John P. Wells

Newburyport has changed. It has become a thriving town with its industrial park, medical facilities and small businesses. Downtown shops of the 70's and 80's have given way to local entrepreneurs who saw opportunities in our growing tourism economy. Like a mall has to carefully select the right mix of businesses to attract visitors, Newburyport has - through the careful planning of landlords like the Lagasses - developed into a plethora of businesses designed to attract shopping traffic, thus allowing for higher rents leading to well-kept building and a very attractive town center.

The waterfront is our next frontier. While most agreed that parking lots was NOT the best use, there are two visions, one of entirely open space and expanded park, and one of mixed use open space complimented by structures in keeping with the flavor of the rest of the City.

If we look at examples of waterfront use in other US and European cities, we see time and again that the successful locations are the ones of mixed use. Mixed use attracts more people, if properly designed, than open space. It's as simple as that. If we wish to look at our waterfront as an asset that can contribute substantially to Newburyport's economy, then mixed use is the way to go.

The City's need for money is painfully clear. Long term leases of some of the City's land currently used for parking lots would be a financial windfall. Our schools would benefit enormously, our property values will increase, our tax base would diversify, our City services could stabilize. Using only 20 or 30% of the newly created space for structures would allow for more small businesses, waterfront café's and entertainment locales, more residences with water views, and a vibrant area of activity for residents and visitors alike.

Waterfront lodging for visitors will bring a dramatic improvement to the quality of the tourists visiting Newburyport, particularly for our restaurants and facilities such as the Firehouse.

Some residents long for the Newburyport of old, but that's gone. Newburyport's location, history, natural resources and architecture make it a unique destination on our New England coast that represents both an opportunity and great place for visitors to enjoy a relaxing yet active time in a welcoming host City. Let's look ahead to an exciting future.

The basic story here is that the CVS in downtown Newburyport has taken over some neighboring leases to expand. One of the lessees that has to leave is the White Hen Pantry.

The White Hen came to this location 20 years ago, under protest from the neighbors. Now the White Hen is being forced to leave, with the departure being protested by the neighbors. Ironic? Yes. Normal? Yes.

That people are out holding signs and picketing, putting bumper stickers on their cars? You decide. I think there are A LOT more important things to put our energy to use for.

The fact is that White Hen Pantry Corporate knew that their lease was up and that CVS was negotiating for the space. They were in continuous contact with the landlord, Newburyport Development. Presumably, if White Hen cared enough, they could have done something about it. But they didn't.

Would I prefer that White Hen stayed? Yes. Do I have the right to try and dictate to the landlord how to run their business and manage their tenants. No.

Trapped and feeling empty. How many of us go through our lives that way? It seems I managed to throw away most of mine in the belief that money and possessions would bring joy and contentment. For sure, that is the crock that our consumption-focused society would have us adhere to.

I started my life with a strong creative talent, but visions of the good life led me to business school and an impressive career in the world of international business development. Through it all, I went through the motions, collected money and things, and led a life increasingly void of emotion, creativity and connection with myself.

It took a major life-altering event to cause me to begin to awaken, open my eyes, and realize that I was missing most of what life had to offer. I had to learn to shift my focus away from working to make money, and start to think about doing what gave my inner self a sense of fulfillment and happiness. In changing my way of thinking, I started to find that the financial means to live contentedly would follow, because what I do comes from the heart and others recognize that.

Life becomes a struggle when we do not listen in our souls. We use things, activities, and mind-numbing substances to push our emotions away and not be aware. Our relationships suffer because we do not communicate - we can't, because we do not communicate with ourselves. Our frustration builds and becomes a tangible part of our lives, and unless something forces us to look at ourselves, we go on determinedly and bleakly through our unsatisfying lives. Do you feel trapped? Think.

Update: The Economy and The Real Estate Market

It's so hard to figure out what to believe and how to evaluate all the information we get. It's usually better to put together lots of little pieces of news to get an idea of what's really happening than to draw your conclusion from any of the big recent events that have been showing improvements in the economy.

We usually see a lot of articles about economic hardships and struggles just as our economy is about to turn around. There have recently been plenty of these. And usually the market bottoms hit quietly while this is going on. I think we are ready for a recovery. Last fall I was told that the market had hit bottom and it was a good time to buy - I didn't go along with that and advised my clients to wait. Now I think differently.

Last week Robert Shiller, a founder of the Case-Shiller Home Price Index, started a new investment fund that leverages bets on housing prices. This fund could only make sense if housing prices were showing improvement. His recommendation to invest is therefore significant.

People in my business are naturally inclined to be optimistic about the market. I have not shared that enthusiasm, but see clear changes ahead. It's time to think positively.

For First Time Home Buyers, It Keeps Getting Better

I guess everyone knows about the first time home buyer tax credit: Up to $8,000 if you haven't owned a home for three years and buy one before Dec. 1, 2009. Now both MA Housing and NH Housing have come up with great programs, lending buyers the tax credit money in advance, to act as down payment and closing costs. Here's a simple example: Buy a $200,000 home with MA Housing financing, $6,000 down (3%) bring the $8,000 advance on the tax credit to the table at closing to cover the $6,000 plus $2,000 of your closing costs. The mortgage might run you about $1,200 per month.

This is a phenomenal opportunity, but if you want it, it's time to move. Consider these typical timelines: One month to find your home, at least another month to close - if nothing goes wrong. That puts you into October, but if for some reason your first choice of home doesn't work out or something goes wrong, you are right up against the Dec. 1 closing deadline and could miss your opportunity.

And don't even think about a short sale - those can take many months to close in the best of circumstances. Stick to straightforward listing and use a Realtor who is associated with solid MA Housing or NH Housing approved lenders and knows how to move your purchase forward on track. I'm seeing good people buying homes now who thought they might never have the chance.

John P. Wells is a Newburyport Realtor with Virtual Homes Real Estate. To comment visit his blog at www.activerain.com/landuseplanning.