Fitchburg eyes plan to rehab vacant factory space - Sentinel & ...

This plan to allow developers free reign to convert our historic Mills into housing is frankly insane. The city of Fitchburg needs more jobs, not places for jobless citizens to live.
Over the last 30 years, the city of Fitchburg has seen it's Retail and Industry businesses leave en masse. The city is desolate, and there is almost nothing to do here that doesn't involve prostitutes, illicit drugs or gang-banging.
The law-abiding taxpayers of Fitchburg have an ever-declining quality of life. Inviting more criminals to our neighborhoods is not the way to fix the problem.

This may get approved but will never happen, her giddy excitement is silly

^^^^^^ And your better idea is what, leave them vacant?

3 years ago when the economy was STILL great, a group of us was ready to purchase the Nockege River mills to rehab them into upsacle, luxury condo units of not less than 5,000sq.ft.. Fitchburg had everything we were looking for for this type of a project including a local airport capable of handling private jets to ferry these upper-class individuals into the area to live and more importantly, bring their money into this city.
The sad reality however is that once the initial financial and demographic research was completed, it was QUICKLY determined that Fitchburg has NEVER been the type of city to sustain a influx of upper-middle to lower-upper class citizens. The city has been in a downward spiral for over 15 years (research it. we did) economically and business wise.
We ended up pulling out of the project all together within 6 months. Glad too. Would've been in debt to Bank of America (that's right Wong, we were ACTUALLY approaching them for a HUGE investment into this community........ they were on the fence about but were ready to take the chance on Fitchburg)for well over $15m in the INITIAL phase alone.
Sad, but true. Look into the Brookfield area or the Amherst area of MA.... these are the type of communities individuals of "better" standing want to develop. I don't even think Pulte Homes (one of the country's LARGEST home building firms) has built a single home in Fitchburg have they? Because they HAVE recently in Bolton, Stow, Maynard, etc. etc.
The harsh reality is that, in my opinion only, any and all businesses still surviving in this city should continue to leave en masse until the local economy collapses entirely. Then, when there's finally no way to continue to offer ALL the free services to the irresponsible, lazy, collecting families in this city because there is just NO MORE $ to do it, they'll ALL move to the next city that's ready to be parasitized and Fitchburg can begin to rebuild itself economically with the RIGHT type of residents.

We need jobs in Fitchburg, not cheap housing units that will bring in more free loaders. Lets start thinking positively,JOBS,JOBS and more JOBS.

tried it wrote:

3 years ago when the economy was STILL great, a group of us was ready to purchase the Nockege River mills to rehab them into upsacle, luxury condo units of not less than 5,000sq.ft.. Fitchburg had everything we were looking for for this type of a project including a local airport capable of handling private jets to ferry these upper-class individuals into the area to live and more importantly, bring their money into this city.
The sad reality however is that once the initial financial and demographic research was completed, it was QUICKLY determined that Fitchburg has NEVER been the type of city to sustain a influx of upper-middle to lower-upper class citizens. The city has been in a downward spiral for over 15 years (research it. we did) economically and business wise.
We ended up pulling out of the project all together within 6 months. Glad too. Would've been in debt to Bank of America (that's right Wong, we were ACTUALLY approaching them for a HUGE investment into this community........ they were on the fence about but were ready to take the chance on Fitchburg)for well over $15m in the INITIAL phase alone.
Sad, but true. Look into the Brookfield area or the Amherst area of MA.... these are the type of communities individuals of "better" standing want to develop. I don't even think Pulte Homes (one of the country's LARGEST home building firms) has built a single home in Fitchburg have they? Because they HAVE recently in Bolton, Stow, Maynard, etc. etc.
The harsh reality is that, in my opinion only, any and all businesses still surviving in this city should continue to leave en masse until the local economy collapses entirely. Then, when there's finally no way to continue to offer ALL the free services to the irresponsible, lazy, collecting families in this city because there is just NO MORE $ to do it, they'll ALL move to the next city that's ready to be parasitized and Fitchburg can begin to rebuild itself economically with the RIGHT type of residents.

Outstanding example of what this city could of had. Amherst and North Hampton, Smith's college area is a perfect example of what fitchburg could be. Active full Main Street stores of all sorts,perfect blends of a to z style lcoal businesses to franchise shops.
The fact that we do have an airport is also a overlooked plus.

But then again, we have the public safety issued that if left to fester will only be an area for low income families who do not want nothing more than wait for the next check from state or feds.

I think they should make river street junkie/hoe complex and the commercial space proposed could be for all the social services that are ruining main street with such clients. Maybe Wong can get a big grant for it.

John wrote:

^^^^^^ And your better idea is what, leave them vacant?

Tear them down, they're obsolete

how about filling all the VACANT storefronts down town first and just bulldoze those eyesores for now

She supports only her pets, 639 design, destare and the other little shops near city hall that nobody goes too. The rest of the struggling business she could care less about. Hey wong hows your coffee shop coming? Fool.

My thoughts for Fitchburg would be to develop the downtown area into a thriving Main Street with business, restaurants, local artisan stores that would bring jobs. The City of Fitchburg needs to retrace it roots back to when a Friday evening consisted of downtown shopping and meeting neighbors out on for a stroll. The buildings in the downtown area have nice features and characteristics of old buildings and a historic feel. Do they really need to be turned into one, two and three bedroom housing units? I think not! Business brings jobs and jobs bring happiness to the residents, business people and surrounding areas. Please, no more condo's.

Let them eat cake wrote:

<quoted text>
Outstanding example of what this city could of had. Amherst and North Hampton, Smith's college area is a perfect example of what fitchburg could be. Active full Main Street stores of all sorts,perfect blends of a to z style lcoal businesses to franchise shops.
The fact that we do have an airport is also a overlooked plus.
But then again, we have the public safety issued that if left to fester will only be an area for low income families who do not want nothing more than wait for the next check from state or feds.
I think they should make river street junkie/hoe complex and the commercial space proposed could be for all the social services that are ruining main street with such clients. Maybe Wong can get a big grant for it.

Sad, Fitchburg needed you! The city is full of crime and most of the multi family homes are in sad shape. There are some lovely sections to the city, but it has been spiraling down hill since I moved to the area in 1986. My regret is that they call Leominster and Fitchburg the "Twin Cities". There are not twins and as different as night and day. I recently visited North Hampton and was so impressed with their downtown area. This is what Fitchburg needs for their downtown. Years ago it was a great area, safe and a family town (so my friend who grew up there tells me). We don't need more condo's.....WE NEED BUSINESS.

Colleen wrote:

<quoted text>Sad, Fitchburg needed you! The city is full of crime and most of the multi family homes are in sad shape. There are some lovely sections to the city, but it has been spiraling down hill since I moved to the area in 1986. My regret is that they call Leominster and Fitchburg the "Twin Cities". There are not twins and as different as night and day. I recently visited North Hampton and was so impressed with their downtown area. This is what Fitchburg needs for their downtown. Years ago it was a great area, safe and a family town (so my friend who grew up there tells me). We don't need more condo's.....WE NEED BUSINESS.

I'm afraid that the mayor is a dreamer, she's young and will mature in time. She doesnt know any better, she has no idea how to deal with people. She thinks she does but she doesnt.

The current effort to rehab factory buildings is all about improving the city and taking the longterm view. The politicians you all seem to venerate actually plundered and squandered the city by having residential projects built right off the highway. What we have left are mill buildings with a lot of potential and riverfront locations. I say, get the investment, streamline the process and bring on new tax payers. If you know anything about this mayor, you know that economic development is what she promised and what she's delivering. Despite impediments in every direction (in and out of city hall). Support smart government people and get yourselves informed. I have talked to numerous people who left Fitchburg prior to 2007 because of obstructions in City Hall. I don't envy Lisa Wong all that she has to repair, let alone improve before the "average person" sees growth.

i like the idea. n it'll be good for fichburg i live in leominster but go to fitchburg alot

You have a professional and educated mayor in Fitchburg. It has been a long time coming! She cannot change things overnight. But if truly concerned citizens will only look at the changes that Amherst and North Hampton finally made after years of downturn (as another post pointed out); then demand the same your city might possibly SURVIVE notwithstanding your City Council. Good luck!

Colleen wrote:

My thoughts for Fitchburg would be to develop the downtown area into a thriving Main Street with business, restaurants, local artisan stores that would bring jobs. The City of Fitchburg needs to retrace it roots back to when a Friday evening consisted of downtown shopping and meeting neighbors out on for a stroll. The buildings in the downtown area have nice features and characteristics of old buildings and a historic feel. Do they really need to be turned into one, two and three bedroom housing units? I think not! Business brings jobs and jobs bring happiness to the residents, business people and surrounding areas. Please, no more condo's.

No, but turning them into 4-5 bedroom LUXURY units would bring the necessary influx of money into the community that apparently even the local "upper" class is unwilling to spend.

"tried it,Fitchburg, MA"
Your neither a principle, developer or contractor connected to the Nockege River mills. Please do not try to pass yourself off as such in your quest to denigrate the city of Fitchburg. I Guarantee you were not and I assure you, never will be associated with us. We do continue to have active projects on-going inside the borders of Fitchburg.
Regards,
Robert Newton

Taxpayer 138,
I couldn't agree more. Fitchburg has more than it's share of housing. What about the commercial and industrial jobs the mayor promised to bring in. She's renegging on her promises.
Taxpayer why don't you run for Mayor?

Taxpayer_138 wrote:

This plan to allow developers free reign to convert our historic Mills into housing is frankly insane. The city of Fitchburg needs more jobs, not places for jobless citizens to live.
Over the last 30 years, the city of Fitchburg has seen it's Retail and Industry businesses leave en masse. The city is desolate, and there is almost nothing to do here that doesn't involve prostitutes, illicit drugs or gang-banging.
The law-abiding taxpayers of Fitchburg have an ever-declining quality of life. Inviting more criminals to our neighborhoods is not the way to fix the problem.

I have lived in Fitchburg for 10 years and I grew up visiting Main Street for shopping as a child. I am not necessarily proud of the condition it is in now, but believe that small changes can make a tremendous difference. Anyone who has visited Lowell, MA over the last 10-15 years can attest to the renaissance that city has seen. The antiquity and appeal of their mills was a driving force. Many of these old and dilapidated mills have been converted to housing (apartments and condos, including affordable housing) and has greatly improved the face value of that city. Sure, they also fall into the affordable housing category, but that doesn't mean that just because they are affordable that it will bring more derelicts and trouble. It would be ignorant and discriminatory to assume that just because they are affordable that lazy, jobless individuals will move in. There are a lot of wonderful, tax paying, law abiding families that make a difference, but need more affordable options. It is definitely a start. Even if in face value only, this begins to make others have a sense of a cleaner, more appealing place to live, than so be it. How about we start with the average middle class who want a nice place to live right off of a main rail line to Boston and it's suburbs. This notion that the upper class need to be jetted in to Fitchburg airport for Fitchburg to survive is so idealistic and unrealistic. It happens and can happen with the average middle class who want change. I do agree that Fitchburg needs more focus on the Main Street business area as well, but the rehabbing the mills of Fitchburg is definitely a positive start. I agree with Take a Closer Look's comment: "The current effort to rehab factory buildings is all about improving the city and taking the longterm view." The rehab of an old mill city can't happen overnight. At the very least it will increase the face value... the look and feel of River Street will improve and maybe, just maybe, people will see these run down areas as new areas for potential growth, and little by little, smart home owners will see the great potential of an area like Fitchburg and not turn their noses up just because it isn't there yet. I hope you can all check your attitudes and 10 years from now you'll look back and say....Wow, Fitchburg has seen its own renaissance! It has to start somewhere, folks!

Let them eat cake wrote:

<quoted text>
Outstanding example of what this city could of had. Amherst...... area is a perfect example of what fitchburg could be.

true, all we need are a few Gitmo terrorists and we will be complete!