| Author |
 Topic  |
|
tetris
Moderator
2040 Posts |
Posted - 02/25/2012 : 06:32:28 AM
|
Reality sinks in for project
Turbine shut down for foundation fix
By John Zaremba
Saturday, February 25, 2012
The MWRA is scrambling to strengthen the soil holding up its brand-new power turbine — a green project paid for with federal stimulus money — after shutting down the Charlestown windmill when engineers found it sank about twice as much as they’d anticipated.
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority honchos and engineers met yesterday to figure out a fix for the $4.7 million wind turbine, which started turning in October, only to power down last month when crews discovered it had settled about 2 inches, agency officials said. Possible causes, they said, include soil conditions and vibrations from a sudden shutdown triggered by high winds.
“There’s no risk of it leaning over or falling,” MWRA Executive Director Fred Laskey told the Herald between meetings yesterday. ”It’s one of those things that happens in a project. It’s manageable, it’s safe, and the remedy will come quickly under the warranty.”
“The urgency is to get the turbine working again,” Laskey said. “We were making electricity like gangbusters through the fall. It was magnificent.”
Shoring up of the soil will start within the next couple of weeks and most likely will require injecting grout into the ground, Laskey said.
“Basically, they’re looking to put steroids into the foundation,” he said.
The foundation runs about 60 feet deep, he said, including about 20 feet of filled-in land.
The 364-foot-tall, 231-ton turbine stands next to the DeLauri Sewer Pump Station off Route 99. The MWRA sells the electricity it generates, and the proceeds are deducted from the power bill for the Deer Island sewage treatment plant.
Wilmington firm Lumus Construction built the turbine through its green-energy arm, Solaya Energy — the same company that built a pair of turbines on Deer Island and another on the Driftway in Scituate.
Only one other firm submitted a competing bid for the Charlestown turbine, MWRA officials said; that proposal was thrown out, they said, because the company did not want to front the money for the giant structure.
Officials at that company, Bond Brothers Construction of Everett, declined to comment, saying the firm bids on many projects and did not have an immediate recollection of the Charlestown turbine proposal.
Boston City Councilor Salvatore LaMattina, whose district encompasses the turbine site, said neighborhood opposition to the windmill was minimal because the site is set back from nearby homes.
“Me, personally, I support the project,” he said, citing the cost savings to MWRA customers.
-— john.zaremba@bostonherald.com |
 |
|
|
Fran
Senior Member
250 Posts |
 Posted - 02/25/2012 : 3:17:05 PM
|
| Thanks for the article. As I was being blown across the Gateway Shopping Center parking lot I noticed the turbine wasn't moving which I thought was odd on such a blustery day. |
|
|
|
tetris
Moderator
2040 Posts |
Posted - 08/11/2012 : 08:31:15 AM
|
Inferno fears halt ethanol train
Gov backs safety report on fuel delivery
By Jessica Van Sack
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Residents of dense urban communities set to be a cut-through for a proposed ethanol train were given a temporary reprieve yesterday as Gov. Deval Patrick signed a bill that would delay the plan.
Patrick signed a transportation bond bill for state infrastructure projects that includes a provision to study the environmental and safety impact on homes, schools, day care centers and other facilities along the route of the federally regulated train.
Under a plan by Waltham-based Global Partners LP, about 1.7 million gallons of ethanol would be carried on a freight train that is 60 cars long twice a week through two dozen communities, including Cambridge, Somerville, East Boston, Everett and Chelsea, ending at a waterside shipping center in Revere.
“Anyone living, working, playing, visiting or driving near a rail line has had their safety greatly enhanced by the action of our Legislature and endorsement by the governor,” Chelsea City Manager Jay Ash said.
Ash said he wants Global Partners, which did not return a call seeking comment, to consider shipping to its Revere facility by barge, where it would benefit from Coast Guard security similar to that of liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments.
Ethanol trains have been classified by the Department of Homeland Security as a potential terrorist target, especially at train intersections and during unloading.
State Sen. Anthony Petruccelli (D-East Boston) filed the bond bill amendment to study the train’s impact. He said the federal government has not been forthcoming on security protocols for the train, and that while the legislation cannot stop the train altogether, it can delay the start.
“There are a lot of concerns and there’s not a transparent process,” Petruccelli said. “The concern is the unknown.”
A 2011 study commissioned by the state Department of Environmental Protection found ethanol is now the most hazardous substance being transported by rail in the United States.
On July 11, a 98-car train carrying ethanol partly derailed and exploded north of downtown Columbus, Ohio. The train was reportedly traveling below the speed limit in the middle of the night, and just two people were hurt. Investigators are trying to determine the cause.
-— j.vansack@bostonherald.com
|
|
|
|
tetris
Moderator
2040 Posts |
Posted - 12/10/2012 : 5:38:22 PM
|
Weighing a gamble
Monday, December 10, 2012
Many members of the Everett City Council first learned about the potential for a Steve Wynn-backed casino from a Herald article highlighting Mayor Carlo DeMaria (“State officials put gaming on fast track,” Nov. 29).
A casino could bring jobs to a community that needs them. On the negative side, it could increase crime and drug use in a community that already has a gang problem.
The people of Everett should demand much more information before rushing to judgment.
— Robert Van Campen, Everett
The writer is an Everett alderman.
|
|
|
|
massdee
Moderator
5299 Posts |
Posted - 12/12/2012 : 5:17:18 PM
|
Everett,Malden,Medford,Revere
Wynn signs lease for Everett casino site
By Kathy McCabe, Globe Staff
Casino mogul Steve Wynn has secured a 14-month lease on the former Monsanto chemical factory, and plans to submit an application to the state gambling commission to build a $1 billion casino there, Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria Jr. said Tuesday.
"We believe Wynn will put in an application," DeMaria told about 300 residents, who gathered Tuesday night for a community meeting to discuss the proposal. "What we do now is negotiate a host agreement" outlining community benefits.
Nancy Sterling, a consultant for Wynn, confirmed the developer will likely submit an application. "It looks like we're headed that way," said Sterling, a senior vice president in the Boston office of ML Strategies, who attended Tuesday's meeting.
DeMaria said that if Wynn were awarded a license, the developer would then move to purchase the 37-acre site on the Mystic River owned by FBT Realty Inc., a private realty firm.
"I know they have a lease for 14 months, and if successful with the license, will negotiate a purchase and sale agreement," he said.
Wynn, whose Las Vegas resorts include the Bellagio and Mirage, is one of two developers eyeing a casino license available for Greater Boston. Caesar's Entertainment has partnered with the owners of the Suffolk Down racetrack in East Boston and Revere to put a $1 billion resort there.
Wynn would compete with Suffolk Downs for the sole casino resort license for Greater Boston. The state gambling commission has set a Jan. 15 deadline for developers to pay a $400,000 application fee and submit company financial documents.
DeMaria said Wynn likes Everett's water views of Boston. "They love that it's on the waterfront. They could do a water taxi service to Boston," he said. Wynn visited the site late last month.
The state's gambling law requires that a community hold a local referendum to decide if a casino should be situated in that community. Such a vote would not be scheduled until after an application, DeMaria said.
Some Everett residents who attended Tuesday's meeting were split on whether a casino belongs in their city.
"I see this as real good for the City of Everett to finally gain some income," said William Frederick, one of several who spoke in favor of a casino. "The taxes here just keep going up, up, up."
But Evmorphia Stratis said a casino would bring more urban ills to Everett. "If we want to increase traffic, pollution and crime, this is the way to go," she said. "I am against this."
Wynn is the creator of iconic casinos on the Las Vegas strip. He attempted to partner with New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft to build a casino resort in Foxborough, but backed down after local opposition mounted earlier this year.
You must be logged in to see this link. |
|
|
|
massdee
Moderator
5299 Posts |
Posted - 12/12/2012 : 6:29:03 PM
|
Looks like we have conflicting news articles.
Everett: No lease yet with Wynn for proposed casino land
Dave Wedge By Dave Wedge
Wednesday, December 12, 2012 - Updated 33 minutes ago
Las Vegas titan Steve Wynn’s bid to build a waterfront casino along the Mystic River remains in play but the billionaire developer has yet to sign a lease for the property, city officials in Everett said.
“We’re not aware of any lease that’s been signed,” said David Rodrigues, chief of staff to Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria. “We think they’re going to put in the (casino license) application January 15, but there’s no lease yet.”
It has been reported elsewhere that Wynn had struck a deal for a 14-month lease for the 37-acre property, which formerly housed Monsanto Chemical Co. A Wynn spokesman did not return messages and Nancy Sterling, a Boston consultant for ML Strategies hired by Wynn, declined to comment on any lease deal.
The lease leak was based on statements made by Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria at a community forum Tuesday night. Rodrigues said the mayor “misspoke,” although city officials remain hopeful a deal will be struck for the property.
Dennis DeNunzio, whose DeNunzio Group owns the site, did not immediately return messages tonight.
Wynn abandoned plans earlier this year to build a $1 billion casino across Route 1 from Gillette Stadium after widespread community opposition. The Vegas tycoon has now targeted the Everett site for a $1 billion casino resort that would compete with Suffolk Downs for the Boston casino license.
Wynn representatives met this week with officials from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission for a briefing on the licensing process, MGC spokeswoman Elaine Driscoll said.
In a related development, officials from Raynham-Taunton Park have also met with the commission for a license application briefing, Driscoll said. Raynham Park is expected to apply for the state’s sole slot machine parlor license, along with Plainridge Racecourse in Plainville. Plainrdige has already paid the state a non-refundable $400,000 preliminary application fee.
The board has set a Jan. 15 deadline for casino and slots applicants.
Everett: No lease yet with Wynn for proposed casino land
Dave Wedge By Dave Wedge
Wednesday, December 12, 2012 - Updated 33 minutes ago
+ Recent Articles + Email + Bio
EmailE-mail PrintablePrint Comments(0) Comments LargerSmallerText size Bookmark and Share Share
Las Vegas titan Steve Wynn’s bid to build a waterfront casino along the Mystic River remains in play but the billionaire developer has yet to sign a lease for the property, city officials in Everett said.
“We’re not aware of any lease that’s been signed,” said David Rodrigues, chief of staff to Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria. “We think they’re going to put in the (casino license) application January 15, but there’s no lease yet.”
It has been reported elsewhere that Wynn had struck a deal for a 14-month lease for the 37-acre property, which formerly housed Monsanto Chemical Co. A Wynn spokesman did not return messages and Nancy Sterling, a Boston consultant for ML Strategies hired by Wynn, declined to comment on any lease deal.
The lease leak was based on statements made by Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria at a community forum Tuesday night. Rodrigues said the mayor “misspoke,” although city officials remain hopeful a deal will be struck for the property.
Dennis DeNunzio, whose DeNunzio Group owns the site, did not immediately return messages tonight.
Wynn abandoned plans earlier this year to build a $1 billion casino across Route 1 from Gillette Stadium after widespread community opposition. The Vegas tycoon has now targeted the Everett site for a $1 billion casino resort that would compete with Suffolk Downs for the Boston casino license.
Wynn representatives met this week with officials from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission for a briefing on the licensing process, MGC spokeswoman Elaine Driscoll said.
In a related development, officials from Raynham-Taunton Park have also met with the commission for a license application briefing, Driscoll said. Raynham Park is expected to apply for the state’s sole slot machine parlor license, along with Plainridge Racecourse in Plainville. Plainrdige has already paid the state a non-refundable $400,000 preliminary application fee.
The board has set a Jan. 15 deadline for casino and slots applicants.
-— dwedge@bostonherald.com |
|
|
|
Tails
Administrator
2682 Posts |
Posted - 02/25/2013 : 1:43:56 PM
|
How federal budget cuts could affect Massachusetts
Monday, February 25, 2013
Education and the military would take among the biggest hits in Massachusetts from automatic cuts to the federal budget set to take hold this week, according to a report the White House issued Sunday as it seeks to avoid the impending economic fallout.
The White House compiled the numbers from federal agencies and its own budget office. The numbers reflect the impact of the cuts this year. Unless Congress acts by Friday, $85 billion in cuts are set to take effect from March to September.
As to whether states could move money around to cover shortfalls, the White House said that depends on state budget structures and the specific programs.
Among funding Massachusetts stands to lose:
EDUCATION:
— About $13.9 million for primary and secondary education, putting 190 teacher and aide jobs at risk.
— About $13.4 million for about 160 teachers, aides and staff who help children with disabilities.
— Head Start and Early Head Start services would be eliminated for about 1,100 children.
ENVIRONMENT:
— About $4 million in funding for clean water and air quality, and to prevent pollution from pesticides and hazardous waste.
— About $472,000 in grants for fish and wildlife protection.
MILITARY:
— About 7,000 civilian Department of Defense employees would be furloughed, reducing gross pay by around $43.4 million.
— Army base operation funding would be cut by about $8 million.
— Funding for Air Force operations would be cut by about $5 million.
LAW ENFORCEMENT:
— About $300,000 to support law enforcement, prosecution and courts, crime prevention and education, corrections, drug treatment and enforcement, and crime victim and witness initiatives.
JOBS:
— About $787,000 for job search assistance, referral and placement, leaving about 26,970 fewer people to get the help and skills they need to find work.
PUBLIC HEALTH:
— About $625,000 to help upgrade the state's response to public health threats including infectious diseases, natural disasters, and biological, chemical, nuclear and radiological events would be lost.
— About $1.7 million to help prevent and treat substance abuse.
— About $201,000 in funding for vaccinations, leaving about 2,940 children without vaccines for diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, whooping cough, influenza, and Hepatitis B.
SENIORS:
— About $535,000 to provide meals for seniors.
Source URL: You must be logged in to see this link. |
|
|
|
Tails
Administrator
2682 Posts |
Posted - 08/07/2013 : 08:25:18 AM
|
Another UPSTANDING Everett resident and so much for the SNAP crackdown.
What the hex: OUI suspect charged in wild crash threatened cop with voodoo curse.
A Cadillac-driving OUI suspect — charged with running a Boston Globe delivery truck off Interstate 93 and onto the Leverett Connector — was carrying three EBT cards, mocked a cop “for paying for food when she gets it for free” and threatened to put a voodoo curse on him, according to a police report.
“I questioned her as to why she had other peoples (sic) EBT cards and she began screaming that I was a ‘dumb (expletive)’ for paying for food when she gets it for free,” trooper William Kokocinski wrote of Vivencia Bellegarde, 25, of Everett, noting she had her own electronic benefits transfer card and also the cards of two other people.
“She repeatedly called me a racist and told me she was from Haiti and she was gonna ‘put voodoo on my white (expletive),’” Kokocinski wrote. “(She) told me to Google her name and find out who I was ‘(expletive) with’. She further explained that her name translated means ‘give life take life’ and she emphasized ‘TAKE LIFE’. She then shouted that she was ‘coming for all you white (expletives).’”
A spokesman for the state Department of Transitional Assistance, which administers welfare, said in a statement the agency has been notified of Bellegarde’s EBT cards “and will take appropriate action.”
“DTA investigates every tip that it receives from members of the public or law enforcement, and refers cases to the auditor’s Bureau of Special Investigations for further action, which has the power to investigate potential criminal matters,” the statement said.
Bellegarde, who is listed as unemployed in court papers, is being held on $10,000 bail on charges of drunken driving causing serious injury. Surveillance video of the 3:13 a.m. Monday crash shows a car slamming into the Globe truck, forcing it off the roadway and into a frightening 40-foot free fall. The truck came apart on impact with the Leverett Connector ramp.
The truck driver, Paul Healy Jr., 35, of Brockton, was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he was in fair condition yesterday. He declined to comment yesterday through a family member.
Bellegarde told cops she’d left a party prior to the crash, and “didn’t care about the guy she hit because he isn’t dead and that all she cares about is smoking a cigarette,” the report says. Her mood fluctuated greatly during booking, the report says, and at one point she began crying about her 5-year-old child.
Bellegarde at first denied driving the heavily damaged 2006 Cadillac DTS sedan, which Kokocinski spotted while on his way to the Globe truck crash, police said. Bellegarde’s attorney, Hassan Willians, said his client “has no comment. She’s looking forward to her day in court.”
Bellegarde’s driving record includes 10 suspensions, many for failing to pay citations. Last year, her license was suspended for 30 days in connection with a first-offense drunken-driving charge in Lincoln from September 2011. Her license will be suspended for three years because she refused a Breathalyzer test in Monday’s crash, according to the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
The Lincoln arrest report says Bellegarde reeked of booze and had front-end damage on her car when she called cops to ask them for help with her tires on a 5 a.m. trek home from a Boston club. She failed sobriety tests but was “polite and cooperative,” the reporting officer wrote.
- See more at: You must be logged in to see this link.
|
|
|
|
Topic |
|
|
|
Boston Herald
