August 5, 2007

William J. Phelan, Mayor

City of Quincy

Quincy City Hall

1305 Hancock Street

Quincy, MA  02169

Re:       271 Sea Street

Dear Mayor Phelan:

It is my understanding that the City of Quincy has retained legal counsel relative to the possible purchase of 271 Sea Street by the City of Quincy, and that negotiations are ongoing.  It is my understanding as well that the owner of 271 Sea Street has advised the City that loan obligations relative to the parcel may, absent timely purchase of the property by the City,  necessitate the commencement of work at the site in the very near future.

As you know, 271 Sea Street abuts the Broadmeadows Marsh, making it a great complement to the long-planned Army Corp. of Engineers marsh reclamation project.  Further, it offers a green respite to the development that has occurred along Sea Street over the past several years.  Beyond the open space appeal of the 271 Sea Street property, its purchase by the City for open space would alleviate concerns of neighbors relative to traffic impacts associated with the development of the property.  The site has been the scene of many motor vehicle accidents.

The owner of 271 Sea Street had conveyed in a February letter to you that time is of the essence relative to his interest in having the City purchase the 271 Sea Street property.  As I did by my letter of February 22, 2007, I again urge you to seize upon this opportunity to preserve open space, and to prevent the worsening of an already dangerous traffic situation.

If I can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.  Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

John F. Keenan

Councilor at Large

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February 22, 2007

William J. Phelan, Mayor

City of Quincy

Quincy City Hall

1305 Hancock Street

Quincy, MA  02169

Dear Mayor Phelan:

I have received a copy of the correspondence sent to you by Daniel Flynn, owner of the property at 271 Sea Street, the site of the proposed “Cobblestone” development.   I urge you to work with Mr. Flynn in an effort to have the City purchase the 271 Sea Street property.

As you are aware, 271 Sea Street abuts the Broadmeadows Marsh, making it a great complement to the long-planned Army Corp. of Engineers marsh reclamation project.  Further, it offers a green respite to the development that has occurred along Sea Street over the past several years.

Beyond the open space appeal of the 271 Sea Street property, its purchase by the City for open space would alleviate concerns of neighbors relative to traffic impacts associated with the development of the property.  The property is located at a very dangerous segment of Sea Street, at a significant bend in the road.  Sight lines for traffic entering and leaving that site, and Hobomack Road, which is on the other side of Sea Street, are very limited.  Personally, I can assure you that residents of Hobomack Road make the turn onto their street from Sea Street, and onto Sea Street from Hobomack Road, with much trepidation.  Last summer, a resident of Hobomack Road was waiting in his car to turn onto Sea Street, and watched as a driver’s education vehicle being operated by his daughter was hit from behind, and spun around, while waiting to turn from Sea Street onto Hobomack Road.  As I write this letter, I do so having come upon this evening a major accident at the intersection of Algonquin Road and Sea Street, one that resulted in three people being removed from the scene by ambulance.

Mr. Flynn indicated in his letter to you that time is of the essence relative to his interest in having the City purchase the 271 Sea Street property.  I urge you to seize upon this opportunity to preserve open space, and to prevent the worsening of an already dangerous traffic situation.

If I can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.  Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

John F. Keenan

Councilor at Large