September 3, 2010

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Mixed-Use Village Proposed in Forestdale

August 11, 2010 By Joseph P Egan Leave a Comment

Forestdale Village

Forestdale, MA – A 75.9 acre parcel of land located in the easterly side of Route 130 in Forestdale, MA is the site of a proposed mixed-use development known as Forestdale Village.

The project site is located just south of the Mobil Mart and along the westerly side of Peters Pond. Forestdale Village will be constructed in multiple phases and at full build-out, roughly half of the 75.9 acre development parcel will remain open space.

In the mixed-use village area, the concept plan specifies 75,000 square feet of commercial building area containing a small grocery store, a branch bank, retail shops, eateries, and medical and professional offices. An allowance for an additional 50,000 square feet of second and third floor offices and apartments will enhance the New England Village theme. The project scope may also include a 13,000 square foot pharmacy and/or a 60-bed assisted living facility. 

The housing component at Forestdale Village will include 148 single family 1, 2 and 3 bedroom homes. This project aspect has been thoughtfully designed to recognize the needs of local senior citizens, lower income residents, military veterans, and those with physical disabilities.

To address these needs, eighty percent or 111 of the homes will be sold to buyers who are fifty-five years or older. Twenty percent (including those acquired by age 55+ buyers) will be restricted to those who meet maximum income levels with the homes being conveyed at below market prices. Special financing programs such as “Homes for the Brave” which provides 100% financing for Veteran buyers will be offered. Likewise, the developers have pledged to gift one building lot to the Sandwich American Legion Post. Additionally, the homes may be finished with handicap accessible features at no additional cost in any one of the five New England styled models. All houses have first floor master suites, and most have front porches and garages.

The residential portion of Forestdale Village is being permitted through the Local Initiative Program (LIP), under Chapter 40B administered by the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). The Comprehensive Permit has already been approved by the Sandwich Board of Appeals.  

The commercial component required the rezoning of the area from residential zoning to Business Limited 1, a measure approved at Town Meeting in October 2009.

According to the developer, Forestdale Village has the potential to create 452 full time jobs for one year during construction, and upon completion 223 full time jobs within the many village businesses. Other financial incentives cited are the estimated $650,000 of additional annual tax revenues for the Town of Sandwich and the minimal impact on the local schools due to the high percentage of residents age 55 years and above.

Along with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Cape Cod Commission has commenced its review of the commercial portion of the project as a Development of Regional Impact (DRI). The project applicant is Pimlico Pines Realty LLC.

Forestdale Village“We’ve been very pleased with the support we’ve received from the neighbors and the town, and we’re overwhelmed by the interest from homebuyers and businesses”, said Christopher E. Bailey, the project’s Development Consultant and Broker. “It seems like Forestdale is really ready to have a village center. We feel like we’ve got lightning in a bottle right now.”

For more information on Forestdale Village, contact Christopher E. Bailey, CCIM, Development Consultant and Broker at (508) 259-3408 or visit www.forestdalevillage.com

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Harwichport Mixed-Use Property Sold

August 11, 2010 By Joseph P Egan Leave a Comment

Harwichport, MA - In June 2010, long-time Cape Cod real estate professional Mike Ulrich brokered the sale of The House of Morgan property located at 546 Main Street in Harwichport, MA. The purchase price was $520,000 and the buyer was Oceanside Property Investments LLC.

The mixed-use property includes approximately 2,024 square feet of lower level retail space and a spacious three bedroom apartment on the upper level.

According to some accounts, the building was originally a one-story structure and once a general store known as Hulse’s. The second floor was added in the 1930′s. Beginning in the late 1940′s, R.B. Morgan operated here or nearby initially specialized in sporting goods and apparel, and over time shifting the focus to men’s fine clothing and accessories. 

In 1966,  it seems the property then on 3.2 acres was acquired by R.B. Morgan from Flossie Hulse Boscheinen and a new women’s apparel shop known as The House of Morgan was established on the first floor. Following over 60 years of retailing, the landmark store was eventually closed about two years ago by the Morgan’s, a family with deep roots in Harwich.

In addition to being widely regarded for his industry experience, professionalism and good nature, Mike Ulrich is the owner-broker of Cape Cod Associates Real Estate with offices in Harwichport, MA.

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Investment Group Buys Provincetown Hotel

August 11, 2010 By Joseph P Egan Leave a Comment

Provincetown, MA – In mid June 2010, Finard Properties and its affiliate Black Oak Realty Advisors acquired The Cape Inn Resort in Provincetown, MA from long-time owners Fred E. and Patricia Sateriale. The Burlington, MA based real estate investment and development firm also partnered with Turnstone Property in the transaction.

The Cape Inn Resort is a 139 room resort with three buildings situated on 4.5 acres overlooking Cape Cod Bay. The East End property is the largest hotel and events facility in Provincetown and includes a restaurant, café, lounge, outdoor pool with food and bar service, and sweeping oceanfront views. 

The former Holiday Inn was built in two phases completed in 1968 (78 units) and 1974 (61 units) and includes interior and exterior access rooms. In addition to the 84-seat restaurant and 122-seat lounge, the hotel offers a total of 375 licensed seats among its several on-site food and beverage outlets.

“We a re excited about the opportunity to bring The Cape Inn Resort up to 21st century standards and very much want to work with the Town of Provincetown to create a product that is completely responsive to the needs of the community,” said Bill Finard, founder and partner of Finard Properties, LLC.    

The investment group will update and renovate many of the hotel’s facilities over a two-year period and has teamed with Coventry Hotel Group to enhance operations.

The purchase price for this unique asset was $5.9 million including FF&E or approximately $42,500 per room. Boston Private Bank & Trust Co. provided $3.5 million in financing.
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Bill Zammer Named Massachusetts Restaurant Association’s Chairman of the Board

August 11, 2010 By blog2 Leave a Comment
Bill Zammer, MRA Chairman of the Board

Bill Zammer

Southborough, MA - William “Bill” Zammer, Jr., owner/operator of several lodging and foodservice facilities on Cape Cod (known as Cape Cod Restaurants, Inc.), was selected as the 2010 – 2011 chairman of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association (MRA).

Zammer is a veteran in the Foodservice Industry, having been in the business and operated a number of establishments over the past 40 years. He has served as President and CEO of the Seilers/Sodexo Company, a foodservice firm. He is the Past President of the MRA Hospitality Institute (now the MRA Educational Foundation) and was inducted into the Massachusetts Hospitality Hall of Fame in 2003. Last year he was honored by the MRA as the 2009 Restaurateur of the Year. Linda Zammer, Bill’s wife  has also been active in the MRA for many years. Recently, Linda was elected Vice President of the MRA Educational Foundation.

Currently, Mr. Zammer is the Chairman of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, Vice Chairman of the Cape Cod Health Care and Hospitals, on the Board of Trustees of Cape Cod Community College (where he and his wife Linda started the Linda and William Zammer Hospitality Institute), on the Advisory Board of the Upper Cape Regional Technical High School, and is a board member on Ray Tye Medical Foundation. He is also a director for the Police Athletic League of Cape Cod, Boys and Girls Clubs of Cape Cod, Cape Cod Business Roundtable, Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra, Cape Cod & Islands Workforce Investment Board, and serves the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Workforce Investment Board and Marine Biological Laboratories at Woods Hole.

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Cape Cod’s Second Walgreens Under Construction in Mashpee

March 14, 2010 By Joseph P Egan Leave a Comment

MASHPEE – Construction workers are making much progress on the new Walgreens under construction at South Cape Village in Mashpee, MA.

The new 13,625 square foot masonry retail structure is located at the corner of Route 28 and Donna’s Lane. A smaller building which will contain five to six specialty retail shops is also under construction. The two new structures, designated Buildings 7 and 8 on the Master Plan, will complete the nine building South Street plaza.

The new Walgreen’s is expected to open in late Spring 2010.

The only other Walgreens on Cape Cod is in South Yarmouth which was completed in 2007 on an assemblage parcel incorporating the former Sunoco gas station at the corner of Forest Road and Route 28.

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New 10 Pump Gas Mart Proposed, First in Many Years

March 14, 2010 By Joseph P Egan Leave a Comment

ORLEANS, MA – The Cape Cod Commision opened a pro-forma hearing on March 5, 2010 concerning a proposed Stop & Shop self-service gas mart at the existing Cranberry Cove Plaza located on Route 6A in Orleans, MA.

The proposal includes the construction of a 10-pump facility in the southerly portion of the parcel currently comprising paved parking. According to the DRI application, the project is slated to include five gas islands covered with a canopy. In addition to a 60 square foot kiosk, (1) 10,000 gallon and (1) 30,000 gallon underground storage tanks are also specified.

Although several existing gas stations have been extensively renovated over the years, if approved as currently proposed the Orleans project will comprise the first new gas station facility to be established in Barnstable County, MA in many years.

Anyone interested in reviewing the file on this proposed DRI project, may contact Andrea Adams, Senior Regulatory Planner with the Cape Cod Commission at (508) 362-3828 to schedule an appointment.

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Cape Cod Restaurant News

March 14, 2010 By Joseph P Egan Leave a Comment

Cape Cod Restaurant News – March 2010

As we approach the start of 2010 season, a number of changes involving Cape Cod restaurants have been completed or are in the works. Here’s a sample of some of the changes:

Barnstable

HYANNIS - Bud’s Place at 959 Bearses Way is under new ownership. Late last month the Barnstable Licensing Authority approved the license transfers to the new owner House of Bud, Inc., Candace Chambers, Manager. According to their Facebook page, the 99 seat eatery and nightclub has been renamed House of Bud’s. In addition to the popular live entertainment and Karaoke, an expanded menu and an increased assortment of beverage selections will be offered.

Burger King North St HyannisHYANNIS -A new version of the the Burger King on North Street in Hyannis is under consideration. In a recent Site Plan Review hearing LBK, LLC (Lessee for Burger King) outlined a proposal to demolish the existing Burger King restaurant with drive-through and two drive-up windows and replace it with a new Burger King restaurant with drive-through and two drive-up windows. As proposed, the new restaurant will decrease the number of seats and result in no intensification of the use or structure. The project will require Planning Board approval to continue a nonconforming use (e.g, drive through).

HYANNIS - According to The Barnstable Patriot, on March 29, 2010 the Barnstable Licensing Authority will consider an application for Timmy B’s a year-round food, drink and entertainment establishment at 415 Main Street in Downtown Hyannis. Restaurants at the iconic former sea captain’s home have included The Asa Bearse House, The Ocean Grill and The Blue Room, Asa Grill, and Grille 16 at Asa Bearse House.

Falmouth

FALMOUTH - Citing the need for more seating, function space and more favorable lease terms, the popular Villaggio Italian Ristorante & Martini Bar will be relocating to the Falmouth Inn. The restaurant was established at 188 Main Street  in 2005 in the corner building previously occupied by Carmine’s. The final day at the former location was on Valentine’s Day. The new restaurant will also feature a new name and will open in mid-April or mid-May.

FALMOUTH - The Nobska House Restaurant at 327 Gifford Street next to The Coonamesset Inn is among the newest eateries in town. Over the years the restaurant has been home to Sorrento Cafe, Trabica, and for many years The Grasmere Pub.

FALMOUTH -Following the recent sale of the Mashnee Island Grill property, Quohog Republic Dive Bar will set up a new pub at the Falmouth Trade Center on Springs Bars Road, behind the Wal-Mart. The inline retail space was formerly occupied by Margo’s and Winston’s. According to the owner Erik Bevans, the new 50-60 seat pub is slated to open in mid April 2010 and will feature local and regional talent on weekends. The Quohog Republic beachfront bar was a local favorite for many during the twelve years it operated at the Mashnee Island Grill property on Phinney’s Harbor.

NORTH FALMOUTH - The Talk of the Town Diner and Talk of the Town Restaurant on North Falmouth Hwy. (Route 28A) in North Falmouth have both been replaced with new establishments. In January 2010, in separate hearings Selectmen granted new licenses to the establishments doing business as Baccari’s Diner at 362 North Falmouth Hwy. and Cape Cod Iggy, Inc. at 444 North Falmouth Hwy.

Mashpee

MASHPEE - A new restaurant called Starfish is planned for the restaurant space formerly occupied by Heather and Simmer at South Cape Village. According to a recent article in The Falmouth Enterpise the new seafood restaurant will be established by William Zammer, Jr. and David G. Mugar, of Cape Cod Restaurants, Inc.  The year-round restaurant will open in mid April 2010 and is likely to be well received.

Orleans

ORLEANS -In mid February the Orleans Board of Selectmen held a licensing hearing on the transfer of the All Alcohol Common Victualer License associated with Hunan Gourmet at 255 Cranberry Highway. The 99-seat restaurant is located in a 3,600 square foot retail unit in Bayberry Plaza (Underground Mall).

Provincetown

PROVINCETOWN - According to a website posting by Sullivan & Sullivan Auctioneers, LLC the the auction of the property at 85-87 Shank Painter Road, Provincetown, MA has been postponed to April 13, 2010. The multi-faceted property known for many years as Clem & Ursie’s, is described in the announcement as “36,430± sf of land improved by a 5,185 sf restaurant incl. bar, fish mkt, takeout & ice cream, mult. dining areas inside & out, 3 kitchens, seating for 150+, lots of parking (newly paved), zoning Gen’l/Comm’l.”

Wellfleet

SOUTH WELLFLEET - After much anticipation PB Boulangerie Bistro opened for business earlier this month. The opening includes the bakery portion with plans to possibly open the dining section as soon as next month. In addition to fresh pastries, croissants, and a variety of fresh breads baked daily, the new bistro will offer a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu. According to their website, ”Chef Philippe Rispoli and Baker Boris Villatte have brought the French tradition of baking and cooking to today’s contemporary living. Both are natives of France, coming from Lyon and Lorraine.” Initial reviews are positive for the baked goods described as being ”amazingly good” and putting us “in bread heaven“. All baked goods are prepared on the premises at this ”authentic French bakery and restaurant.” The property formerly comprised a clam shack for many years. In July 2009, the vacant property was acquired from its long time owners and has since been extensively renovated and converted to the 60-seat bistro. The property is located east of State Hwy./Route 6 at the intersection of (#15) Lecount Hollow Rd., and near the northernmost trailhead of Cape Cod Rail Trail (bike path) extended from Brewster to South Wellfleet in 2007. Lecount Hollow Road is the main access route to Lecount Hollow Beach located on the east.

WELLFLEET – Selectmen will hold a public hearing on March 23, 2010 to consider the request from D’Italia’s Restaurant, LLC to transfer the Annual, All Alcohol License to Falcone’s Restaurant and Pizzeria. D’Italia’s Restaurant is located at 955 State Road (Route 6).

Yarmouth

WEST YARMOUTH - Despite getting the green light from the Yarmouth Board of Appeals in September 2009, plans to redevelop the former Friendly’s at the corner of Higgins Crowell Road and Route 28 in West Yarmouth, MA have not moved forward to a major degree since September 2009. The proposal calls for razing and replacing of the existing restaurant structure with a 9,700 square foot CVS pharmacy with general sales and with drive through windows for prescription drop off and pick up.

SOUTH YARMOUTH – Yarmouth Lodge 2270 Loyal Order of Moose, Inc. is making strides in their plans to acquire Christopher’s Restaurant at 769 Route 28 in South Yarmouth. Christopher’s is permitted for a maximum occupancy of 382, one of the highest occupancies among restaurants on Cape Cod. Once the sale is finalized, the non-profit organization intends relocate activities from their current facility located nearby at 832 Route 28. The lodge will reconfigure the interior to include a ballroom, bar area, and main assembly room. The center of the facility will continue to comprise kitchen and office space, and few structural changes are planned.

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WGBH Purchases Historic Davis House, Renovation Planned

January 7, 2010 By Joseph P Egan 1 Comment

Davis House, Woods Hole, MA

WOODS HOLE – In mid December 2009, public service broadcaster WGBH purchased the historic Davis House at 3 Water Street in Woods Hole from fellow nonprofit the Children’s School of Science. The move will enable WCAI to continue its radio operations here, and give new life to the 164-year-old building. The recorded deed indicated a purchase price of $670,000. 

“We’re delighted that this wonderful space we’ve rented for eleven years will now become our permanent home,” said WCAI Station Director and WGBH Radio General Manager John Voci.

Since 1998, WGBH has leased the building for WCAI, the Cape and Islands NPR Station, and its repeater services WNAN and WZAI. All are listener-supported public radio stations serving Cape Cod, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, and the south coast.

The exterior of the Greek Revival structure is in poor condition and in need of substantial repairs. In January WCAI will launch an appeal for public support for a Renovation Fund to help restore the building. Immediate needs include a new roof and windows, and the removal of asbestos siding.

“With WGBH’s involvement and the help of our listeners, WCAI will preserve and protect this prominent town landmark for future generations of Woods Hole residents and visitors,” said Voci.

According to Susan Witzell, Archivist and Assistant Curator of the Woods Hole Museum, The Davis House was built in 1845 for Civil War veteran Captain Thomas G. Davis. At one time the house had a store on the first floor with living quarters above, she said. “It was beautiful.”

“The Davis House sits at the gateway of Woods Hole and helps define the historic character of our village,” said longtime resident Thomas J. Hynes, Jr. “Many of us were concerned that the building might be purchased for its location and then demolished to make way for new construction. We are delighted that the property will remain with our friends at WCAI, who have proven to be good neighbors. I know they will be careful stewards of this classic landmark.” 

WCAI, the Cape and Islands NPR station, is broadcast on 90.1FM, 91.1FM and 94.3FM and WGBH HD3, 89.7 Boston. The station is listener-supported public radio serving Cape Cod, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, and the Southcoast.

WGBH Boston is America’s preeminent public broadcaster, producing such award-winning PBS series as Masterpiece, Antiques Roadshow, Frontline, Nova, American Experience, Arthur, Curious George, and more than a dozen other prime-time, lifestyle, and children’s series and websites.

WGBH Radio serves listeners from Cape Cod to New Hampshire with 89.7 WGBH, Boston’s NPR® Station for News and Culture; 99.5 All Classical; WCAI for Cape Cod and the Islands; WNCK on Nantucket; and the All-Classical WGBH HD channel.

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Long Time Cape Cod Manufacturer Plans Relocation

February 11, 2009 By Joseph P Egan Leave a Comment

sapphire

If all goes according to plan, Sapphire Engineering, Inc. will be relocating operations from Bourne to Middleborough, MA.

Sapphire Engineering, Inc., a subsidiary of IDEX Corporation, is a U.S. health and science manufacturer of custom precision analytical and diagnostic components for original equipment manufacturers.

The firm is now located in a leased facility which it has been occupying for many years. This 38,100 square foot flex facility built in 1978, is located just west of MacArthur Blvd. at 53 Portside Drive in Pocasset, MA (pictured above).

The Company, however, has outgrown existing facilities in Pocasset and Hopedale, MA and is seeking to relocate and consolidate its operations in a central facility. Sapphire Engineering, Inc. plans to retain all 170 full-time manufacturing jobs from the two Massachusetts facilities. The move is also slated to create 15 new permanent full-time jobs.

Under the relocation and consolidation measure, the business plans to invest a total of $11.8 million in the Town of Middleborough. This figure includes construction costs associated with the interior build out, clean room space, new machinery and equipment, and projected future investments estimated at $3.5 million.

The proposed facility will be located within Campanelli Business Park of Middleborough, a modern park located off of I-495. Major tenants currently in the park include Christmas Tree Shops (530,000SF), NES Clothing Co. (275,000SF), Serta Mattress Co. (150,000SF).

Although Sapphire Engineering will initially lease approximately 80,000 square feet of manufacturing space, the occupancy includes the option to add 20,000 square feet of expansion space. Construction of the proposed building is scheduled to begin this Spring.

An incentive for making the relocation is a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) component, a feature of the Massachusetts Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP). The TIF was widely approved at Middleborough Special Town Meeting in October 2008.

Like any good and supporting member of the community, Sapphire Engineering, Inc. will be missed.

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Was Anyone Really Surprised When Mr. Wallenda Fell?

January 3, 2009 By Chuck Carey Leave a Comment

Photograph by MoonSoleil/Conny Liegl

The Flying Wallenda’s were tightrope daredevils who performed without a safety net. Having perfected the 7 person human pyramid over 50 years of performing they became the most famous high wire circus act of the 20th century. In a 1963 performance two of the family fell to their deaths.

Some people were surprised.

In the middle of this decade the availability of no-doc, 45 year, 105 % cash back at closing, adjustable rate home loans made the market prices soar. Having perfected the art of packaging tens of millions of loans by stuffing in the junk with the good stuff, shares of junk bonds backed by homes spread all over the world. The American savings rate is down to zero.

In 2008 the realization dawned that this meant some people had “already sold their house to the bank” and they were “upside down”. Irrational panic followed and several large companies fell to their deaths.

Some people were surprised.

Human nature is to follow the lemming in front of you and don’t ask any questions. Safety in numbers. We have a media which tends to make news where there isn’t any. And don’t even mention talk radio. They would make you think the boom times were normal and would never end. Now we have gone the other way and are talking ourselves right off the cliff. You read stats saying this or that is “36% Down”. Of course it is, we were on an all time high. Now we are going down. It’s a simple rhythm, like the tide. Up then Down.

Some lost sight of cycle when it was at the top. Now they are losing sight of the cycle when it’s at the bottom. From Irrational Euphoria to sheer Adrenaline Panic.

Those of us beyond gen x and y have seen worse than this. What’s different this time is the media carnival overplaying the situation. Remember Y2K ? It was brought to you by the news media. Remember how they said the electricity, the banks and all computers would fail at midnight on December 31, 1999 ? Remember what happened ? Nothing. Next time you read a Newsweek comparison to the Great Depression keep that in mind.

We also remember Robert Vesco, Michael Milliken and the junk bonds, the crash of 1987, the crash of 1999 (most have forgotten that one) and of course the dip after 911. We are still here and those of us who didn’t try to perform the 7 person human pyramid on a tightrope are doing fine.

This is the prediction of a seasoned observer – the media that magnifies and spins so well will turn from obsessing on the negative to finding the positive some time after the new President gets in. They will fulfill their own prophecy which they spun before the election. We will rally, once again, as we always have.

 

Chuck CareyChuck Carey is the principal of Carey Commercial, a Hyannis, MA based business and investment property brokerage firm serving Cape Cod, MA. Through his more than twenty years of professional involvement in the local marketplace, he is widely regarded as one of a small number of commercial brokers offering the level of experience and pragmatic perspective clients require as they address the dynamics of changing market cycles.

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