This week’s top posts on NorthEndWaterfront.com contained a little bit of everything – business, real estate, climate, parking and good causes. Read on below to see the most popular articles from the past week.
Baristas at the Gate! Starbucks Coffee Proposed at 198 Hanover Street
A new retail development project by Charter Realty is seeking permits to bring a Starbucks Coffee shop to 198 Hanover Street at the corner of Cross Street as part of the Cross Street Plaza development. Read more here.
EXTINCTION EVENTS AND AIRBNB: There Goes the Neighborhood
Thomas F. Schiavoni of the North End summarizes a current hot topic in this commentary piece about the tidal wave of short-term rentals that are flooding Boston’s housing market and stirring up intense debate over legislation. Read more here.
Climate Change and Environmental Planning in Boston [Video]
Rich McGuinness, Deputy Director for Climate Change & Environmental Planning for the Boston Planning & Redevelopment Agency presented on the city’s efforts to address climate change at the April Residents’ Association meeting. Read more and watch the meeting video here.
Haymarket Garage Tightens Parking Perk After 5 Investigates Finds Non-Residents Taking Advantage
More than half of the individuals taking advantage of discounted parking at the Haymarket Center Garage have been removed from the list following a 5 Investigates report that many are not actually North End residents. Read more and see the original WCVB5 report here.
Marathon Daffodils Placed in Neighborhood Parks, Marking 5 Years After Bombings
“Boston Strong” Marathon Daffodils not only lined the 26.2 mile route, but potted daffodil plants were spread throughout Boston’s neighborhood parks last weekend, including Christopher Columbus Park. The respectful gesture honors those who were lost and injured five years ago on the April 15th bombings. Read more and see photos here.
Editor’s Choice
Seen in the North End: Patriot’s Danny Shelton
The North End often attracts Boston athletes to its restaurants and barber shops, most recently New England Patriots Danny Shelton who was seen at Boston Barber & Tattoo Co. on Salem Street. Other exciting appearances have included Celtics player Gordon Hayward and coach Brad Stevens, Red Sox Pitcher Joe Kelly and many more!
Tom wrote a great article on a situation that has worsened since the whole debate started. The good news is the state is moving forward with registration and they are trying to figure out a tax plan. Also, they have left the door open for further refinement at the local level. Which can mean local tax collections as well.
We are seeing this booming real estate growth during, what I feel, is the late stages of a growth market. We are seeing rapidly rising real estate values and home flipping like we saw roughly 10 years ago. As real estate across the country plunged in the last recession, the North End was only moderately affected. The reason, I was told by a local realtor, was that high risk mortgage loans were not prevalent in the North End as they were else where. This time might be different. As rent demand declines, the financing schemes that these outfits use to purchase these places enmass may be laid bare. Excessive leverage may end up having a greater impact on the investor class than legislation.