenway ^{5 years, 11 months ago}

Commented on DotGreenway ^{5 years, 11 months ago}

The DotGreenway will be best used as a recreational walking / bike path!

Fred OConnor

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