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July 25th, 2007 at 10:44 am
Did the ZBA chairman recuse himself from the proceedings, due to the fact that he is an abutter?
July 25th, 2007 at 12:35 pm
On what planet will there ever be 56 cars parked at a Dunkin Donuts? 56 parking spots???
July 25th, 2007 at 12:55 pm
I can’t wait to be the 24th car in the 24 car drive thru!
July 25th, 2007 at 1:44 pm
Mike:
Yes, the lawyer representing the developers said 56 parking spots. We can have our LiL Convention there.
ER:
Your funny. The line moves fast. Before you know it, you will be 23rd.
July 25th, 2007 at 4:15 pm
Even if the land abutting the new DD is owned by the ZBA chairman’s realty trust, he still the signer of record (check out Lowell Deeds). This leads me to question how many other projects he failed to recuse himself from, over the years, that he would have had a direct or indirect financial benefit.
Of importance in this whole issue, is his position as the ZBA Chairman as a part of a regulatory body for the City of Lowell and his failure to recuse himself undermines the process.
DD is a great investment in the neighborhood. Hopefully, this serves to pull in other business entitites.
July 25th, 2007 at 4:20 pm
That intersection is part of my regular commute; I wonder what the traffic impact will be….
That said, DD would be wise to sacrifice some parking and keep the car wash. A 24-hour car wash that serves DD coffee would actually be pretty cool!
July 25th, 2007 at 4:27 pm
Let’s do the math. If it only takes 20 seconds for each “car” to make its transaction at the window then the 24th car will have waited and idled at least 8 minutes. That is 3 minutes more than the 5 minutes allowed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. What is it about drive-thrus that are so appealing to people? Or perhaps it is a fear of actually standing in line in the store? You might have to talk to someone!
July 25th, 2007 at 6:31 pm
Tim Little wrote “That said, DD would be wise to sacrifice some parking and keep the car wash. A 24-hour car wash that serves DD coffee would actually be pretty cool!”
They could run the drive-thru line into the carwash, then being 24th car wouldn’t be so bad!!!
July 25th, 2007 at 6:33 pm
Can anyone say “Conflict of Interest” or better yet, “Ethics Commission” - What is Alan K. thinking?? Now the question is - will it appear in the SUN? or will Campani kill it….
July 25th, 2007 at 6:44 pm
well - i for one am not happy about another DD. We need to support our own local coffee shops, esp. ones that sell fairly traded coffee, unlike the overwhelming majority of the coffee DD sells. This is part of the ‘chainization scheme’ for the city with cries for a GAP downtown too. It won’t work. We need another DD around here like W needs to lose his last three good brain cells:)
July 25th, 2007 at 7:26 pm
When you guys see the Kazanjian/McMahon signs in the new Dunkins window, methinks you’ll upchucka in your coolatta.
July 25th, 2007 at 7:32 pm
A place like DD may be convenient, but it is really sucking cash out of the local economy. All the money into DD will come from the area (except maybe a few passers-by), while most of the proceeds will wind up outside the area, other than a few jobs and some property tax.
Target is like DD, but on a larger scale. So is Lowe’s. However, the jobs at Motorola at Cross Point are somewhat different - not much of the income comes from the local economy, but pretty good-paying jobs and property taxes (notwithstanding the TIF) result. We need jobs where the value is added locally, and we are not treated solely as a market for some outside product. Not that they’re easy to attract, but with local research and an appropriately educated workforce, we can be in a stronger position.
The City Government must focus on that strategy. Now ex-councillor Ramirez did try to promote a partnership between UMASS Lowell research, Middlesex college curricula, and the workforce training of the city, but any progress in that direction has not been made obvious to the people. Beyond that part of the task, the State Government should be able to offer a hand in coordinating job development and the infrastructure to support it.
July 25th, 2007 at 7:58 pm
LOL PoD
July 25th, 2007 at 9:17 pm
I don’t have as much of a beef with the DD as I do with the big parking lot and the drive-through. A location close to the train station should have a use that is more in line with a walking neighborhood. It is out of character with the renaissance in the neighborhood.
Good thing it wasn’t a Starbucks, or the Lowell Sun would have something to complain about every time they look out their windows.
This is just another franchise to drive-by on the way to work. Long live the Coffee Mil!
July 25th, 2007 at 10:23 pm
“A place like DD may be convenient, but it is really sucking cash out of the local economy.”
And Lowell is sucking the coffee out of some other local economy. What’s your point? A voluntary trade benefits both parties involved. People would rather have the coffee than the $2, so I don’t see the problem here.
July 25th, 2007 at 10:41 pm
Not that this one DD represents a scale that is a serious threat… but to borrow a phrase… a free market economy isn’t an economic suicide pact.
July 25th, 2007 at 11:03 pm
The point here is that AK, chair of the ZBA and someone who was affected from this decision, did not step aside in the discussion and vote.
If he doesn’t see a conflict in this issue then what other “NON” conflicts could coincidentally benefit supports/friends if he’s elected to the CC especially if the CGOBN regains control?
July 26th, 2007 at 12:21 am
This sort of thing is illegal:
http://www.mma.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1756&Itemid=287
July 26th, 2007 at 8:10 am
Not only is the local coffee fair trade (a bigger share goes to growers) it is cheaper. Andy under-cuts DD by quite a bit on each cup.
July 26th, 2007 at 8:34 am
For referance, from the MMA website:
Can a board member who owns a business review a subdivision application abutting the business?
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Q: Can an elected planning board member who is also a business owner participate in the review of a residential subdivision application for property abutting her business?
A: No, according to the State Ethics Commission. Under the conflict of interest law, a property owner is presumed to have a financial interest in matters affecting abutting and nearby property. Thus, unless she can clearly demonstrate that she does not have a financial interest, a public employee should not take any action in her official capacity on matters affecting property that is near or directly abuts:
• Her own property
• Property owned by a business partner
• Property owned by any immediate family members
• Property owned by a private employer, or prospective employer
• Property owned by any organization in which the public employee is an officer, director, partner or trustee
Otherwise, she risks violating the conflict of interest law.
The following factors are considered to determine whether, in a particular situation, a person or organization has a financial interest in an abutting or nearby property. A financial interest is presumed whenever her property directly abuts (i.e., it shares any part of a property line); or her property is directly opposite a street, public way or private way, or she is an abutter to an abutter within 300 feet of the property line; or she, because of an act or failure to act by the board or commission, may suffer an injury in fact which is different either in kind or magnitude from that suffered by the general public; or the matter would otherwise alter her property value, rights, or use.
For example, a property owner is presumed to have a financial interest in zoning changes, variances, nearby subdivision or development approvals, and roadway, sewerage or safety improvements.
July 26th, 2007 at 10:42 am
I personally have been boycotting DD’s for a couple years now…not only because I’d rather support local shops, but because of some choices DD’s had made in advertising and therefore supporting ABC’s stupid lie-u-drama back then.
Even Starbucks really doesn’t do as much with fair trade as they give the impression they do. I try to steer clear of big chains whenever possible. It’s not always possible, but often, it is.
July 26th, 2007 at 12:29 pm
The SUN has picked up on the conflict-of-interest issue. But in defense of Kazangian, he did not try to hide his indirect interest, and his support of the project was likely based on its merits, and not a personal benefit. And when he recused himself in the past, it seems as the substitute members just followed his position through, so what did the recusal really accomplish?
July 26th, 2007 at 1:10 pm
The reason for the 24 car drive thru is so that the cars will not back up into the street like they do at every other DD because people are too lazy to get out of their cars. The long cue line will be a great assett to the traffic in the area not getting backed up.
July 26th, 2007 at 1:11 pm
FYI: http://www.lowellsun.com/breakingnews/ci_6469907
July 26th, 2007 at 2:00 pm
Waittilnextyear points out : ” it seems as the substitute members just followed his position through, so what did the recusal really accomplish?”
But wasn’t AK’s replacement an employee of his business? That would also violate the Conflict of Interest Law as stated above would it not?
July 26th, 2007 at 2:13 pm
Here’s an interesting quote from the Sun article re: DD from AK:
‘Kazanjian, a City Council candidate, said today he was unaware of the specific regulation in the conflict law pertaining to abutters’ property. “If I knew, I wouldn’t have voted,” said Kazanjian, who has served on the board more than a decade, having been appointed by former City Manager Richard Johnson in the early 1990s.’
Another interesting quote from one of Lowell’s ‘OUTSTANDING’ citizens, fired Lowell Police officer Ed McMahon!
‘Ed McMahon, an abutter who owns property on nearby Rock Street, agreed. “It’s a good plan, as it will bring a positive piece of property to that area,” McMahon said.’
So, a ZBA chair who serves for a decade and isn’t aware of Conflict of Interest Laws, and a disgraced former city employee giving him a ringing endorsement. Yep, about says it all!
July 26th, 2007 at 2:56 pm
The Chair is very aware of the conflict of interest guidelines. Perhaps, while he was at the Conflict of Interest Seminar, he was too busy counting in his head, the millions of dollars he would be making at the expense of the people of Lowell.
July 26th, 2007 at 3:13 pm
Lowell politics aside, I must chime in with the importance to me of DD drive-throughs. When I go to brew the coffee in the AM and have found I have run out of the beans, I can throw a sweater over my pj’s, hop in my car in the garage , and drive down to get my fix without being caught! I know, I know. My luck is bound to run out some day and it will be one of those embarassing moments that I can blame on old age.
July 27th, 2007 at 10:30 am
Personally, I just think this’ll be a great experiment on exactly what the saturation point for a city of 100,000 is with one particular chain. This is what, our fourteenth Dunks?
Lemme see…Pawtucket Blvd, Bridge, Middlesex, Chelmsford, Merrimack, Central, Gorham, Saints, Train Station, Woburn, Rogers, University.
Looks like it’ll only be #13 unless I missed one, and I’ve been to all of them (saving the University one that I don’t know if it’s open yet). Get one in Cupples Sq and another on Mammoth Rd - the one in Dracut doesn’t count - and we might hit our maximum.
And yes, I’m addicted to their iced coffee, but I still go to Brew’d Awakening and wherever else when I’m not on the go.
July 27th, 2007 at 10:49 am
Is the K man kidding us again? it’s his only infraction on the ZBA? Well what about 2 year sago his fine with the offic eof campaign finance when he hosted a fundraiser for ZAIM, a direct violation for a municipal employee ( i guess he didnt know) and then what about the Inspector Generals review of the towign contract 2 years ago? wasnt the K man found to have been in collussion with those other tow operators?
How many more are we not aware of.. Is the SUN going to follow up on these violations? is this the type of councilor Lowell needs? And, right on when I see Ed Mc Mahon (disgraced public servant) quoted as to whats good for the City? it make me wonder even more…
July 27th, 2007 at 11:13 am
This guy (AK) knows precisely what he is doing. The MO is to act first and ask forgiveness later. Jack raised a great point, how many other issues have arisen over the years that haven’t seen the light of day.
Let’s see..
1.) Collusion of towing contracts
2.) Charges filed and then mysteriously dropped for operating a “chop shop” out of his garages
3.) Ethics violations
4.) Site work on a development for former Planning Board member.
5.) Draining off wetlands into city sewers, prior to submitting the Notice of Intent at what is now called Kaitlyn (?) Estates.
6.) Campaign finance violations
Not the type of person I want leading the City I live in.
Too many questions of impropriety and misguided decision making. Decision making done to benefit his friends and family and most importantly, himself.
Thank you for the opportunity to voice my concerns.
July 27th, 2007 at 12:12 pm
anony: somehow, someone should bring your post to the attention of our local Cro-Magnon print media. This stuff needs to be known. If there was an incumbent for example that might be on the verge of getting knocked out, he/she might love to get his hands on this stuff. If it were me, I’d be all over it like a hobo on a ham and cheese.
July 27th, 2007 at 12:58 pm
To anon and others: I appreciate the level of anger, and to a large extent, experiences that people are sharing in regards to past conduct of powerful members of the city (as you know, I am no Kazanjian, McMahon, or Cox fan). But these are pretty large accusations. I would remind people that we do not want to cast aspersions; if you know something specific, especially where such things are particularly egregious, I would love to see proof, or better yet, I’m certain there’s some investigative body to direct your knowledge to.
Please, let’s not jump off the deep end - I can’t pretend to be able to verify everything that’s been said here, and I can’t see where anyone else has, either. Thanks, guys.
July 27th, 2007 at 2:09 pm
A new drivethrough CVS as well? At Bridge St and the VFW?
http://www.lowellsun.com/business/ci_6479468
Now, this chain store move I’m not happy with:
* That intersection is nuts already
* There’s too many older buildings being removed for this
* I think it’ll pull too much business away from the Merrimack St CVS, which I guess is the ancestor of the original. The paper doesn’t even mention that CVS started in Lowell
July 27th, 2007 at 3:58 pm
Corey:
I am not making any comments about projects in Centraville; I learned my lesson when I commented on the proposed DD/gas station project.
July 27th, 2007 at 4:39 pm
I remember commuting on Mammoth road before they put in the McDonalds and the drive through bank before the bridge going south. I couldn’t believe a planner would be that stupid with that intersection.
July 27th, 2007 at 6:52 pm
On a lighter note, who says retail is dead in Lowell?? I just noticed that the “Bling-Bling” Dollar Store has opened on Fletcher and Broadway. Hope Eddie McMahon thinks this is another “positive piece of property”. My ten year old daughter tried to explain “bling” to me but was not successful. It has something to do with “shiny stuff”. I think.
July 29th, 2007 at 1:02 pm
The late Leo Nolan would have been excited about the Dollar Bling Bling store! He was always pushing to make downtown Lowell a giant Flea Market. Maybe AZ and McM can take up his cause!
July 29th, 2007 at 5:50 pm
Buckkles Nolan… his spirit lives on.
July 30th, 2007 at 12:45 pm
I generally don’t listen to the “Morning Information Show” but I did have occasion to hear some of it today. The host went on and on about how “someone” was trying to attack the good name of AK and said a “source” gave him an ethics commission pamphlet last updated in 1991 that, in his opinion, proves AK did nothing wrong!
There is a pamphlet for Public employees on the Ethics Commission web site. I didn’t see any date attached to it:
http://www.mass.gov/ethics/intro-trifold.pdf
Now in glancing at the pamphlet on the state web site it seems to me that two issues occurred here.
1. AK voted on an issue in which he has a financial stake. Approving DD is certain to have an impact on the property value of his holdings in the neighborhood.
2. According to my read of the actual Massachusetts Ethics Law regarding conflict of interest, proper disclosure was not made. I believe he would have had to notify the City Manager and the State Ethics Commission prior to the vote. Not just mention that he owns property in the neighborhood during or after debate and a vote.
http://www.mass.gov/ethics/web268A.htm
The host of the “Morning Information” Show also admitted that unless this “source” had given him the 16 year old pamphlet, he would not have done the legwork himself to look up the law!
And given the fact that AK has served on the ZBA for over a decade, for him to say in print that he was unaware of the Conflict of Interest Law tells me that the CM should NOT replace him on the board, or anyone else who claims not to know the law.
The one thing I did agree with our morning host about, Lowell needs more than a single source of news. Maybe one day we’ll get a truly independent radio news station!
PS. To the folks over at the “Textile” Museum, I believe it was LiL that first raised this issue, not the Sun following a “tip”.
July 30th, 2007 at 1:09 pm
BTW when I wrote “CM should NOT replace him on the board, or anyone else who claims not to know the law”. I should have written REAPPOINT.
July 30th, 2007 at 2:03 pm
Morning Information Show? Source?? Caulfield.
July 30th, 2007 at 4:23 pm
Does that mean that Bud Lite is operating with 16 year old information?
July 30th, 2007 at 7:07 pm
For a guy with only one oar in the water, 16 year old information is pretty good.