DDA Update 10.15. & previous background

A Summary of ongoing DDA Discussions (for actual DDA minutes go to:
http://www.city-chelsea.org; choose Downtown Development; choose minutes & click on dates)
At the regular DDA meeting on Oct. 15th, copies of Joe Merkel’s letter, Ellen Thackery’s letter and the petitions were presented by the Save the Livery Coalition. No action was taken. The stay of demolition expires on Oct. 19th. However, the Jackson Street corridor Plan B with probable due process (meaning this still could mean a delay of demolition until Spring). Jim Myles presented his “Longworth Complex Development – Proposal Information and Guidelines” for consideration, including a time line to bring the process forward. City Manager Hanifan also presented Draft #1 of “Request for Proposals – Former Longworth Plating Site”. City Manager John Hanifan suspects that a developer will not take the RFP seriously if there is a parallel track with a government unit. Further discussion will take place at the November 5 meeting with a larger number of Board members present.

Last Thursday's meeting followed as a result of discussions at the DDA meeting held on Sept. 3 and Oct 1. On Sept. 3, concern was expressed about demolishing the Livery and front building and leaving it all winter without a specific plan for development. Two other remarks made on Sept. 3 were: this demolition is NOT about a parking lot and there is intent that at some point in the future, the property could be back on the tax rolls.

On Oct 1, Jim Myles read a summary of his impression of the intended plan for the corridor. There was a spirited discussion regarding going forward with the DDA “Plan B” including getting plans drawn and submitted to the Planning Commission. The conclusion was that until the Livery building is down, it is not possible to see the lot and the possibilities. There is agreement that if the Mack Building is to be used, the Livery Building has to go because without sufficient parking, redevelopment is unlikely. City Manager Hanifan was asked to prepare an RFP for qualified persons to draw potential plans for the space. Admittedly that is troublesome because without the Livery gone, it is hard to assess the state of the Mack Bldg. It was agreed that the DDA needs to keep its options open.

Written by members of the Save the Livery Coalition.