Kim Ecevido, CRS, GRES, SRES

I am very excited about the economic development that continues to occur in Roslindale. Just this week, I read an article about STAPLES plan to open a 19,000 square foot store just a few blocks from my office. Not only will this be convenient for my office supply needs, but I currently do have an active commercial property listing just across the across the street from the proposed location. It is a corner lot, that includes a building and a total of 2 retail units. This is a great opportunity for someone to have their business across the street from the planned STAPLES store.

Below you can read the article and on my next post I will show the listing I have at the corner of Washington and Bexley.

I'm looking forward to this community development and what it will bring to Roslindale Village.

FROM THE ROSLINDALE WEST ROXBURY TRANSCRIPT

Rozzie readies for Staples

By Jessica M. Smith GateHouse News Service Wed Jun 06, 2007, 12:14 PM EDT

Story Tools: Email This | Print This Roslindale -

The lease hasn't been signed yet, but Staples continued its work to win over neighbors with plans to open up shop in the space once occupied by Ashmont Discount at 4165 Washington St.

Though the office supply chain store was not yet required to meet with soon-to-be neighbors, the architect of the new store and Staples representative Brooks Stewart met with the community last week to share how the long-neglected space will be revitalized. Representatives from the city were also on hand to answer questions and address the moderate concerns of neighbors.

The architect, Ralph Cappola, said that Staples intends to demolish the current building down to its foundation and replace it with a 19,000-square-foot structure that will be slightly smaller than the current building.

"It'll blend a little more into the community. It will be brick and tile ... similar to the Village Market," said Cappola, adding that the entire property would be landscaped.

For many attending the meeting, the prospect of a Staples store was a large improvement over the self-storage business that attempted to move into the space a few years ago.

"[Staples] bent over backward in terms of design. They listen and they get it right. It's going to put to productive use a nonproductive eyesore. It's going to give jobs and be a needed resource for those who work at home," said Charlie McCarthy of Roslindale Village Main Street.

RVMS has gone on record of being a "strong supporter" of Staples in Roslindale.

The property, which shares a parking lot with a Dunkin' Donuts owned by the same landlord, would also see an increase in available parking from 41 to close to 70 spaces. Residents, concerned about the flow of traffic around the area on Washington Street that can become congested during rush hour, urged Brooks to consider adding ample spots for bicycle parking. They also suggested that the city consider adding a traffic light; however, according to Brooks, some traffic concerns may be alleviated when Staples adjusts the curb cuts to ensure that drivers can enter and exit the parking lot only at specific spots.

Construction concerns were also on the minds of many who came to see what Staples hopes to build. According to Stewart, he expects the entire building process to last around six months with the actual work being done between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., which would align with the city's requirements. Brooks also said that his firm would look into hiring police details to direct foot and car traffic during the construction.

Once the lease is signed, Stewart said that Staples intends to be a member of the community for many years to come. The lease will be for 30 years.

The next steps for the project will be to go through the Boston Redevelopment Association's Article 80 small project review. According to Tai Lim, the BRA's project manager assigned to this specific project, a public meeting will be called in the next 30 days. Residents within a 300-foot radius of the project will be notified, and Lim will take comments from anyone with concerns for two weeks following the meeting.

Jessica Smith can be reached at jsmith@cnc.com.

Want to share your opinion with the city?

· Contact David McNulty of the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services at 617-635-4830 or e-mail him at david.mcnulty@cityofboston.gov.

· Contact Tai Lim of the Boston Redevelopment Authority at 617-918-4244 or e-mail him at tai.lim.bra@cityofboston.gov.