May 8, 2008
By Robin Kaminski/ The Daily Item

The future of Lynn and the massive waterfront revitalization project that aims to reshape the fabric of the city was detailed at a North Shore Chamber of Commerce Economic & Public Policy Breakfast Forum Wednesday at North Shore Community College.

While new information was not disclosed at the breakfast, city officials served as cheerleaders of sorts for the groundbreaking project.

Senator Thomas McGee said he is not only excited for the city of Lynn and for the prospects the project could potentially hold, but also for the entire North Shore.

"With 300-plus acres in play for development, commuter boats and transit, we are building a future and investing together," he said. "We're really moving this forward by working together."

Mayor Edward J. Clancy Jr. said the colossal undertaking of relocating the power lines along the waterfront remains the key component in moving the project forward.

"If and when the lines are moved, it will be a tremendous boost and a direct shot in the arm to the city," he said. "It's because of cooperation that we are going to make this a reality."
Still, Clancy said the devil is in the details when it comes to the relocation of the power lines, which have been located along the waterfront for the past 48 years.

"We do not have a signed memorandum as of yet," he said. "It's always difficult to get to the last yard or two over the details, but hopefully we will get to the goal line together."

A detailed slideshow of the project was presented by James Cowdell, director of the Economic Development & Industrial Corporation (EDIC), to thoroughly bring the audience up to speed.

"I feel confident that we will reach an agreement in a very short period of time and that the power lines will be moved," he said. "

A large crowd attended the Lynn Chamber breakfast held at North Shore Community College Wednesday. Item photo / Owen O'Rourke
Cowdell painted a picture of the proposed waterfront, complete with a promenade stretching from the General Edwards Bridge to the area of the Nahant Rotary, a mixed-use district, and a renewed sense of admiration for the city.

"We want people to overcome the negative thoughts about the Lynn waterfront and we want people to come to the city," he said.

A major piece of the redevelopment pie is the revitalization of the Christie's restaurant site, which Cowdell said would serve as the gateway to Lynn from Swampscott and Nahant.

A family style restaurant located on the first floor and three additional floors of residences on top are reportedly in the works for the site.

The demolition of the vacant apartment buildings located behind Christie's are in the process of being torn down in the coming weeks.

"If that development can occur, it will be just awesome and will really change that gateway," he said.

Aside from the advancements being made with the waterfront project, the zoning ordinance that still needs to be clarified for the Sagamore Hill section of the city will reportedly be addressed at an upcoming council meeting.

Confusion over why the area was zoned for 40,000 square foot lots despite a recommendation by Sasaki Associates for 15,000 square feet is still being debated.

Following the breakfast, City Council president Timothy Phelan said the council is currently working their way through the issue and the logistics.

"Instead of amending it three or four times, we want to do it right the first time," he said. "So we're ironing out all of the kinks right now."

To download and view Jim Cowdell's presentation, click here.

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