I'm guessing that the buildings are "little used" today because the owner/developer raised the rents to where the businesses had to move out. Twenty-five to thirty years ago, this block was filled with food retailers. Among the last holdouts were Maria's Pastry and a large produce store. J. Pace, a relatively large Italian grocer, used to be there, too.
The parking lot likewise had vibrant businesses, including Purity Cheese, until the Big Dig took the property (or part of it) and tore down the structures to widen Cross Street.
Christine Araujo can’t fathom anyone walking 70 feet. The neighborhood groups think a five story building is too big, and that removing a parking lot will cause traffic.
These are not serious arguments by thoughtful people, and I’m glad that (this time) they were treated as such.
Araujo (who I usually disagree with) didn't say 70 feet would be far for everyone. She specified "how tough it would be on the elderly, people with handicaps and parents with children in strollers." For my elderly mother, 70 feet is a long distance. It's also long for someone on crutches.
those people shouldn't stay at that hotel then? I'm not sure why the elderly, people with handicaps and parents with children in strollers are suddenly incapable of evaluating the suitability of a hotel for their needs before booking a room there.
does "70 feet of space between hotel and road" really qualify as "not usable"? If it's not within ADA compliance, that's another story but surely that would be mentioned as a reason not to approve the building if so?
" Residents of 26 Stillman St. in particular said the new hotel, just 8 to 12 feet from their windows, would cause privacy issues that would force them to move out of their homes."
Comments
hot take: hotels are good
better to have visitors stay in a well regulated, well kept hotel, rather than the wild west of airbnbs.
also lol at parking concerns about a hotel in the north end. what tourists are booking a stay right in the center of the city and also renting a car??
I know without this hotel
I know without this hotel where will the tourists go?? The brand new Hilton across the street??
The day a UHaul ran into Caffe Nero
Before I read the headline, I thought this was a photo of another building fire.
"Little used"?
I'm guessing that the buildings are "little used" today because the owner/developer raised the rents to where the businesses had to move out. Twenty-five to thirty years ago, this block was filled with food retailers. Among the last holdouts were Maria's Pastry and a large produce store. J. Pace, a relatively large Italian grocer, used to be there, too.
The parking lot likewise had vibrant businesses, including Purity Cheese, until the Big Dig took the property (or part of it) and tore down the structures to widen Cross Street.
Once upon a time...
... that was certainly a nice little strip of businesses.
The opposition to this is absolutely maddening
Christine Araujo can’t fathom anyone walking 70 feet. The neighborhood groups think a five story building is too big, and that removing a parking lot will cause traffic.
These are not serious arguments by thoughtful people, and I’m glad that (this time) they were treated as such.
70 ft is far for some groups
Araujo (who I usually disagree with) didn't say 70 feet would be far for everyone. She specified "how tough it would be on the elderly, people with handicaps and parents with children in strollers." For my elderly mother, 70 feet is a long distance. It's also long for someone on crutches.
Sounds like
those people shouldn't stay at that hotel then? I'm not sure why the elderly, people with handicaps and parents with children in strollers are suddenly incapable of evaluating the suitability of a hotel for their needs before booking a room there.
ADA compliance
I don't think you can build and open a new hotel these days that isn't usable by elderly and disabled people.
Sure, but
does "70 feet of space between hotel and road" really qualify as "not usable"? If it's not within ADA compliance, that's another story but surely that would be mentioned as a reason not to approve the building if so?
It’s incredibly easy to push
It’s incredibly easy to push a stroller 70 feet.
a bit much...
" Residents of 26 Stillman St. in particular said the new hotel, just 8 to 12 feet from their windows, would cause privacy issues that would force them to move out of their homes."
And move where?!?!?
Hilarious
NOOOOOOOO
MY PARRRRKIIINNNGGGG!