WOW, I never would of thought that many had opened. This is a good thing for N.R.

Yeah I guess no sewer system is not preventing businesses from opening in North Reading after all

Jim,
Many of these are probably sole proprietors or very small businesses (under 10 employees). The only large business that popped off that list is Kiva Systems ( which recently sold to Amazon).

What does your comment have to do with a modern sewer system on main street? Why would you be against such an improvement to the business environment in North Reading? Compare the 2 mile stretch of Rt 114 in Danvers to our Rt 28. There is a clear reason we have no national food chains in town. Septic!!!
E

Jim,

I'm guessing you live pretty close to Rt 28 and like things just the way they are. Keep reminiscing! Rt 28 should be more like rt 114!!! Main St is an embarrassment. The situation that has allowed this part of our town to remain in the dark ages is just another case of rampant nimbyism. (read... Centre Café Alcohol permit denial). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NIMBY

Chains…for starters how about Applebees, Fridays, Olive garden, Chiles, 99, Bertuccis, or the Outback. The olive garden recently opened a new location in Danvers. These chains do generate tax revenue and provide jobs. There are also some very nice family owned places to eat in Reading, Danvers, Andover and others. Why did they choose to open in these towns instead of NR? Have you eaten at the Horseshoe recently? You can’t find a place to park for a reason! The food is great and there is Zero local competition….hence the high prices.

As far as the sewer hookup is concerned. I do not live in one of the sections affected by the hookup but if our water rates keep going up, I will be forced to spend $15,000 on a well. How much will your hookup cost?
E

Jim,

But here is the good news. I did just stroke a $1500 annual check for a new school that I will never personally benefit from. I am glad to help out our school children…but the school issue is just another can that got kicked down the curb by the town until the State bailed us out.

Any chance we could have slipped a waste-water project override vote through a town special election on a Saturday in the middle of March by a margin of 3000-800….wink… wink… wink. I think not.

Where is the State funny money pool for waste water? Do they have one at MWRA?

Maybe we could break ground by June. Didn’t you know that time is running out.

Our town may never get this chance ever again!!! It is a once in a lifetime chance.

Long term view......waste water approval and increased tax revenues from business.

Short term view....more of the same until the next override vote.

E

E, Yes I do like things the way they are.There are a few businesses on Main St that do need work, but 114 in Danvers is not the way, it is a madhouse down there.NIMBYism, Will You welcome a sewer treatment plant in Your backyard? I think not. In your five years as a North Reading resident you sure have found alot to dislike about our town. Why did You move here then? Those are some mighty fine restaurants that we are missing out on.There are also some very fine family owned restaurants in North Reading. Personally I prefer Kitty's, Big Dog sports, Horseshoe Grille, China Cuisine and the Great American Tavern to the chain reataurants that You mentioned.As far as the sewer hook up is concerned, If You think that having a municipal sewer system will lower Your water rates I beg to differ.As far as the new school project goes do you think that it would be better for us to have funded the whole cost ourselves without the assistance of the state fund? We already voted on a sewer system and we voted no.

If you think water rates are high now just wait and see what they are if we hook into MWRA. The rates will be FOUR times what they are now. The average water bill in Reading is $3000 a year thanks to MWRA.
And do not fool yourself there has been talk in the Town Hall about looking into this already..

Joe, is that what it would cost each homeowner if the entire town went to sewer or just Main Street?

Jim,

We moved here because we found a wonderful house in a quiet neighborhood with nice neighbors. My comments are based on general observations of town operations during the past 5 years and comparisons with other local communities.

I must admit, I would be irritated if a sewer plant was built close to my home, but sometimes individual homeowners must sacrifice for the greater good. I would sell and move.

You must remember when Rt 93 was built displacing homes and businesses. The 93 project is partially responsible for our current problems on Main street. Our main street became irrelevant until the influx of new housing development during the past 15 years.

Folks like Pat Lee have figured out how to make lots of money despite the challenges. We probably spend over $5000 a year at the horseshoe ($100 x 52 weeks). I doubt we would have spent $10 at the “Old Shoe”.

Bottom line…our town needs more tax revenue in lieu of ultimately laying off municipal workers. Any solutions?

E

Peter if that figure is inacurate tell me what it is. That is the figure I was given when I asked.

Eileen, That is what Iwas told the average water & sewer bill is for a residence in Reading.

E, You said, I must admit, I would be irritated if a sewer plant was built close to my home, but sometimes individual homeowners must sacrifice for the greater good. I would sell and move..
I disagree 100%. No one should have to sell their home for the greater good of anybody. Who would buy your home if you lived next to a sewer treatment plant.?
Please think about what you are saying.

E, FYI put in a well if you like but if the town goes to MWRA when the sewer line goes by your property you pay an assesment weather you are hooked up or not..

Peter, Why would you say, You have no doubt I got my information from someone at Towm Hall.?
I never said where I got my information from.

Peter, Just for the record you are wrong.

Joe,
You are missing my point. I would gladly pay an assessment if a modern sewer system were installed on Main St.

Since I am not a selectman....I take a longer term view of what I feel NR needs.

We need long term tax revenue growth that is not solely heaped on the backs of homeowners and the crapshoot of increasing residential property values.

Do you have a solution for NR's projected flat revenue stream?

As far as the "greater good" is concerned, how many homes in greater Boston were sacrificed when RT 93 was built? How many were purchased by eminent domaine when the town assembled the Eisenhaure pond open space? Everyone has their price.

E

As a reminder, please be civil to everyone when commenting on the site. Thank you.

Peter no need to get nasty. I did not get nasty with you. But i suuppose when you hide behind a first name it is easier to get nasty because no one knows who you are. .

E, I want to be sure you realize i was opposed to the land takings at Eisenhaure pond.
Also you are right everyone has their price. Do you also reaslize the town was sued over some of the land takings and it cost us at least a milluion more dollars?

E, I did not get offended.

E. In this economy it is very hard to increase revenues.

Peter you are correct. I am the only one who uses his full name on this thread. I guess that shows I do not mind people knowing who I am unlike you. On your question who gave me my information. I will be like you his name is John. Sorry it seems you only like to go by first names so take it from there.

Home owners that water their lawns get boned in NR due to progressive water rates. If you like a green lawn...drill a well. Our bill was $1200 in 2011 by watching the meter. The former owner paid over $5000 per year because they watered 24/7. I kid you not!!

How about his kind of vision for NR?
http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/kbenfield/data_summaries_show_walkable_c.html