East End Civic Association Wednesday. March 5, 2008.

Attended by the Executive Board, Mayor Bramson, Councilpersons Stove, Fertel, and Tarrantino, Susan D’Amato, Director of Development.

Our guest speaker was Abe Naparstek of Forest City Residential Group

Peg, our co-president, opened the meeting and introduced our guests.

Mayor Bramson spoke about the process involved in gaining approval for the Echo Bay project.  A specific plan for development was presented and accepted by the city.  A Memo of Understanding is being draw up outlining the responsibilities of the city and the developer.  An Environmental impact study must be done.  Hearings will take 12 to 18 months.  Ground breaking should be in 2010 or 2011.

The report is available on line @ noambramson.org.  with pictures.

Abe Naparstek gave a power point presentation on The Echo Bay Project. 

It will have five story buildings on Main Street, Three story town homes closer to the water, 600 rental units, retail stores, parks and promenade.  The water’s edge will be rebuilt.  Main St. is about 20 to 25 feet above water level.  The surrounding parks will be connected to it.   There will be 20% Workforce housing. The parking lot will be capped with green.  The architecture is not done yet.

The Armory is gone and a community center using artifacts and the style of the original building is included in the plan.  Leaving the Armory would have increased the density of the project. 

The tax structure for the project is in negotiation.  Much of the money for the clean up and public space comes from the Federal and State Governments.

The sewer system has to be studied.  There is a 3 to 1 improvement ratio to be met. 

Question of parking, no anticipation it will spill into the neighborhood.

Question of school.  Units will be studio and one bedroom, some two bedroom.  Studies show you do not have school age children in these units.

Question:  Considering all the projects in the area, the total number of students is increasing?  No, not necessarily.

Question:  The Armory.  It was said that there has been a 15-year attempt to save the Armory that has been ignored.  It was felt the veterans attempt to save the armory has not been taken seriously and  was intentionally allowed to deteriorate. 

   submitted by Frank Capasso