Lack of Expansion Towards the South End of Newburyport
May 24th, 2006Hi,
As a South End Newburyport resident, I have often hoped to see more development moving toward the South End of Newburyport along Water Street. I have noticed however, that there seems to be an imaginary line drawn at Federal Street, perhaps due to zoning, which prevents any restaurant from moving any further south beyond this area.
My mother and grandparents grew up in Newburyport, and being in my 40’s, I have seen the tremendous growth of the 70’s, 80’s and even the 90’s. During this last decade, however, the growth seems to have slowed to a snails pace, especially in the area south of Federal Street, all the way to the Newbury line.
I recall the days when we had local establishments in the South End such as Tony Baker’s Market, and Chargrises Deli (sp?) along Water Street, as well as the Richdale up on High Street. We had the Sportsmans Lodge out on Plum Island as well as the Beachcomber.
Can you tell me why there is such a lack of any restaurant type of establishment down our end of the City? I can understand the desire to keep the neighborhood/residential feel to that end of town, but I think that could be accomplished while at the same time adding some sort of local restaurant similar to 10 Center Street or the Grog.
Also, can you tell me why there does not seem to be much interest in continuing to develop the waterfront further East (South) of the Starboard Galley? I had heard at one time that the waterfront development was going to continue all along the coast beyond the waste treatment plant and right up to the seawall. Has that idea died in committee?
Finally, can you tell me if there are any plans or if any developer has purchased the land yet previously occupied by the Beachcomber? That was such a great, eclectic place to go, and the location seems ideal for something similar to take it’s place.
Thank you for any information you can provide or please pass this on to anyone who can provide some information to me.
David A. Perocchi, Newburyport