- *Audiophiliac "The Other Steve Guttenberg"
- *Involuntary Slacker
- *LostRemote
- *Media Nation - Dan Kennedy
- *Universalhub
The other day I thought someone had leased an empty corner store. It turns out that it’s a set for a film. It’s just down the street.
The crew’s port-a-potties are uncomfortably close to being under my windows and parking is limited, but I’m glad they’re here!
I hope I get to watch some of the action.
It’s been a while, but this will not become another one of those abandoned blogs. There have been a few things on my mind as of late.
The first one I’d like to point out is this few-day-old article at the Item:
http://itemlive.com/articles/2008/05/13/news/news03.txt
It’s that Downtown Sign Ordinance again. Most of the comments below the article are the usual unproductive nonsense, but a few are worth reading. Mine is under “mediaseth.” I urge you to add your own comment opposing the sign ordinance. I also think a good lawyer could defeat this one. I’m no legal expert, but unless you’re in a private development, such a Route 1 strip mall, I’m not so sure you can tell every building and business owner that the sign has to conform to the exact same style of gold lettering on a black background. It only looks good on some buildings and is not appropriate for everyone. I’m also fairly sure that no one who has moved into Downtown Lynn has done so because they enjoy uniform (boring) signs.
SAFETY AND CENTRAL SQUARE
I’m quick to say that Lynn is not as bad as outsiders think it is. It’s true. I think people’s perceptions of the downtown area are its biggest obstacle to revival. Third Thursdays have helped. But last Third Thursday, our building was broken into. We’re still not sure how. It’s also not the first or second time our building has been breached in some fashion. Our incompetent developer may have presented too good of an opportunity through an issue they have yet to address, or a door may have been left open, or who knows.. Our security issues are being “fixed” so don’t think this is your chance, either! We just have to bypass the Mayo Group and get it done ourselves if we want it done right. I’ve lived in worse neighborhoods with less worry. For the first time in my life, I’m installing an alarm in my residence. Also, I know their budget is tight, but I’d like to at least hear what the Lynn Police have in mind for tackling crime in our neighborhood. I would also like to request a “Public Safety” meeting with the Police and City Council - in the Summer, when I have time, of course..
On a related topic…
I’ve seen a rise in graffiti and vandalism in Central Square. I would have taken photos if I had the time. My concern is that ‘tags’ are not being cleaned or covered quickly enough and that they’re only inviting more. It’s the “Broken Windows” theory of policing. Speaking of which, some broken windows need to be addressed, too. Also, Raw Arts could teach these taggers a thing or two because their work is terrible!
Speaking of…
I love what RAW ARTS has done with their first floor and facade! It’s modern without detracting from the character of the old building and just a little bit “edgy,” which I think Downtown Lynn needs more of. More!