Gloucester Unlikely to Subsidize Sewer Betterments

The Walker Creek, Little River and Jones River neighborhoods in Gloucester are all notorious for failed septic systems near estuaries of the Annisquam River. According to the Gloucester Daily Times:

“A City Council committee working with representatives of Mayor John Bell has drafted an ordinance that makes it highly unlikely the city will help subsidize betterments in future sewer expansions, as it has since the 1980s. A public hearing on the draft ordinance was tentatively scheduled for Dec.11. The draft replaces a simple repeal proposal that had been expected fortwo years…. Two years ago, the mayor's Sewer Task Force identified those areas as needing to be brought onto the municipal sewer system. But unless the projects to bring them on are mandated by a state or federal order, they would not qualify under the draft ordinance for the same betterment subsidy that other sections of the city received.”

The article reports that according to the Sewer Task Force, there are about 300 homes along Walker Creek. Without the subsidy, the projected betterment bill to each in 2005 was estimated at $40,000.

Read the entire Gloucester Daily Times article

Gloucester to Re-do $200,000 Crosswalk

According to the Gloucester Times, last year’s $200,000 modification of the crosswalks at Grant Circle in Gloucester is being modified. The state Highway Department has shifted the crossing of the northbound lane back to where it was until last spring − at the edge of the circle itself. MassHighway spokesman Erik Abell said the reconfiguration should be finished by the end of the year and cost about $100,000.

Read the entire Gloucester Times article

October 24, 2007 Legislative Breakfast

On October 24, 2007, NSAR hosted its third Legislative Breakfast in 2007. The event was attended by State Representative Anthony Verga (D-5th Essex), Representative Brad Hill (R-4th Essex), and Dan Pawson, Legislative Director for Senator Bruce Tarr (R-1st Essex & Middlesex).

MAR Associate Counsel Margy Grant presented the Realtor® position on the following topics:

1. New proposed Transfer Taxes (S. 1776; S. 1773; H. 3959)
2. New proposed Lead Paint law (SB. 1230)
3. New proposed mandatory Seller’s disclosure in connection with environmental issues (H. 323, S. 201)
4. New proposed mandatory disclosures for real estate licensees in connection with Wetlands (H. 767)
5. Smart Growth funding for Chapter 40R (S. 132, H. 160)

NSAR and the Government Affairs Committee extends a sincere appreciate to the legislators who participated and to all those that attended.

Next Legislative Breakfast: Wednesday, October 24, 2007, 8:30am

The next North Shore Association of Realtors® Legislative Breakfast will be held on Wednesday, October 24, 2007, from 8:30am to 10:00am. All NSAR members who live in Boxford, Essex, Gloucester, Hamilton, Ipswich, Manchester, Newbury, Rockport, Rowley, Wenham, Byfield, and/or Middleton are encouraged to attend.

Topics will likely include:

1. Transfer Taxes.
2. An Act Protecting Children from Poisoning (SB. 1230)
3. An Act Providing Information to Real Estate Buyers. (H. 323, S. 201)
4. An Act Relative to the Disclosure of Wetlands on Property. (H. 767)
5. An Act Relative to Smart Growth Housing Trust Fund (S. 132) and An Act Relative to Financing the Smart Growth Housing Trust (H. 160).

Sign up today using this form, by calling 978-232-9410, or by emailing Jeff@NorthShoreRealtors.com!

The Legislative Breakfast will be at the NSAR office at 398 Essex Street in Beverly. For directions, visit our website by clicking here.