9/19/09 - Thank you to all who were a part of our first BirdsEye Focus Meeting! Below are pictures from the day in a slideshow...
Summary of the Meeting by Group |
8/8/09 - First of all we want to thank you for making our 8/8 gathering such a success. We had a large, enthusiastic crowd and a wonderful time. Even more importantly your suggestions and concerns were sincere, insightful and intelligent - exactly the kind of information we need to guide us as we move forward.
CLICK FOR ROGER HUSSEY'S NOTES ON THE MEETING Now we must begin considering these ideas in terms of the economic engines that will drive them. What are the fiscal realities behind the various proposed uses of this beautiful site? How do we integrate these various possible uses into a viable and sustainable project?
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BirdsEye Meeting 8/8/09 |
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Tuesday June 16, 2009
On Friday June 12, 2009, Pavilion Mercato LLC purchased the 1.75 acre parcel known locally as the Birdseye property. This lot, fronting Pavilion Beach, is adjacent to the lot at 33 Commercial Street, where the Bell family has worked since 1909. We feel fortunate that, as a local company, we have been able to secure such a vital piece of Gloucester's waterfront history.
We know there has been disagreement recently concerning the future of this property. It is our belief that much of the controversy was caused by the types of development proposed, and the manner in which these development proposals were put forth. Earlier development initiatives were not sufficiently sensitive to the needs of the people who live and work on the Fort.
Because of our long history in this neighborhood we believe we can accomplish a creative re-use of the Birdseye property that will be acceptable to all. Our earlier projects - Gloucester Mill on Maplewood Avenue, 33 Commercial Street on the Fort, the Main Street Plaza, and the 100,000 sq.ft. (recently permitted) green development on Emerson Avenue - show the kind of work we do. Our focus has been, and will always be on revitalization, not gentrification. My own thirty-two-year career at the Glass Sail Boat on Duncan Street and my experiences as a two-term City Councilor have made me keenly aware of the challenges that face downtown Gloucester and the waterfront, and of the possible solutions that await. In short, I think we are uniquely qualified to undertake innovative development of the Birdseye property.
What form will this development take? As of this moment, we are open to a wide range of possibilities. We would welcome the concept of a mixed industrial/commercial/residential use, but until we've completed the process of talking to our neighbors and sorting through design and engineering studies, nothing is cast in stone. For now, we are completely happy with 100% industrial use of the property. We are working with the existing tenant who will continue to operate the freezer facility, and we are actively seeking new tenants who can help us utilize the property as it is presently configured.
We are genuinely excited about the future of the Birdseye property, both for the immediate neighborhood and all
of Gloucester. But we cannot move forward without help from you. Our first community meeting regarding the
property will be held at the Birdseye site, 9AM on Saturday, August 8. Bring a lawn chair and your best ideas.
Enjoy the wonderful view. Be a part of the dream!
Mac S. Bell
Compass Realty - P.O. Box 1637 - Gloucester, MA 01931
