We must take a look att new residential construction
Dear Editor:
Now more than ever we need to take a serious look at the explosion of residential construction in the City of Revere.
Additionally, I feel a need to impose a residential construction Moratorium that does not effect the average homeowner and studies the effect of large-scale residential projects on our city. Currently 231 units at Rumney Flats, 900 units at Waterfront Square, 100 units at Wonderland Ballroom, 34 units at the Batmasian project on Revere Beach Boulevard, and construction on 20 units at Washington Avenue are all either permitted, for sale or in the building phase of their developments. This is a total of 1,265 units. The proposed development of a 300-unit complex at the old Shaw’s site and the possible development of 90 units at Luigi’s, which abuts Beachmont Station, will only add to the problems of a stressed infrastructure on Revere Beach Parkway where water mains seem to be broken more often than not.
Moreover, the traffic within Revere’s urban ring is so congested as it is. Adding 700 new cars to the area is on top of the projected 2,000 cars coming from current development is only asking for more chaos. Likewise, these developments will increase the pressure on our education infrastructure. Considering classrooms are tight as it is, and as we add more residential units to our community profile, we will surely increase the number of children absorbed into an already taxed school system. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education reports Revere’s 2013 education budget was close to $100,000,000 and our per pupil expenditure was $14,021.
These units will have a clear economic consequence to them as well. Frankly, our seniors can’t afford the increase in taxes and the Water and Sewer rate currently. By adding more residential units, our seniors and families will ultimately have to pay for all the direct and indirect consequence of these large-scale apartment complexes. Likewise by opening up commercial space for residential use, you decrease available land area to forward commercial development in the city as well as open up legal precedent to build large-scale 1,000-unit-plus residential projects in Suffolk Downs and Wonderland Dog Track.
Some of my detractors may disagree with me, and others will just outright lie so that the status quo and politically connected can financially benefit on the backs of our seniors and families. However, in a recent poll, over 94 percent of respondent agreed with a Moratorium on apartment complex construction. That’s why I firmly believe we need a three-year Residential Construction Moratorium while providing relief to the average homeowner in Revere.
After all folks, I work for you, not them.
George Rotondo
Candidate, City Council at-Large
New balls fields in Ward Six are a reality
Dear Editor:
Mayor Dan Rizzo thanks to you and your administration Ward Six is getting new ball fields. Thanks from St. Mary’s Parish. We feel that more boys and girls on the new fields may bring more people to our wonderful St. Mary’s Parish. On a personal vote I have such strong feelings about St. Mary’s ball fields because my three grandsons literally grew up playing baseball on that field and went on to be outstanding athletes in high school and college.
Again, Mr. Mayor thanks to you, your administration and the city council. A special Thank You to our Ward Six Councilor Charlie Patch. I would like to personally extend my gratitude to Charlie who has a red phone line to answer calls from his constituents; I personally have him on my speed dial. Thanks Charlie for always answering.
I must say West Revere will be Best Revere!
Vincent F. Cammarata
Lifelong Revere Resident