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Urban plan debate opens
BY GEORGE W. RHODES SUN CHRONICLE STAFF
Wednesday, March 7, 2007 7:59 AM EST




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ATTLEBORO - A loan order to fund the first phase of a landmark downtown revitalization project is in the hands of the city council and will be up for discussion tonight at a special finance committee meeting - along with the urban renewal plan, the guiding document for a project officials believe will create historic changes in the center of the city.

The $2.5 million order, submitted by Mayor Kevin Dumas Tuesday, not only represents the city's financial commitment to Phase 1A of the project, which has a total cost of $14.7 million, but is a crucial sign to federal authorities that the city's ready to proceed.

The long-planned project relies heavily on federal money, which the city had been warned was in jeopardy if swift action wasn't taken.

Approval of the loan order along with the urban renewal plan is needed to secure a new funding request in the federal government's upcoming fiscal year and to safeguard about $10 million in cash already earmarked for the project.

Six weeks ago, U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Worcester, said the time to act is now if the city is serious about the project and hopes to protect funding already in place. Finance Chairman Frank Cook called for a public hearing on the loan for March 20.

If there are no major problems, it could be voted that night along with the urban renewal plan, he said.

However, if there are issues to be worked out, the votes could take place at a special meeting on March 27. Both seem to be acceptable, he said.

"I think that's within the congressman's timetable," Cook said.

Cook said it's likely that the urban renewal plan will take up most of tonight's meeting. Both matters will be up for discussion again Tuesday.

While approval of both is expected soon, one possible sticking point is an impasse between the Attleboro Redevelopment Authority, the project's lead agency, and two land owners over the price for their properties.

"It's obvious we're concerned about it," Cook said. "I hope we'll be able to work out something that's mutually satisfactory to all parties."

Meanwhile, the planning board has discussed the urban renewal plan twice and is expected to approve it Monday after language is added that makes it clear the ARA will be authorized to work in only two of five districts described in the plan.

Approval of the plan gives the ARA power to take property by eminent domain if a price can't be negotiated with land owners.

The main goals of Phase 1A, which involves about 26 acres bounded by the Ten Mile River, Amtrak railroad tracks, Olive Street and County Street, include acquisition of all land, relocation of the pubic works yard, construction of a GATRA bus staging area, improvement of access to the MBTA commuter rail parking lot and the sale of land for private development. Phase 1A also includes a second district that includes the former Swank Co. property. The ARA will have to acquire some publicly owned land for that project.

For more information about the plan visit http://attleborodowntown.com

GEORGE W. RHODES can be reached at 508-236-0432 or at grhodes@thesunchronicle.com.
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Donna wrote on Mar 7, 2007 10:40 PM:

" John, I am deeply sorry that you lost your job at TI but it was a business decision for them to move to cheaper labor and real estate taxes. They moved out of the North East as many other manufacturing businesses have done. It is a challenge that we have been facing as manufacturing migrates to cheaper areas. TI could afford to pay their workers here but they chose to optimize profit elsewhere and there tride and true workers paid the price. It is a trickle down effect that is worrying everyone in the workforce but we cannot loose sight of our future attractions to the area and continue to push the business sector of our commercial real estate. We need to adapt rather than see former industrial communities turn into ghost towns! Again, I am sorry you were forced to move on from TI but investing in downtown will help us all. "

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J wrote on Mar 7, 2007 10:13 PM:

" Jessie, a tax over ride ballot is not part of the downtown initiative. The downtown is being funded without raising our taxes or even asking us to vote on raising our taxes. I don't think you are informed on what is actually happening. The downtown project can actually reduce our tax burden. I agree with Donna. She seems to know what she is talking about. The two of you should sit down together and talk and maybe you could benefit from the discussion. "

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Donna wrote on Mar 7, 2007 9:54 PM:

" To Jessie: I know this is not Providence. I could not afford Providence and its surrounding areas and I certainly could not afford the Boston area or even the Route 495 belt. That is why I am happy to live here. I was just making a comparison to a nearby municipality (only 10min). You ask what I have done? For starters, I have researched the projects that are going on in the City. I have assessed there relevance to the City and continue to support them. I have paid my taxes and continued to improve my own property in Attleboro. I have attended the public hearings and have voiced my opinion to our Mayor and the City Council. I have attended constituent hours with the Mayor...he has them regularly. I have donated to local causes, attended events and have been putting a plan together for even greater City Rehabilitation. I work locally and continue to push the merits of Attleboro. I contribute to local business when I can and try and keep my tax dollars local. I am looking for more to do so if you have any suggestions I am open. There is nothing more that I want than to see my community strive. What have you done? Do you want to work together??? We need everyone "

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John wrote on Mar 7, 2007 9:52 PM:

" I worked for TI 35yrs. It was the tax rate that made them not to afford to pay the rate to the workers, so they closed. They offered it's workers a choice to relocate or retire others had no choice but to look for another job if they could find one after most of the other busniess left. And you speak of taxes increased less, how do you do that. "

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Ms. Kong wrote on Mar 7, 2007 9:38 PM:

" You tell em' Donna! "

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Donna wrote on Mar 7, 2007 9:16 PM:

" To John: Taxes did not drive out business in Attleboro. A competing national and global market did. Jobs have been migrating down south and across seas because of cheaper labor. As for Ti, Sensata bought them out and is planning great things for the old TI campus. In fact, Bristol Community College is moving there soon as well as other businesses. Tune into the Attleboro Cable Access Channel and watch the great things that are happening. I just learned recently that Sensata is working closely with Honda on a major product that is supposed to push the business forward enormously. I am glad they are here in Attleboro!!! "

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Jessie. wrote on Mar 7, 2007 9:08 PM:

" Donna this isn't RI. Have you heard of an over ride ballot. What example did youget up and do for the city or what example would you get up and do to for the city so others can follow. "

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John wrote on Mar 7, 2007 8:31 PM:

" Taxes drove out Attleboro's job market in the past. The industry couldn't afford to stay, so they took it where it would work for them. Look around at all the big empty buildings, the biggest being TI, which employed over 6500 people. "

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Donna wrote on Mar 7, 2007 8:08 PM:

" To Jessie: Appeal to your Tax Assessor. If you own property and you feel you have been unfairly assessed, you can file for an abatement. Because of Proposition 2 1/2 the City's taxes cannot increase as a whole more than 2 1/2 percent. That does not mean some people were not increased more but others were increased less. Where did you fall?? The City cannot collect more than a 2 1/2 percent increase overall. This is a common misconception of the public. The downtown project will not increase our tax burden. I understand times are tough. That is because of real estate boom. We can only hope that the market will continue correct itself and make Massachusetts more affordable as a whole. So you know, Attleboro's tax rate was actually reduced again this year to about $9 per thousand. For comparison, Providence area is about $16 per thousand. A lot of people don't know that. This, again, was done because taxes in Mass cannot be increased overall more than 2 1/2 percent. The City's scope of contribution was done within fiscal '08's budget perameter's. Don't worry, I have researched this, we will not be taxed more! It is a great and worthy cause and will help bring in more tax revenue for the future helping to bring down our tax burden even more. Pushing our city forward and bringing more foot traffic to downtown, more commerce and more jobs will only help us weather future storms. Downtown has not been the same since businesses started leaving in the mid 90's and we need to pull them back in. "If you build it they will come" is the age old motto and we have to put our faith in that. I have done my homework and this cost will not be put on our shoulders. I, too, would be upset if it were. "

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Common sense. wrote on Mar 7, 2007 7:55 PM:

" Common sense! The biger the city THE MORE IT COST TO RUN. Bigger sewer plants, bigger water plants, more roads to plow,bigger work force to pay,ex.- police, fire, city workers, town officials, and the list keeps going on. what pays for this? "

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Ms. Kong wrote on Mar 7, 2007 6:47 PM:

" Donna, I completely agree. Change starts with all of us. Let's take our wonderful city to the next level. "

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Jessie. wrote on Mar 7, 2007 6:23 PM:

" Hey Donna, you didn't mention how you like your tax rate?? And oh, what task have you taken on for the city lately, talks cheep. But our taxes aren't and their not getting any cheeper. The majority of us can't afford much more. You got all the answers, what will we do. "

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Politico wrote on Mar 7, 2007 5:18 PM:

" McGovern is just doing this to get some political good will in the area. "

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Donna wrote on Mar 7, 2007 4:36 PM:

" Some of the naysayer's comments don't make much sense to me. For instance, Chris L writes "the roads are horrible, the parks are worse than the roads, the schools are worse than the parks..." First, Attleboro has some of the best, well maintained and paved roads in the area. Since you compare us to Taunton...I absolutely compel you to drive through downtown Taunton and compare our roads to theirs. While you are at it, drive home through Easton and Mansfield (much wealthier communities) and again compare. Ours are better! Next, all of our schools (with exception to the high school) are brand new or have been renovated in the last few years with state of the art facilities. The high school is next for a re-hab. They are already in the planning stages and are now working on a feasibility study to implement it. Lastly, did you notice this year the new Hagopian Rose Walk and new Gazebo at Capron Park. Oh, and did you notice the renovated Bandstand in the park this year. Or the renovated Zoo? Have you been there? And since you have not seen grass in seven years at Lee's Pond Park, why not pick up a couple of bags of seed or ask a local business near by to donate some and spread it yourself one day. We are, after all, a community of people who deserve and expect a lot. Why not give back to the community. Believe me, it is contagious!! Make an example of yourself and others will follow. That is what our Mayor and Leadership is doing for this City. Building, creating, beautifying and bettering our City with the resources we have and planning for the future. If we sit back and complain nothing will get done. If we get up and do something others will too!!!! "

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Realist wrote on Mar 7, 2007 4:19 PM:

" What is a "more worthy market force"? You can't wave a magic wand and get change to happen. Worcester has been trying but can't. People need a reason to come... Providence succeeded because it's the state capital. You have to have a draw. Real jobs would be a draw, not up upscale restaurants. Oh, and don't criticize McGovern, they won't post it. "

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Joey. wrote on Mar 7, 2007 4:04 PM:

" No matter what you say or think it's not going to stop this project. Someone is going to benifit really good from this. My guess, someone from Conn., or New York. And yes I agree about, fix what we have and attract real upscale business'es,Get out of the jwelry business,and get the technical jobs in here, money paying jobs. Not a bus station to import illeagle aliens to string beads. "

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UPSCALE wrote on Mar 7, 2007 1:46 PM:

" The market force in the downtown area has not worked for us. Replacing it with a more upscale force maybe a good idea. As this area expands outward many of the run down neighborhoods around the center will be replaced giving us a more worthy market force.By making the downtown more desirable to live realestate values will increase giving us more revenue lowering taxes for all. "

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Kevin wrote on Mar 7, 2007 1:20 PM:

" The area near the river floods every spring. Has anyone thought of that? "

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pleaseSteve wrote on Mar 7, 2007 12:53 PM:

" This project should be voted on by the whole city not just pushed through because congressman mcgovern thinks its a good idea and is holding up the city council to make it happen or lose out on future pork ,A project built on grants & federal funds is a project waiting to stall. Hellthe congressman thinks Fidel Castro is a good idea! "

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Old TImer wrote on Mar 7, 2007 12:26 PM:

" Investing in infrastructure is one thing, maintaining it is another. The Balfour Riverwalk is an embarrassment to the city. The roads are a mess. If the traffic in South Attleboro is an example of the planning that goes into projects, I say forget it. Do something to attract REAL jobs. Forget the trendy stores and restaurants. "

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OP. wrote on Mar 7, 2007 12:16 PM:

" In 2006 Attleboro received $5,686,033 from the state lottery, to spend as they wish. My question is what did they spend it on. It would be nice to see the results of where it went. For example, Taunton in 2003 spent their money to fix up the city fountain in the center. This is from the mass lottery site, where the money goes. Where did ours go!! "

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Chris L wrote on Mar 7, 2007 12:03 PM:

" Hey Attleboro, why don't we focus on our existing property. For example, the roads are horrible, the parks are worse than the roads, the schools are worse than the parks.... You know the Attleboro High School's parking lot flooded last week??? Lee's pond park has not had grass in the seven years that I have lived in the area. Etc, etc, etc.... "

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Joe wrote on Mar 7, 2007 10:06 AM:

" Here's our chance to make Attleboro a better city - let's rise to the occassion and invest in our infrastructure "

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Money out the window wrote on Mar 7, 2007 9:18 AM:

" Time to print up the over ride ballots. Throwing an existing business out to have his dream city come true will mean higher taxes for the individual. Or maybe he can pay for it with Governor T&S's local restaurant tax. "

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