For Immediate Release
Thursday, March
15, 2001
Contact:
Seth Novoselsky
Mayor Thomas G.
Ambrosino’s office
781-286-8185
Revere – Mayor Thomas G. Ambrosino expressed great satisfaction today after the MDC Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to accept an Agreement that would transfer sixty (60) acres of conservation land in Rumney Marsh from Revere to the MDC, in exchange for the opportunity for Revere to purchase almost five (5) acres of prime ocean front urban development property and two (2) acres of land for a new police station.
“This swap is beneficial to both entities, as the respective land is important to each entity’s mission,” testified Ambrosino before the MDC board. “Additionally, I firmly believe that private development along Revere Beach will ultimately lead to further public development of open space and recreation areas.”
One of the parcels, the so-called “North Lot,” is a 4.8 acre parcel of land on Ocean Avenue adjacent to the Wonderland MBTA station at the end of the Blue line. The acquisition of this parcel will enhance the City’s efforts to attract development to Revere Beach.
For the past few years, the City has attempted to market a smaller piece of land directly in front of Wonderland Station known as “Parcel H.” The catch is, however, that Revere only owns the air rights to the property.
Now, with the “North Lot” and “Parcel H,” there is almost six (6) acres of ocean front property to help Revere attract developers. Mayor Ambrosino’s vision for this particular area is that of a mixed-use development comprised of residential, office space, hotels, retail shops and restaurants.
In return for development rights to this gem, sixty (60) acres of conservation land in Rumney Marsh Reservation will transfer into the control of the MDC. This brings the
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total acreage up to one hundred twenty (120) acres owned by the Commission in the Reservation. Mayor Ambrosino hopes that the MDC will take advantage of this opportunity and develop the Marsh into a passive recreational area.
Additionally, the Agreement confirmed Revere’s right to acquire a two acre parcel of land on Revere Beach Parkway, which will be the site of the new police station so desperately needed by the City. Ambrosino hopes to break ground for the police station in the not-too-distant future.
“This is a big win for the City,” concluded the Mayor. “I think this is the first step in our development plans for the beach and the entire city. Hopefully other development plans will fall into place over the next couple of years, and the City’s economy will remain strong.”