Heart of Lynn

Lynn's beauty is vast..

2011-11-03T17:08:00.002-04:00

...from the ocean's shore, to the northern edges. These images were submitted to the Essex National Heritage Commission, in the categories of Green Spaces, Essex Coastal Scenic Byway, and Urban Landscapes.

'Rain Shine'

A rainbow breaks through the clouds after the rain stops, after a walk in the rain.

Lynn Shore Reservation, Lynn MA

'Blue Snowdrops'

Blue colored flora blooms in the winter, on the former location of the historic Fay Estate garden by Spring Pond. Spring Pond Woods, Lynn MA

'Sunrise from historic Lynn"

View from my window, overlooking the bay.

'City lights under Ocean Fog'

View from High Rock Tower, overlooking Downtown Lynn.

The Lynn Greenway

2011-10-25T00:56:00.000-04:00

A new Lynn group is forming as an extension of the Malden based group, Bike to the Sea.
Join others in helping build transportation corridors, open space, connecting communities from the beltway of Boston to the waterfront in Lynn Massachusetts.

Visit the new website, The Lynn Greenway - lynngreenway.blogspot.com

or by joining the facebook page Lynn-Greenway
( facebook group: facebook.com/groups/greenlynn )

The first proposal is for a trail in West Lynn, converting abandoned MBTA railroad tracks. The first steps involve research and collecting data; finding the problems and arriving to a solution with community input. The trail begins at the belt-way of Boston, along the Malden River in Everett and is proposed to end at the waterfront in Lynn.

There are ongoing negotiations between State and Local Lynn officials, the Community, Bike to the Sea members and the MBTA. Malden has begun clearing their segment of the trail way, with the 'Iron Horse' organization assisting with removing the railroad tracks and covering the area with compact stone dust for free.

More information is available at biketothesea.com and massbike.org.

Rail trail conversions are happening across the North Shore and New England.

The Northern Strand Trail

Lynn happens @ night

2011-08-21T01:45:00.003-04:00

Which town has this much fun after sunset?

Lynners and city visitors crowd the boardwalk of Lynn Shore Drive on a typical Summer night: Troopers trot through on horseback; Friends walk the sandy shore; The grass fields at Red Rock see many games; Fishermen set stage on the southeast corner of Red Rock with fishing lines thrown over the wall into the ocean. In the summer, before the sun sets, outdoor concerts are performed, sponsored by the Friends of Lynn and Nahant Beach, and once in a great occasion, an outdoor movie is played at night. At times, the moon is reflected in the gentle waves of the ocean. During a storm, many visit the boulevard to see the waves crash over the wall. And the fireworks show on the 4th, is with no doubt one of the best in the surrounding area.

Bike to the Sea is coming this way, and The Essex Heritage Scenic Byway is taking off from here.

Most of the time, many just come here to enjoy a simple breath of fresh air by the ocean's edge, with great views of the Atlantic horizon.

Peace on

2011-08-07T21:30:00.000-04:00

There is much to share about the hometown, with little time to share it. Being buried in books and major projects, might keep these pages blank for a coming year? Hope to be back soon.

Going to Springfield

2011-07-20T20:37:00.007-04:00

On June 1, several communities from Western to Central Massachusetts were damaged by tornadoes. Many places now face incredible structural damage, including many historic resources, structures and landscapes.

Preservation Massachusetts is working along with FEMA, Local and state agencies to help assess the damage. There are 174 condemned places. Volunteers are needed to assess property damage or advise owners and local historic commissions. These places include: residential, public, commercial, or other places of gathering, a community relies on.

Building design or construction experts are needed to lead teams of 3. Others are needed too, for taking photos or notes of observations from an expert. If interested in creating a team, feel free to message me: studio@Aikaterini.com Phone 617-418-3009, or Preservation Mass directly ekelly@preservationmass.org
Trips can be made in one day or as many as one can volunteer. I'm unsure of the conditions at these places, but be prepared. It takes a lot of understanding and caution.

Message from PM Coordinator:
"The idea of the field assessments is to have a preservation expert take a closer look at the condemned buildings, evaluate them in terms of historic integrity and repairability, and provide that information to FEMA, MHC, the local historical commission, and the Springfield Preservation Trust. That information could help the Historic Com and SPT advocate for buildings that are salvageable and could help FEMA and MHC as they make decisions about demolitions that might be FEMA-funded.

I’d suggest having 3-person teams consisting of one expert plus two not-yet-expert assistants who could do photos, note-taking, and chauffeuring as needed. Teams would be using a rapid assessment form that the National Center for Preservation Technology & Training has created. It’s available as a File Maker Pro file as well as a paper form, so folks who are really tech-savvy can do them on a tablet, smart phone, or laptop if they’re so inclined."
.....end of message

Peace on

Goldfish Pond Planting Day

2011-06-16T10:45:00.003-04:00

The Goldfish Pond Neighborhood Association held a planting day this past May. Around 75 persons came together in helping plant shrubbery or flowers around the pond.

Throughout the day and evening, water fountains sprout high from the pond. Surrounding the pond, architecturally beautiful homes nestle the area. Goldfish Pond was recently awarded the Lynn Historical Commission 2011 Significance Award for a Public Place. Congratulations to the Goldfish Pond Neighborhood Association for their dedication in preserving one of Lynn's best areas of heritage.

In history, Goldfish Pond was a natural pond which was then designed in the shape of a heart.

goldfishpond.org

Thank You to a neighborhood association member for sharing the photo of the planting event.

GET OFF THE TRACK

2011-06-10T17:27:00.003-04:00

THE LIBERTY BELL IS RINGING...

This song, 'Get off the Track' was written and performed by the Hutchinson Family Singers, who bought High Rock in the mid-1800's. Their songs of abolition and other liberties attracted Frederick Douglass, an abolitionist, who joined them in a famous tour to England.

Frederick Douglass was a firm believer in the equality of all people, whether colored, female, Native American, or recent immigrant. He was fond of saying, "I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong."

There will be an event at High Rock, on July 3rd, to remember this bit of liberating history...

Another breathtaking view, even in fog from High Rock

2011-05-31T21:34:00.000-04:00

Above- View from High Rock, in the fog.

Please join us - Friends of High Rock Tower.

Contact Lisa Connolly or myself (studio@aikaterini.com).

Here's my letter to the editor, Daily Item, May 13, 2011. (Thank you Item)...

Event: Mass Humanities, celebrating abolition history

2011-05-26T17:04:00.000-04:00

Save the date, for a reading (possibly at spectacular High Rock)

Concept: Let kids play in schoolyard

2011-05-21T13:19:00.004-04:00

In a letter to the Editor to the Daily Item, dated May 20, 2011, a concerned parent writes 'Let kids play in the schoolyard'.

Why are some school yards not open-space, open to the public after hours? Why do most schools have no grass fields, trees and benches?

High Rock, take thy heart away

2011-05-12T00:08:00.000-04:00

From High Rock/ the Highlands, this is one of Lynn's million dollar views. Twilight after sunset is breathtaking and romantic. Boundless ocean/ skies and twinkling city lights reflect beyond and to Boston. There is peace here, when accompanied by friends or family.

Lynn's shore and beautiful natural places reminds me of summers in Greece. In the center of Athens, many climb the hill of Likabitos to reach a height like this, overlooking the cosmos.

Restrain thy sorrow exploring south-westerly of High Rock. This is the new gated view where KIPP is constructing.

A stone wall, collapsed onto Lawton Avenue from the blasting.

Concept: Timeless Art of Nature on Built Environment

2011-04-23T00:47:00.000-04:00

(Pardon the purism.) Since Lynn is near the ocean, a natural theme for art in dense areas could be just this. Painting natural scenes on buildings is wide European tradition, where timeless art of nature marries traditional style. Scenes of nature in manmade places, enhance imagination, 'feeling' and fun.

These are not all the images I wish to share, but here are a few.

Old Western Burial Ground

2011-04-18T19:11:00.001-04:00

The Old Western Burial Ground is one of Lynn's oldest cemeteries. The graveyard is located in West Lynn, west-side of Lynn Common by Market Square. Most of the stones are engraved with the willow tree motif, appearing to be a common theme in this era.

A few Lynn residents have taken the interest to clean the old burial ground of litter. Scouts, back in the day, organized the names found on each stone. This data will be organized onto a site plan, for historic documentation by a member of the Historic Commission (this will be a good summer project).

Among the several interesting names which are found here, Rev. Samuel Whiting is believed to be the first minister to have settled in Lynn MA, after arriving in Boston Harbor on May 26, 1636. His obelisk will be observed this year by his descendants, to commemorate the 375th anniversary of his arrival in Lynn.

Steve (Lynn resident who cleans the grounds (in his own will)), Carl Greenler (Chair of LHC), Caroline Whiting (descendant of Rev. Whiting), Patricia Lee & Calvin Anderson (both members of LHC).

The Harry Re-cap

2011-04-16T17:21:00.004-04:00

Harry Agganis, a basketball, football and baseball phenomenon from Lynn Classical in the 40's, went on to play sports at BU and the Red Sox. The tradition of sportsmanship continues at St. George, with a year to year invitational tournament. Highschool and college teams throughout the state and country, come to Lynn to compete in the Harry Agganis Tournament. This is one of Lynn's hidden treasured events, of the Hellenic community.

The 54th Annual Harry Agganis Memorial Basketball Invitational Tournament

The 54th annual Harry Agganis basketball tournament, sponsored by the St George Greek Orthodox Church of Lynn Mass, took place from April 23rd thru April 26th. The tournament consisted of members in the Hellenic community from high school Boys & Girls division as well as a College division-that included teams from New York (Albany, Kemisis, Bayridge & New Rochelle), Manchester, New Hampshire and many of the local churches of Boston Dioceses.

High school Boys Re-cap

Champions: St George (Lynn)

2nd Place Manchester, NH

3rd place New York (Jr)

High School Girls Recap

Champions: St Vasilios (Peabody)

2nd Place: Kimisis NY

College Division Recap

The College division included teams from St George(Lynn), New Rochelle, NY, St Sophias (Albany, NY) Bayridge, NY; St Vals, Peabody; Watertown, Manchester, N.H. and Hellenic College.

Champion: St George Lynn

2nd Place: New Rochelle, NY

Lynn Library wish list

2011-04-03T17:40:00.002-04:00

Amazon.com provides the Lynn Public Library's wish list of books. This is a good opportunity to help the children in and around Lynn increase their reading skills. The Lynn Public Library has been one of the favorite places for children, and adults to visit in Lynn.

Link to wish list: www.amazon.com/gp/registry/registry.html/002-7177210-7328819?%5Fencoding=UTF8&id=OD1TIEM36FF5

Lynn-Leaks

2011-03-30T22:13:00.003-04:00

Lynn friends on facebook and through emails are complaining about the blasting occurring near High Rock. A friend writes ""so here's apart of an email I just recieved "Hey u were right. That wall collasped on Lawton Ave. right into the street."" --- If anyone has photos of this, please email: resident@heartoflynn.com

Jim Cowdell of EDIC, writes a great letter on "The Future of Lynn"
http://www.downtownlynn.com/2011/03/future-of-lynn-guest-post-by-jim.html

A few Lynn friends are making the Cupid Splash at the beach...
http://cupidsplash.com/cupidsplash/teampage.asp?fundid=1613

Wendy, a Lynn friend is moderating "Stories of Empowerment" at NSCC
http://lynnsideedition.wordpress.com/2011/03/25/1842/

TLGUTS, was featured on WGBH as a Part of Lynn's Revitalization
http://tlguts.blogspot.com/2011/03/when-i-was-asked-to-do-this-interview-i.html

Members of the LHC are gearing up to nominate places in Lynn to receive awards for historical renovation. If you wish to submit a recommendation (I'll share it with the board), email resident@heartoflynn.com

An old burial ground near Union Street is eyed for a grant application to receive renovations.

Distant descendants of Rev. Samuel Whiting, who is believed to be the first minister to have settled in Lynn after arriving in Boston Harbor in 1636... plan on gathering at his obelisk in the Old Western Burial Ground to observe the 375th anniversary of his arrival in Lynn!

The Townsend and Hart Ten-Footer - There is a miner delay in moving the structure over to Lynn Tech to receive renovations. The building will receive a 'lead protective' coating in the process.

Personal leak: My enemies may love to hear my imaginary husband placed a bid on a home in Danvers :,( but after seeing the tears in my eyes, of possibly leaving the hometown, lovingly he is looking at homes in Lynn :) Whoever is pushing him to stay or leave, please let him be.... a Lynner is not made to be controlled :)

Postcard of Fay Estate arboretum

2011-03-14T23:23:00.000-04:00

"This divided-back postcard was printed in Germany for the Glenmere Co. of Lynn Mass. Although it has no postmark, it can be dated with confidence, between 1907, when the U.S. Postal Service first allowed divided-back postcard, and 1914, with the start of World War I. After the WWI began American postcards were printed either in England or in America. By the time of this photo, Dudley Fay had sold out the estate to the Boston Interurban Realty Trust. It documents that the citizens of Lynn, Salem and beyond were enjoying Mr Fay’s arboretum 100+ years ago, as the citizens and children of Lynn and Salem do today (or “did” if woods are developed)." ~ Tom O. Thank you Tom for sharing.

The image (not the print), maybe of an earlier decade, in the late eighteen hundreds? Here is a map in progress of the remaining Fay Arboretum.: www.springpondwoods.com/p/arboretum.html

Drawn using Vectorworks Designer/Architect/ Landmark/Renderworks, by yours truly.

Own an empty building in Lynn?

2011-03-14T23:11:00.002-04:00

Dear abandoned building owners,
Since I was a kid, the same wishes keep coming around. For whatever reason you do not wish to return, sell or occupy your building, here is a list of ideas collected from different places. Maybe one of these thoughts will help renovate or hold onto your building, and help the community in the meantime.

a City of Lynn program:
... if there isn't one, maybe there should be one in place, helping buildings remain vital during a period of transition for building owners.

Grant opportunities:
There are 7 historical districts in Lynn. If the style or architecture of a property is contributing to an historic district, it may qualify for benefits such as grants and tax incentives for repairs. Inquire in City Hall, if your building falls within an historic district, or is individually listed as an historic building.

Building use:

Rent space or offer space to the community, even if it is just for a little while.
The Rivera Brothers boxing gym, a non-profit organization, is looking for a place to setup. The gym helps youth stay occupied, and offers a place for adults to practice or exercise.
More community art centers are envisioned by many. Maybe TLGUTS can help?
A book store... maybe Subterranean book store has ideas to share?
A venue for playing movies on a large screen, dance hall/ tavern/ meeting hall.
Gallery of local professional artwork.
Invite shoe vendors, in shoe city.
Extension of the Lynn Museum... maybe they have former displays to share?
Music center. In a village I love so very much, an abandoned home would transition into a community hangout, and become a place of singing, playing musical instruments and fun.

Do people really read me?

2011-03-14T13:46:00.004-04:00

There are a lot of hits from this website to The Daily Tomato... the Head Tomato says so: http://thelynndailytomato.blogspot.com/2011/03/lynn-ya-bunch-of-perverts.html

Are Lynners a bunch of pervs... but what else is said on The Daily Tomato? Got to love' em... The Daily Tomato may sound funny in a Lynnish kind of way, but what they blog on occasion has some underlying reality.

oh- and if someone from Russia is watching us in Lynn... "привет" (Hi!... translated from google).

Go Leslie! - This is our Community...

2011-03-11T02:28:00.020-05:00

What stand had the Mayor (Chair of School Committee), when the community voiced and made concerns public, as this site was blessed by the hands of her ground breaking day shovel? Why is each community left to battle alone? This is not a battle against a school (4 blocks away from the Ford School), but a battle to preserve an important place. KIPP could have found a different site. Shame on those who have inventoried this as an important historic and recreational site in Lynn to save, but did nothing (advocated for nothing, and documented nothing to the state) in the past to help protect it today.

This site, famed in history, a level under the summit, which overlooks downtown and the ocean, should have been saved first instead of last... instead of not at all. It is undocumented open space, a hidden jewel, which needed only improved access from Downtown, to help beautify the city center. This could have been a large park reserved for the citizens of Lynn and its visitors to enjoy. Vision is all that is needed to build the center of Lynn into a beautiful place. This natural open space on the side of High Rock, needed little improvement to turn into one of the best tiered city parks in the North Shore, easy enough to walk up to from downtown, a midway to the summit. With access to Downtown, bringing back the old pathways under the cliffs, through the trees, into the 'meadow', climbing the hill to the summit of High Rock with beautiful views along the way... could have helped the city prosper, bringing vitality to everyday life, and giving back fame to one of Lynn's best history laden lands.

This in history, will be forever, the city's biggest loss.

Conservation is not controversial, if you really care about the hometown...

Holding a "This Place Matters" sign, part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation campaign, is Calvin, Leslie, Kat, Lisa, Rich, Stefan, Wendy, doggy, and Bill.

Research on Open Space, and Historical Importance:

The Lynn Reconnaissance Report, 1997 (see end of post)
The Park Commissioners Report, 1900
The City of Lynn Open Space Plan, 2005
The City of Lynn seal

love 'fresh' tomatoes

2011-03-08T02:30:00.001-05:00

The Head Tomato is very fresh.

check (Him?) out... The Lynn Daily Tomato

Dump plowed snow in the ocean?

2011-03-06T19:30:00.002-05:00

Just when we believe the ocean water is looking cleaner onshore... cleaner than when I was a child... new front runners wish to dump excessive snow next winter into the ocean. And just when most of society thinks asphalt paving is the best road surface material for shoveling.....

Concept: Lynnway Waterfalls

2011-02-26T22:04:00.005-05:00

The Lynnway waterfront deserves a concept. The Common once had a colorful fountain, and Gold Fish Pond currently has one. An amusing thought by a friend, suggesting having waterfalls in Lynn Woods to attract more people, led to this post. Water features can be calming and entertaining.

In many cities, all over the world, small and large water attractions help improve the quality of life, and business thrive. One of my favorite water attractions is watching the reflection of peaceful night lights mirror over a pool of water, like the one beside the Christian Science Church, in Boston. Another favorite is watching water flow to the rhythm of music. It doesn't have to be as grand as the Fountains of Bellagio, 'My heart will go on' (...it doesn't hurt to dream big.)

There are simple hydraulophone systems in parks for children and people of all ages. Example in Canon D (another favorite)...

Having your own mind

2011-02-26T12:25:00.015-05:00

A direct abutter and longtime resident living in an old victorian mansion, in the Highlands, had a pro-bono attorney, Mari McKeon, last year represent opposition against the proposed project location, of a school building (KIPP) in the neighborhood.

At the same time, several of us were determined to save one of the city's most beautiful assets, views and open space, on the side of High Rock near downtown. We continued to voice our reasons about the historic and recreational value of the site. The abutter's lawyer, McKeon recommended to the community that it be silent about opposition. Mari McKeon called me twice and requested I remove my postings of opposition (found on Heart of Lynn). I replied - not a chance. It is our freedom and constitutional right. "No one has the right to silence anyone."

The community made the mistake in following the advice of attorney, except for 3 people :) Sometime thereafter, McKeon was not representing the abutter in the lawsuit. The community then decided to voice their opposition, late in the game.

Today, a friend shared an interesting FACT. McKeon & Associates, LLC website is listing the lawyer for KIPP, Mark Dejoie on a "Referral Network". Is there an affiliation between these two lawyers?

There are more questions. Why did the rep for KIPP not contact the chair of the Lynn Historic Commission, as promised in the neighborhood meeting? Where is Section 106 review*?

The moral of the lesson may be, do not rely on government or one person. The chair of government may be 'holding the shovel', but just maybe... in turn the government relies on the voices of many? If you think this battle is over- not yet. History isn't meant to be forgotten.

Holding a "This Place Matters" sign, part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation campaign, is Calvin, Leslie, Kat, Lisa, Rich, Stefan, Wendy, doggy, and Bill.

Research on Open Space, and Historical Importance:

The Lynn Reconnaissance Report, 1997 (see end of post)
The Park Commissioners Report, 1900
The City of Lynn Open Space Plan, 2005
The City of Lynn seal

Lynn isn't the only community arguing with its neighbor:

2011-02-23T18:57:00.000-05:00

QUINCY —
The city council has come out against a proposal by the town of Milton to erect a 480-foot wind turbine at the Quincy border....

Thank you to a friend, for sharing the news.

Snow removal (just an opinion)

2011-02-22T10:07:00.000-05:00

In tonight's agenda for council meeting, is an item for amending the city-wide ordinance regarding snow removal.

What I remember-

1. Restriction of dumping snow in street. (Can't argue with this, but it doesn't bother me either).

2. 42" wide clear of snow removal on sidewalk....( just feel bad for those with hardships, on both sides of the argument).

People in wheel chairs need access. Maybe the City Planning Department can help take an inventory of the most important routes needed and work with the owners of the properties?

To impose a city wide ordinance on snow removal could cause hardship for many, whose properties are their own dwelling (of survival).

I can not argue with the ordinance on properties which are considered an investment...where the owner does not live in the dwelling, being a commercial property or residential unit for profit.

In the sense of survival in personal dwelling- How do those who are senior citizens, ill, have back problems, cannot lift weight, are in a wheel chair themselves, or simply do not have the strength to shovel their sidewalks perfectly, survive through New England snow storms?

In my old neighborhood, many of us would shovel out our neighbors homes. There are many seniors in my old neighborhood who could not shovel, and sometimes people were ill. Some were lucky to see their children arrive, after shoveling their own driveways.

Will those who have hardship shoveling, be able to receive assistance in order to comply with these new rules? :)

Spread the love...

2011-02-21T21:05:00.000-05:00

... a new Lynn blog is born

Subterrean Books

Unearthed Books and Music

www.subterraneanbooks.net

Welcome to Lynn, Chris.

I love the new Audubon books I found in your store. Can't wait for Spring.

Hopefully before then, we all find time to make a snow garden sculpture on The Common :)

Urban Legend: Oldest building in Lynn?

2011-02-19T10:05:00.001-05:00

The person who brought the legend of the existing Ten-Footer* in a Brickyard neighborhood to light, has another urban legend to share. They say there is another old building, thought to be the oldest in Lynn. The building is along the old railroad tracks. From a distance, an old timber frame structure appears through parts of the crumbling wood shingle roof. From an exterior view, the finish of the building seems in disrepair. There is another building in Lynn, which some claim to be the oldest. If anyone is interested in more info, or wishes to conduct research in finding the age of this building, email resident@heartoflynn.com .

If you don't know what it's like to live in Lynn...

2011-02-18T02:46:00.004-05:00

in an urban/suburban big-town, with people from different places, inner/outside city bullies or friends, crime?... (luckily have not witnessed)...w/a police log smaller than neighboring cities half its size, or have not had the chance to experience the humanitarian relationships, it can not be said any clearer than in Kathryn Grover's book: 'The Brickyard: The Life, Death, and Legend of Urban Neighborhood, chapter two, We Just Lived Together".

Life in Lynn does seem to be like chapter two of 'The Brickyard'. Immigrant families or newcomers seem to initially survive or hold on to the tradition of the places they come from. This includes the native Lynners who hold on to life as they know it, as an ever changing cycle of new residents pour in from different places. In the second chapter, we learn to live together. Someone reminded us of this. There seems to be an unwritten rule here on how to respect each other, not bring each other down, and lead each other in the right direction without throwing one in the lion's den. I may be very wrong, but at least these are the people I find myself surrounded with.

The Brickyard maybe found for reading in the Lynn Library, or purchased from the Lynn Museum: lynnmuseum.org/giftshop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=7

peace

'This Old House' remodel contest 2011

2011-02-15T15:28:00.001-05:00

For more info visit http://youroldhouse.thisoldhouse.com/thisoldhouse/index.jsp

Entry Form: https://youroldhouse.thisoldhouse.com/thisoldhouse/registration/remodel/

Wishing everyone well

2011-02-12T22:57:00.000-05:00

Snow and clean oceans

2011-02-05T14:03:00.001-05:00

Every municipality near the ocean knows of a federal law called The Ocean Dumping Act? This law restricts ocean dumping, including snow. One might think local governments understand federal laws and the reasons for them, but there have been several environmental crimes reported throughout the country on towns. Many of these local governments are facing civic law suits and heavy fines. Recently in the Daily Item, there were two letters in the opinion column asking city officials to dump snow into the ocean... 'after all it is just salt & sand', they write.

Does society fully understand the concerns and reasons in laws regarding dumping on wetlands? Salt used on driveways and public roads may not be pure salt (just like the salt found on dining tables may not be real). Salt used in winter storms may contain a compound of various additives. If people eat fake salt, is pure salt really being used on roads to make it ok to dump into the ocean? Not only may 'salt' compounds be found in shoveled snow, but there may be broken asphalt from the wear of shovels, oil or chemical leaks from traveling vehicles, and miscellaneous trash.

Some cities have other methods in dealing with excess snow, such as dumping the snow on abandoned lots (we have a few polluted already), or by melting the snow in place.

Blue chemical poured on snow.

Restorative (real) development

2011-01-30T00:18:00.004-05:00

This is what I dream for Lynn, and the rest of the world...
Restoring our natural resources will help restore us and peace.

Quoted in the video - "The nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation INCREASED... in value." - Teddy Roosevelt, from 'The New Nationalism' (1910), NWTR, XVII, p. 52 .... he did not mean sustained or the same, but environmentally better, healthier, wealthier and more beautiful in life.

Thank you to a Salem friend for sharing the link to this video.

'CSI Lynn'

2011-01-15T19:52:00.013-05:00

In the building profession, an informal library using CSI (Construction Specifications Institute) numbers, catalog materials or services for specifying in future projects. Typically, products are cataloged from all parts of the continent, but a really good project will use gathered material from the site helping the project feel natural, or use materials from the local area to the project, helping reduce carbon-footprints in global climate change by eliminating long-distance transportation. Buying local, also helps the local economy. There are many builders, painters and talented craftsmen in this area to include. This list is incomplete as there are many businesses in the area to find and list.

Here is the beginning of a 'CSI Lynn' list, in the works. I hope it grows and maybe other builders, designers and property owners in Lynn will find it useful. If there are products or companies to be added to this list, please email resident@heartoflynn.com or comment here. Or, if this list exists somewhere, please let me know :)

Division 1 General Requirements
01100 Summary
01200 Price and Payment Procedures
01300 Administrative Requirements
01400 Quality Requirements
01500 Temporary Facilities and Controls
01600 Product Requirements
01700 Execution Requirements
01800 Facility Operation
01900 Facility Decommissioning

Division 2 Site Construction
02050 Basic Site Materials and Methods
02100 Site Remediation
02200 Site Preparation
02300 Earthwork
02400 Tunneling, Boring and Jacking
02450 Foundation and Load-Bearing Elements
02500 Utility Services
02600 Drainage and Containment
02700 Bases, Ballasts, Pavements and Appurtenances
02800 Site Improvements and Amenities
02900 Planting

Leahy Landscaping, Inc., 56 Sanderson Avenue, leahylandscaping.com
02950 Site Restoration and Rehabilitation

Cicoria Tree Service, cicoriatree.com

Division 3 Concrete
03050 Basic Concrete Materials and Methods
03100 Concrete Forms and Accessories
03200 Concrete Reinforcement
03300 Cast-In-Place Concrete
03400 Precast Concrete
03500 Cementitious Decks and Underlayment
03600 Grouts
03700 Mass Concrete
03900 Concrete Restoration and Cleaning

Division 4 Masonry
04050 Basic Masonry Materials and Methods
04200 Masonry Units
04400 Stone
04500 Refractories
04600 Corrosion-Resistant Masonry
04700 Simulated Masonry
04800 Masonry Assemblies
04900 Masonry Restoration and Cleaning

Division 5 Metals
05050 Basic Metal Materials and Methods
   Solomine Metals Corp, 580 Lynnway, solomonmetals.com
   Profab Metal Products, Inc, 541 Chestnut Street, profab-metal.com
   B and R Metal Products Inc, 120 Broadway
   North Shore Steel Co Inc, 16 Oakville Street
   European Iron Works, 69 Bennet Street
   Therm0-Craft Engineering Corporation, 701 Western Avenue
05100 Structural Metal Framing
   Mantisgrip, (hardware for wd backing to metal stud) mantisgrip.com
05200 Metal Joists
05300 Metal Deck
05400 Cold-Formed Metal Framing
   Mantisgrip,  mantisgrip.com
05500 Metal Fabrications
   Bass Associates, Inc, 109 Bowler Street, bassmetals.com
   Malco Fabricators, 43 Alley Street
05600 Hydraulic Fabrications
05700 Ornamental Metal
05800 Expansion Control
05900 Metal Restoration and Cleaning

Division 6 Wood and Plastics

* Lynn Lumber Co., 180 Commercial Street, lynnlumber.com
06050 Basic Wood and Plastic Materials and Methods
06100 Rough Carpentry
06200 Finish Carpentry
06400 Architectural Woodwork
06500 Structural Plastics
06600 Plastic Fabrications
06900 Wood and Plastic Restoration and Cleaning

Division 7 Thermal and Moisture Protection
07050 Basic Thermal and Moisture Protection Materials and Methods
07100 Damproofing and Waterproofing
07200 Thermal Protection
07300 Shingles, Roof Tiles, and Roof Coverings
07400 Roofing and Siding Panels

   * Trahant Roofing
07500 Membrane Roofing
07600 Flashing and Sheet Metal
   Eagle metal Roofing, Camden Street, eaglemetalroofing.com
07700 Roof Specialties and Accessories
07800 Fire and Smoke Protection
07900 Joint Sealers

Division 8 Doors and Windows
08050 Basic Door and Window Materials and Methods
08100 Metal Doors and Frames
08200 Wood and Plastic Doors
08300 Specialty Doors
08400 Entrances and Storefronts
08500 Windows
08600 Skylights
08700 Hardware
08800 Glazing
     McCarthy Glass, 752 Western Avenue, mccarthyglass.com
08900 Glazed Curtain Wall

Division 9 Finishes
09050 Basic Finish Materials and Methods
09100 Metal Support Assemblies
09200 Plaster and Gypsum Board
09300 Tile
   House of Andrea, 674 Western Avenue, floorologist.com
09400 Terrazzo
09500 Ceilings
09600 Flooring
   Bergeron Hardwood Floors, 328 Broadway, bergeronfloors.com
   International Floors, Inc., 11 Franklin Street, internationalfloorsinc.com
09700 Wall Finishes
09800 Acoustical Treatment
09900 Paints and Coatings

Division 10 Specialties
10100 Visual Display Boards
10150 Compartments and Cubicles
10200 Louvers and Vents
10240 Grilles and Screens
10250 Service Walls
10260 Wall and Corner Guards
10270 Access Flooring
10290 Pest Control
10300 Fireplaces and Stoves
10340 Manufactured Exterior Specialties
10350 Flagpoles
10400 Identification Devices
10450 Pedestrian Control Devices
10500 Lockers
10520 Fire Protection Specialties
10530 Protective Covers
10550 Postal Specialties
10600 Partitions
10670 Storage Shelving
10700 Exterior Protection
10750 Telephone Specialties
10800 Toilet, Bath, and Laundry Specialties
10880 Scales
10900 Wardrobe and Closet Specialties

Division 11 Equipment
11010 Maintenance Equipment
11020 Security and Vault Equipment
11030 Teller and Service Equipment
11040 Ecclesiastical Equipment
11050 Library Equipment
11060 Theater and Stage Equipment
11070 Instrumental Equipment
11080 Registration Equipment
11090 Checkroom Equipment
11100 Mercantile Equipment
11110 Commercial Laundry and Dry Cleaning Equipment
11120 Vending Equipment
11130 Audio-Visual Equipment
11140 Vehicle Service Equipment
11150 Parking Control Equipment
11160 Loading Dock Equipment
11170 Solid Waste Handling Equipment
11190 Detention Equipment
11200 Water Supply and Treatment Equipment
11280 Hydraulic Gates and Valves
11300 Fluid Waste Treatment and Disposal Equipment
11400 Food Service Equipment
11450 Residential Equipment
11460 Unit Kitchens
11470 Darkroom Equipment
11480 Athletic, Recreational, and Therapeutic Equipment
11500 Industrial and Process Equipment
11600 Laboratory Equipment
11650 Planetarium Equipment
11660 Observatory Equipment
11680 Office Equipment
11700 Medical Equipment
11780 Mortuary Equipment
11850 Navigation Equipment
11870 Agricultural Equipment
11900 Exhibit Equipment

Division 12 Furnishings
12050 Fabrics

* Zimman's, 80 Market Street, zimmans.com
12100 Art

* The Little Gallery Under the Stairs, 25 Exchange Street, tlguts.com

* Lynn Arts Inc., 25 Exchange Street, lynnarts.org

12300 Manufactured Casework

12400 Furnishings and Accessories

J C Upholstering, 271 Western Avenue #402

* John's Upholstering Co, 120 Union Street

College Upholstering, 145 Essex Street

Amaral Upholstering, 86 Sanderson Avenue #4
Stacey's Window Fashions, staceyswindowfashions.com
12500 Furniture

North Shore Furniture, 305 Union Street, northshorefurniture.com

Logan Furniture, 730 Lynnway, loganfurniture.com

Boston Bed Company, 64 Market Street, bostonbed.com

F and B Wholesalers Town & Country Home Furniture, 800 Lynnway

Atwill Furniture Co., 282 Lynnway

Sleepy's Lynn, 517 Lynnway, sleepys.com

Atlantic Liquids, 29 Bennett Street, atlantic-office.com

Attwill Furniture Company, 131 Essex Street, attwillfurniture.com

Jennifer Convertables Sofas and Sofabeds, 186 Broadway, jenniferfurniture.com

12500 Furniture - Custom

Jeffrey Martin Fine Woodworking, 217 Western Ave, jmartinfinewoodworking.com

Attwill Furniture Company, 131 Essex Street, attwillfurniture.com

3 R Furniture Craftsman, 271 Western Ave #404

12600 Multiple Seating
12700 Systems Furniture
12800 Interior Plants and Planters

* Flowers by Lorraine, 541 Boston Street, flowersbylorraineandrobin.com

* Salvy The Florist and Greenhouses, 793 Western Avenue, salvytheflorist.com

Tony the Florist, Inc, 696 Western Avenue, tonytheflorist.com

Welch Florist, 121 Essex Street, welchflowers.com

Seaside Florist Inc, 95 Lynnway, seasidefloristinc.com

Steve's Florist and Greenhouses, 181 Broadway, salvy.com
12900 Furnishings Restoration and Repair

W.F. Healey Co., 271 Western Avenue, wfhealey.com

Attwill Furniture Company, 131 Essex Street, attwillfurniture.com

Division 13 Special Construction
13010 Air-Supported Structures
13020 Building Modules
13030 Special Purpose Rooms
13080 Sound, Vibration, and Seismic Control
13090 Radiation Protection
13100 Lightning Protection
13110 Cathodic Protection
13120 Pre-Engineered Structures
13150 Swimming Pools
13160 Aquariums
13165 Aquatic Park Facilities
13170 Tubs and Pools
13175 Ice Rinks
13185 Kennels and Animal Shelters
13190 Site-Constructed Incinerators
13200 Storage Tanks
13220 Filter Underdrains and Media
13230 Digester Covers and Appurtenances
13240 Oxygenation Systems
13260 Sludge Conditioning Systems
13280 Hazardous Material Remediation
13400 Measurement and Control Instrumentation
13500 Recording Instrumentation
13550 Transportation Control Instrumentation
13600 Solar and Wind Energy Equipment
13700 Security Access and Surveillance
13800 Building Automation and Control
13850 Detection and Alarm
13900 Fire Suppression

Division 14 Conveying Systems
14100 Dumbwaiters
14200 Elevators
14300 Escalators and Moving Walks
14400 Lifts
14500 Material Handling
14600 Hoists and Cables
14700 Turntables
14800 Scaffolding

* Lynn Ladder and Scaffolding Co., Inc, 20 Boston Street, lynnladder.com
14900 Transportation

Division 15 Mechanical
15050 Basic Mechanical Materials and Methods
15100 Building Service Piping
15200 Process Piping
15300 Fire Protection Piping
15400 Plumbing Fixtures and Equipment
15500 Heat-Generation Equipment
15600 Refrigeration Equipment
15700 Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Equipment
15800 Air Distribution
15900 HVAC Instrumentation and Controls
15950 Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing

Division 16 Electrical
16050 Basic Electrical Materials and Methods
16100 Wiring Methods
16200 Electrical Power
16300 Transmission and Distribution
16400 Low-Voltage Distribution
16500 Lighting
* Lucia Lighting, 311 Western Avenue, lucialighting.com
16700 Communications
16800 Sound and Video

* Asterisks are beside businesses I am familiar with.

Where is Section 106?

2011-01-15T15:32:00.001-05:00

Is the political machine broken? KIPP Academy is receiving federal grant money, and is planning to build* on The Highlands.* If the owner of a project site receives any kind of federal grant money then it is subject to Section 106 review, giving an extensive historic review process towards preservation.

Where is Section 106? And why are not others asking the same question?

Article in the Daily Item regarding the grant:
http://itemlive.com/articles/2011/01/15/news/news02.txt

I'ld like to thank Councilor-at-Large Dan Cahill, Councilor William Trahant and Norm Cole

2011-01-14T00:26:00.002-05:00

for standing on the side of the people, fighting for something better and decent. Efforts to help the community and its environment went unnoticed, as the Salem Planning Board continued with Driscoll's pursuit to approve a Super Wal-mart and Lowe's in Spring Pond Woods, by the Lynn line. For those who may be happy or sad with this news, try not to be. The good fight is not over yet. There are other agencies this proposal must go through at a local, state and federal level.

Thank you to everyone who signed the petition, wrote letters to Salem officials, collected signatures, shared information, and above all cared. Its not over yet. Efforts will continue.

peace on

Camp Fire will be lost

2011-01-11T14:26:00.001-05:00

click to read...

Last call for action

2011-01-09T16:09:00.004-05:00

Help preserve Spring Pond Woods...
Help preserve recreational sites, historic resources, the environment, wetlands, watershed, wildlife habitat, nearby neighborhoods, and existing businesses.

Lynn Common forum

2011-01-02T17:32:00.003-05:00

The Lynn Historical Commission and Park Commission will meet to discuss the ideas shared from the last public meeting, on how to improve historic Lynn Common. Feel free to share your ideas here.

Some thoughts of mine to return the scene back to its historic Romantic Period...

In early times, the road around the Lynn Common was part of the park, where horse and carriage traveled slowly and children played in the roads. Helping the approach, use, and accessibility of the park today, one thought is to enforce the speed limit by reducing vehicular lanes: turning two asphalt lanes into a green or gravel area, leaving one for travel, and having pedestrian paved crossings throughout the road & green way.
No evergreens on the edge of the park: opening views to City Hall Square and Market Street beyond.
Bring back the running fountains, with colored lights.
Use of solar and green products, in historical style.
No benches placed randomly in the center of the green.
Use of symmetry, and geometric position in style of era.
Bring back diagonal pathways throughout park.
Possible location of Townsend and Hart Ten-footer, on smaller island or across park.
Circular areas of continuous growing flower patches and gardens.
Big dream: maybe bring back ice-skating to Lynn Common.

Farewell Lynn with the year?

2010-12-31T02:01:00.013-05:00

The year may have come to an end, but the battle to preserve and plan Lynn has not. The struggle to *preserve open space in the Highlands, and create an historic gateway to Downtown Lynn will not end. KIPP and the VNA may be ready for construction, but the community in each neighborhood will likely not.

A story in The Lynn Journal, on December 28, 2010, on *The Man of the Year, highlights: "The new VNA building about to go up was 2 years of work for Phelan, dozens of meetings, site plan reviews, et cetera..." This maybe correct, but not right. The building's scheme has not faced enough public meetings and has neglected important public commentary, and *historical review, which calls for having storefronts on ground level to improve the socio-economics of Lynn, and by having the architecture follow the style of Downtown.

In the new year, I hope for open government.

Looking back on 2010

2010-12-26T20:50:00.006-05:00

This list is from memory. Please email resident@heartoflynn.com to include more.

Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy became the first woman mayor in Lynn.
The Friends of Lynn and Nahant Beach installed two new drinking fountains on Lynn Shore Drive. Each fixture contains a separate lower fountain for pets.
An historic Ten-Footer, existing in a Lynn neighborhood is now in the process of being restored. *

The Farmers Project at the Ingalls school successfully renewed its lease to continue teaching children about farming, with support from the community. *
The Ford School International Garden has improvements, and the school yard has more trees.
The Ford School has a new aquaponics classroom lab, and their NASA program continues.
KIPP Charter school bought the land of the VFW Post, and is planning to blast part of an history laden hill, despite the opposition from the community and 2 local historical commissioners (including myself). *
The VNA is planning to build in front of the MBTA building. The plan was approved with the condition subject to design review. The community's input on the design was not sought, regarding adding storefronts on ground level and having the building follow the architecture of downtown (instead of Eastern Bank and NSCC). I question if the building is within the historical 'Burnt District', which should legally involve input from the Historical Commission? *
The battle to preserve Spring Pond Woods / fight bigbox stores / save historical, archeological resources and protect watershed areas and wetlands began this year. The struggle to preserve the area has highlighted its importance to the community. *
Spring Pond Woods, High Rock Observation Tower, Lynn Heritage State Park, Lynn Historical Society and Museum, Lynn Shore Drive, and Lynn Woods made the list of '1000 Great Places in Massachusetts" *
The Lynnway waterfront powerlines are being set below ground, opening the waterfront for improvements.
Historic paintings were found in the basement of City Hall.
The Zoning ordinance for strip clubs was addressed.
Storefronts on Market Street received improvements.
Raw Arts painted murals inside Cobbet Elementary.
Subterranean bookstore opened in Downtown Lynn, at The Little Gallery Under The Stairs
Turbine Wine Bar opened in Downtown.
An abandoned Jewish Synagogue on The Commons was purchased by a developer, to be renovated into a church.
Flags of different cultures were raised once again in City Hall Square, after years of lost traditions.
Henry Ave Park received improvements, initiated by members of the community, The Highlands Coalition. Volunteers (including troubled youth), helped restore and keep the park clean.
Williams Ave Park is in the process of being improved, initiated by members of the community.
Bike to the Sea, is planning to run a bike trail from Malden to Lynn Shore Drive. *
The Lynn Auditorium has had sell-out shows, bringing many visitors to Lynn.
Unique stones, believed to be Native American have been discovered.
Stone Tower in Lynn Woods has been opened to the public, after renovations.
The Lynn School Committee ruled no sports on Sundays, because it is a family day.
A look at revitalizing The Commons is underway, by the Lynn Historical and Park Commissions.
Rhodes Chapel, under the work of the Lynn Historical Commission, is to receive improvements and have the rose stained glass windows exposed to the public again after 30 years. *
Several volunteers and advocates around the community are working together on preserving open space, improving parks, cleaning the city, bringing creativity and making a better place for all to live.... Thank You!

peace

Lynn win's in most beautiful location, photo contest!

2010-12-14T23:48:00.001-05:00

Essex Heritage Announces Winners of 2010 Photo Contest
Essex County photographers searched out the best and most beautiful locations for their award-winning submissions to this year’s Essex National Heritage Area Photo Contest. Sponsored by Essex Heritage and Hunt’s Photo and Video, the contest winners were announced this week and will be presented with their awards on January 20, 2011 at 5:30pm at the National Park Service Regional Visitor Center in Salem.

Greg Mazzota of Stoneham MA, photographed the fireworks in Lynn, to win 3rd place. Read more here...

Thank you to Kyle for sharing this info.

peace

Ten-footer, Phase 1

2010-12-07T23:38:00.003-05:00

On Saturday, December 4th, Councilor William Trahant, School Committee Rich Starbard, Lynn Historical Commissioners: Calvin Anderson, Adrian Vasile, Kathy Wrynn and myself, with volunteers Rich Randall, Colleen Murphy, Jim Wrynn, the owner's cousin, and two of Trahant's staff, dedicated time in Phase 1 of the restoration process for the Townsend Hart Ten-footer. Thank you to the owner for donating a remnant of history to the City of Lynn. Thank you to everyone who helped, especially Councilor Trahant who not only spent time, but brought barrels, his truck and more help.

School windows

2010-12-05T16:55:00.007-05:00

One of the best developments in the Lynn Public School system comes from the work of Dr. Crane, principle of the Ford School in the Highlands. Dr. Crane has helped pioneer the NASA classroom, the International Garden, Aquaponics Lab, and other learning programs in the school. She has written a model program in educational methodology. I do not know all of Dr. Crane's work, but her exceptional doings are known in the community. There are only a few honored schools in the state which have a NASA classroom. Hopefully one day, Dr. Crane will be able to guide the entire Lynn Public School system.

As to why the Lynn School Superintendant, Dr. Catherine Latham has ordered to dismantle and relocate the NASA classroom and Aquaponics lab at the Ford school to a smaller less visible space where fewer can visit, is left without reason. This move may endanger the NASA program. I pray these programs survive for the children.

NASA Expedition 16, Live in Flight, shown in the Ford School annex.

The NASA classroom is now on display in the school's library, but may move to a smaller room.

Only in Lynn

2010-11-26T23:18:00.006-05:00

Here is a story of a passionate Lynn boy, with a reserve in his heart for his hometown. He grew up facing many problems in the 60's and 70's. He remembers the open space in the Highlands, what he loved the most... Nothing seems to ever change. The community today is still fighting to highlight this right. This was the Martin Estate, home of the VFW. This place is a 'back-yard preserve', as he explains, with a forested trail, a meadow and cliffs overlooking Downtown Lynn, and views beyond to Boston. His story is lively, and a bit colorful to warn you. Though this tough Lynn boy loved his freedom, and appreciated this place... where is everyone else? Those that I have met in the community of the Highlands, do not want to loose this open space. Preserving this area, has always been a city vision.

From 'Only in Lynn', by Pvt Pyle

onlyinlynn.blogspot.com/2006/03/martin-estate.html

Eat the cake and have it too?

2010-11-24T03:27:00.010-05:00

KIPP Academy Lynn has taken High Rock Tower as their new logo, but denies historical significance to their project site, based on a letter from the Massachusetts Historical Commission (which relies on city reporting- which failed us in the past from lack of effort). Today's Lynn Historical Commission has not had a chance to comment, and has been waiting since the spring for KIPP to correspond. I can not deny this.

Federal grant money has been or will be awarded to KIPP. When federal grants are issued, this requires a Section 106 review of the project site, which then gives the local historical commission a chance to comment. However the system may be failing us, along with our government.

"There Are No Shortcuts" in life... well at least for the good citizens in the Highlands neighborhood, and Lynn's old vision of what could have been on the hills of High Rock. To read more on Lynn's vision, click here.

Light Pollution on High Rock

2010-11-23T20:36:00.002-05:00

In the Daily Item article, 'KIPP school breaks ground in Lynn', dated Nov. 16, Zoia said the school's facility will be open daily until 9 p.m.

How will the light pollution from the playing field, parking lot and school building affect the skies near the observatory? I'm feeling even more concern for the quiet neighborhood that lives here. Besides the light and noise pollution, there is concern of blasting. Please let anyone know who lives in the surrounding old Victorians, to take plenty of photos of their foundations before the blasting begins. I'm sorry, I couldn't do more to prevent this.

Join us in saving a remnant of the shoe cottage-industry

2010-11-23T13:51:00.001-05:00

Restoring the Ten-footer

2010-11-22T21:05:00.001-05:00

In a couple of weeks, a few of us will be removing unoriginal material from the facade of The Townsend/ Hart Ten-footer, before it makes a trip to be restored. The owner of the historic ten-footer, is donating the little building to the city. More details to follow on who is donating resources, and volunteering their time to save this remnant of the shoe cottage-industry. For more info contact Katerina, resident@heartoflynn.com

peace

Forgotten hill

2010-11-17T00:08:00.001-05:00

Holding a "This Place Matters" sign, part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation campaign, is Calvin, Leslie, somebody, Lisa, Rich, Stefan, Wendy, doggy, and Bill

standing on the ledge of the old Martin Estate, down from High Rock Observatory.

References of support to preserve this history laden site, is seen in these:

The Lynn Reconnaissance Report, 1997 (see end of post)

The Park Commissioners Report, 1900
The City of Lynn Open Space Plan, 2005

The City of Lynn seal

peace

Urgency lies on the hillside of Lynn

2010-11-13T17:04:00.011-05:00

A hillside famed in song and writing, painted in the city seal, noted period after period in the Park Commission's plans, and the Historical Commission's and Historical Society's Reconnaissance Report, meets its tragic fate once again in history. Open views, open space, the ledge about High Rock/ The Highlands, and a patch of trees, a limited resource within our populated city center will be largely reduced, by the proposal of a big building created by KIPP. This is not a plea against the nature of a schooling program, but a plea to preserve one of the best open spaces and historical areas in the center of Lynn, to keep for the use of the people forever.

In The City of Lynn Open Space Plan of July 2005, it states:
There are also several districts within the City that provide a sense of history and also contain unique natural features. The first of these areas is the Highlands. The Highlands overlooks Downtown Lynn from a promontory that also provides recreation at High Rock Reservation. The steep terrain requires unusual siting for residential uses; yet this land form helps to create a distinct residential neighborhood. Planners should explore opportunities for expansion of existing recreational sites and acquisition of new open space for protection of fragile habitat areas and visually and environmentally sensitive areas. Species in these neighborhoods include specimen plantings such as European and Copper Beeches in private yards, as well as other non native species which have been planted as street trees or have seeded themselves, such as Norway Maples and Silver Maples in the Highlands"

Further reference of support to preserve the area, is seen in these:
The City of Lynn seal
The Lynn Reconnaissance Report, 1997 (see end of post)
The Park Commissioners Report, 1900
continued

Repeating what a park commissioner said in 1900,

"this ought to have been saved first instead of last."

peace

This Is The Heart of Lynn!

2010-11-10T20:28:00.001-05:00

The heart of Lynn is in the center of our city seal,

on a sunshiny day,

by the ocean blue

on Massachusetts bay (didn't mean to rhyme that),

centered in an endless stretch of views over the landscape...

'High Rock'.

Only a portion of High Rock is preserved today.

Before you sign the papers to let this land go,

before a stick of dynamite blasts a part of this hill,

please consider saving this hill for ever, for the people.

Please consider these past words by the park commission to council,

to preserve this rock.

peace

The City of Lynn needs to purchase the rest of High Rock as it becomes available

2010-11-07T17:17:00.004-05:00

The City of Lynn, throughout history, has always envisioned preserving the famous hill known as 'High Rock'. A portion of High Rock is preserved today, while the remaining land is divided by private parcels. The immediate threat to 'High Rock', is KIPP proposes to blast a mid portion of the ledge, and take some of the views.

A report from the Commissioner Nathan M. Hawks, in the Annual Report of the Park Commissioners of the City of Lynn, in 1900 inspired City Council to buy the remaining hill, as private lots became available. The estate of Charles O. Beede was the first purchased this year, and added with the acreage of the Hutchinson Estate, to which we now have High Rock Reservation which encompasses a strip of the rock.

The inspiring words of the report read as follows:
"It is the grandest natural monument that ever adorned a city. It looks down upon the ceaseless ebb and flow of the great bay of Massachusetts. Our noble woods are in full view, about it is extended the panorama of the homes and workshops of seventy thousand virile Americans. There ought to be public spirit here adequate to dedicate this rock-ribbed hilltop to the use of the people forever.

The rock is the geographical centre, also at the centre of the population of Lynn.... While Lynn has abundant acreage of secured recreation ground, perhaps larger than any other municipality in the world in proportion to population, there is one spat that ought to have been taken first instead of last." (...whereby, it is the most important because it is at the center of the population and a main focal point from the ocean and surrounding city.)

This adorned hill is peaceful with awe-inspiring, panoramic views. It is a beautiful site to experience, and see why the dreams of those for keeping the site natural, has never ceased to be forgotten. If the people of Lynn today, can be courageous with those Veterans who fought for our country, step forward to work together in finding a solution, that works for the entire public, by helping extend the boundaries of High Rock Reservation to include the entire hill... this simple rock would be the best gift to the citizens and visitors of Lynn, to adore forever. Please VFW... don't sell your land to anyone but the City of Lynn.

The old A. B. Martin Estate, site of VFW Post hidden beneath the trees, overlooking Lynn.

peace

Knowledge Is Power... Knowing High Rock

2010-11-05T20:40:00.003-04:00

The KIPP school is proposing to build on a historic high rock. A scheme of the proposed building was found in The Connector, Summer 2010, Vol. 2, No. 4., as seen to the right. A field is drawn over a blasted hillside, by the edge of a cliff. What happened to the trees around the site? The homes below and Downtown Lynn will be looking up at this box.

Does this design offer the best solution?

1. The massing seems extensively long in proportion to the neighborhood, changing historic scenes.

2. Part of high rock will be blasted.

3. The playing field is at the edge of a cliff... can children play ball here?

4. There is plans to demo an old house, next to the entry to widen a driveway.

5. The school is not open to all the children of the neighborhood, creating more of a traffic impact on the hills. Students are accepted on a lottery, and most will be bussed in.

6. Why use High Rock Tower as a logo to fit the school, instead of having the school fit the history?

7. Why not have the school contact the Lynn Historical Commission to avoid impacts?

History

(read more here: heartoflynn.blogspot.com/p/highlands.html)

High Rock Reservation/ The Highlands neighborhood is listed in the Lynn Reconnaissance Report. This report was not used in the review of the KIPP project. If the local historic commission is given a chance to comment on the project, the Reconnaissance Report will be able to be used. The City of Lynn had plans (still wishes?) to reunite the two parcels. Through time, the massing on the hill has been set with victorian homes.

My massing model study

I've prepared different views on my own will and time, showing the building in proximity to historic High Rock Tower, with views to an from the site. (Please note: this is only a massing study... no time for details and is not my intention). To view, click on each image.

Site Plan view, Existing Conditions

The VFW Post is not tall and is grounded below the tree line, not appearing in the view from the Tower or Downtown.

Site Plan view, Proposed KIPP school and field

The field is proposed over blasted (part of high rock), and located at the edge of a cliff.

Existing view of High Rock from Downtown Lynn

View of High Rock from Downtown Lynn, with proposed KIPP (approx. study)

High Rock Tower is on the right, proposed KIPP is on the left (over the church)

Existing view of Lynn, from top of High Rock Tower

Proposed view of KIPP from top of High Rock Tower

Bird's eye axonometric

My massing models where creating in the software Vectorworks Designer: Architect/ Landmark/ Renderworks. Topography was extracted from Mass GIS. Satellite imagery was extracted from Google Earth.

Question

Where is the Section 106 review?
Should Federal money be used to blast history laden land?

click to view article...

Please join us on Facebook: Preserve the Highlands

Peace

Harvest contest in Lynn

2010-11-04T20:52:00.002-04:00

A Lynn resident shared this image of a squash from their garden. Nearly 5'-0" tall, this squash was nurtured with compost from food scraps, and water from a rain barrel. The garden was (un)protected by a blind dog, who liked to chew on handed green beans. The owner would not surrender the squash, to enter in the Topsfield Fair. An exact twin was needed, to win prize money.

Wouldn't it be radical to have a harvest contest in Lynn?

Gardening is not a new concept in Lynn

2010-10-30T14:00:00.009-04:00

Farming and gardening is not a new concept in Lynn. Since the early settlement of Lynn, acres of crop land was cultivated between structures. Cattle once roamed the roads, and sounds of bells from livestock once charmed the night air.

I grew up in a home, downtown behind City Hall, until the age of 13, where my family maximized the front and rear land for gardening. (I'm in the garden, of the photo). We had all types of vegetables, fruits, a grapevine, sunflowers, flowered ivy (which later covered the fence), roses, bunnies, chicks, parakeets, fish, a cat, dog. My sisters and I had a strawberry patch. There were many gardens found in the neighborhood. The streets were clean and beautiful. Taking a stroll around the neighborhood, admiring each garden, still remains as a favorite memory to me. Strangers would walk up and ask for grapes off the vine. Neighborhood friends would hang out under the little vineyard, and at night the adults would gather here to bbq. Today there are several gardens throughout the city. (Next story)

Having a farm in the middle of a city should not be considered 'living in the past'. Trying not to judge things based on whether or not it is a past time event or a great new idea, should essentially come to asking... is this matter essential to life? And what is the essence of the design or plan trying to accomplish? I do not understand 'modern' thinking. The campaign to cut the grass in this city, and bully a farm that is essential to the community, makes no sense to me. What is the real issue?

Please, let the grass groW... and let the farm stay... and please reduce asphalt surfaces, which is a big reason behind global climate-change.

Cattle on Floating Bridge, for a walk off the pasture.

peace on

Essential reasons to preserve Spring Pond Woods

2010-10-29T01:13:00.002-04:00

Guest Commentary, by yours truly in The Daily Item, Fri. Oct. 29

( Thank You Item! )

click to view....

~Text ~

Essential reasons to preserve Spring Pond Woods

of Lynn, Peabody and Salem MA

Protecting natural and historic resources on the hills around Spring Pond, are overhanging with the threat of Lowe’s, Wal-mart and a Meineke expansion, a new Camp Lion ‘pad’, and water tower, including residential construction heading in from urban sprawl. Protecting the environment there is left, is important for these simple principles:

Help the charter of the Lions remain genuine. In 1972, The Lions Clubs International adopted a policy to protect the environment. The ‘Lions Policy Statement on the Human Environment’, was adopted as part of a commitment recognizing the “critical importance of restoring and maintaining environmental quality to the overall welfare and development of man”. Camp Lion, a related organization, with parallel members to the Lynn Lions Club, District 33-N of the Lions Clubs International, by which Camp Lion is operated exclusively for the benefit of, or carry out the purposes of the Lynn Lions, is selling a portion of their parcel, lending acres of pristine forest and wetland for destruction, contrary to the environmental policy set by the international charter. Environmental concerns addressed by the Lions Clubs International, reflect: “Destruction of natural habitats; Land, air, and water pollution also endangers earth's flora and fauna. Trees are an important component of life on earth. Trees recycle moisture through their leaves. They absorb the heat of the sun and soak up carbon dioxide. Deforestation is responsible for adding carbon dioxide to the atmosphere; Wetland ecosystems often disappear due to economic desperation; Polluted land run-off; and Global temperatures have been increasing for the past 50 years.”

Protect important waterways to drinking supply. DEP Water Surface Protection Areas and the down sloping topography to Spring Pond, is seen from Mass GIS maps, and indicates how the sloping hills down to this drinking supply should bring concern. Furthermore, there is concern of the proposed project being “within the Proctor Brook catchment of the North River, which may be tributary to Spring Pond, which is tributary to the public water supply of the City of Peabody.”, as cited by New England Civil Engineering Corp, dated July 1, 2010, to the Salem Planning Board.

Sustain a regional wildlife habitat. Mass DEP Wetlands, Certified and Potential Vernal Pools are reported within these areas, as seen from Mass GIS data. 7 potential vernal pools are near the area of threat. The wooded southern borders of Peabody, including the neighboring woods of Lynn and Salem, is “an important wildlife corridor; a significant regional resource that supports many species and serves as a route for over 144 species of migrating birds”, as cited by the City of Peabody Open Space Plan of 2006. A portion of this natural habitat is at threat for destruction, and the remaining woods could be exposed to night-light and other pollution, hurting the wildlife.

Preserve cultural and recreational open space - Spring Pond Woods was voted by the public, as one of the ‘1000 Great Places in Massachusetts’. This list was created by an Act of the Legislature and signed into law by the governor. The mission is to “recognize the most truly special places in the Commonwealth, in order to celebrate pride in our history and culture, and increase knowledge of our natural surroundings”. In the “City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan: 2007-2012”, Camp Lion is inventoried as open space to protect. Camp Fire is an active camp on Camp Lion, providing programs for 400 children. The trails connecting to Spring Pond, are enjoyed by many in passive recreation.

Preserve historic resources - 500 acres around Spring Pond in Lynn, Peabody and Salem, including Camp Lion, was the estate of Richard Sullivan Fay. He planted a vast variety of native and exotic trees from all parts of the world, sprouting one of the first man-made natural and exotic arboretums. Many of the flora was seen here first in the country. His creation predates Olmstead’s. The trees were once mapped for people to view, and a revival map of the arboretum is underway. There are a number of glacial erratics. Some stones appear to have man-made features, believed to be Native American. There are not many ancient sites around, to see anymore. Further investigation is necessary, before these resources are lost.

Maintain social harmony for healthy living - Saving trees will help avoid: drainage and flooding problems, acoustical, lighting, air and traffic pollution, blasting concerns, regressing views, property depreciation, and loss of open space.

For a site that could have a maximum impact on life, please consider maintaining the balance of harmony Spring Pond Woods offers between nature and humanity. I hope Lynn, Peabody and Salem can come together, to preserve these beautiful resources in creating ‘Spring Pond Reservation’.

Katerina Panagiotakis

Historical Commissioner of Lynn

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References:

Lions Policy to Protect the Environment, and concerns:

http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/member-center/planning-projects/community-environment/chairperson-information/environment-chairperson-information/programs-env-issues.php

http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/member-center/planning-projects/community-environment/chairperson-information/environment-chairperson-information/programs-env-policy.php

Video of Lions Clubs International: Protect the planet

http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/our-work/community-and-environment-programs.php

City of Peabody Open Space Plan

http://www.springpond.us/Peabody2006OpenSpacePlan.pdf

City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan: 2007-2012

http://salem.com/pages/salemma_dpcd/studiesreports/2007%20open%20space%20plan%20final.pdf

Community unity

www.facebook/SpringPondWoods

Letter from State Archeologist

http://www.springpondwoods.com/2010/09/archeologically-sensitive.html

Peer Review showing concerns for Proctor’s Brook

http://www.springpond.us/NECE1.pdf

Mass GIS data - OLIVER

http://maps.massgis.state.ma.us/massgis_viewer/index.htm

Maps created from Mass GIS, including historical maps of area

www.springpondwoods.com/p/maps.html

Map of Arboretum

www.springpondwoods.com/p/arboretum.html

The Food Project keeping farming & teaching alive for Lynn's youth

2010-10-27T13:24:00.005-04:00

Stats for search words

2010-10-22T11:24:00.008-04:00

Over the past year, the top 5 search engine words, which have led people here or to CityofLynnConcepts.com, are in the following order...

1. Duck Crossing! People from all-over the world, are led here, more than a few times a day, in search of duck crossing signs and issues. I wonder if there is a global problem emerging between the harmony of human and nature, or if there is not enough written on this subject? Hits are coming in from different countries.

Across Mass, there seems to be an interest in the following topics...
2. Lynnway Waterfront Plan
3. Spring Pond Woods
4. Naumkeag Tribe
5. Ten-footer

Essex Heritage Scenic Byway Public Forum

2010-10-21T09:30:00.001-04:00

I'm happy the Essex Heritage Scenic Byway plan is engaging not only Lynn Shore Drive, but also Lewis and Broad Street, linking to BEAUTIFUL Downtown! This vision is the same reason I began writing online, last year.

From the flyer below-
"A public forum will be held in Lynn City Hall, Room 302, on Thursday, October 21, 6:30‐8:30 PM. The forum will include a short presentation about the byway and its corridor management plan ‐‐ highlighting some of the key ways the byway can bring benefit to your community. Come ready with your questions as well as your ideas for how this byway program can help to preserve, enhance and promote some of your community’s scenic, cultural, natural, and historic resources.

The scenic byway creates a loop in Lynn traveling along the Carroll Parkway from the Market Street / Route 1A intersection to Lynn Shore Drive then linking to Lewis Street and Broad Street (Route 129/1A) from Eastern Avenue. It connects to the north on Route 129 into Swampscott. Lynn is the southern gateway to the byway and offers a combination of spectacular ocean views, a remarkable coastal park, an emerging arts and culture scene, and a historic downtown. For more info, click on image below to view or visit www.essexheritage.org/scenicbyways."

Introducing the map of a historic arboretum

2010-10-12T23:01:00.001-04:00

Here's one of the things I've been working on, with others...

Mr. Fay's Arboretum was once a well known place to visit, notable for being one of the earliest arboretums and for having some trees being sighted here first in the country. People once enjoyed walking the estate, to admire the vast variety of native and exotic foliage. Below is a map of the inventoried flora in the historic Fay Estate. There is more area (blank areas on map) to further inventory, as this is only an initial study. The love of nature and history of this hidden treasure is one of the biggest reasons why so many wish to preserve the entire area. In comparing the species of flora with historic research, this drawing reveals the hidden gem we have here in Essex County, in Lynn, Peabody and Salem, MA. I hope regional planning includes uniting these three cities to preserve this old paradise and beloved area of those in the three cities who are connected by the recreational wooded areas around Spring Pond.

The arboretum map will be updated on occasion, when a new inventory of flora is made.

To view, click on map, and again to zoom in. Right-click to download.

peace

Rhodes Chapel

2010-10-07T12:40:00.001-04:00

One of the missions of the Historical Commission of Lynn, is to restore Rhodes Chapel in Pine Grove Cemetery. The beautiful stain glass windows were vandalized in the 70's by adolescents. Since then the colorful windows that let in natural light, have been boarded making the space unusable. Part of the efforts of the Lynn Historical Commission is to initiate phase one of repairs to the chapel by raising at minimum $20,000 to repair the windows. Repairing the windows to let in natural light, will assist in reopening the chapel to functions such as funerals, wedding ceremonies, public choral concertos, etc. Other repairs include adding electricity, repairing the steps to the basement, cleaning, and other misc. repairs.

The Rhodes Memorial Chapel was built in loving memory of Amos Rhodes, by his wife, after his passing in 1870. In 1891 by will, Lydia Newhall Rhodes bequethed the sum of $20,000 for erection of a chapel in Pine Grove Cemetary to be called 'Rhodes Memorial Chapel', and their nephew and executor, Mr. Charles H. Newhall, added a large sum to the bequest, in order to make the memorial more beautiful and complete. The Chapel was erected in 1891 and was formally accepted by the trustees of Pine Grove Cemetery, in behalf of the City of Lynn on August 2, 1982. (Item 6/14/1950) The Chapel was consecrated a sacred Holy Church on January 17, 1893.

Rhodes Memorial Chapel is a unique and unusual example of a 19th century Richardson romanesque style found in Lynn. The building's architectural formality, expressed in rusticated brown and yellow cast stone walls with a flat terra cotta roof, humbly appears as a landmark while perfectly lending to the natural beauty of the surroundings among the wealth of pine trees which frame the Chapel at the entrance drive from Boston Street in Pine Grove's Cemetery. Upon approach, its warm southern flank welcomes visitors with a decorative arched stone portico. Within the main entrance side wall of the portico is an engraved plaque with an inscription (Rhodes Memorial Chapel Erected 1891). Ornamental features include: a stone Hellenic cross style in circular relief on the front and rear gable apex; Sculptural angels lie in the corners of the building at the eave, and two sculptural tiles on the south facade. And hopefully, the beauty of the stain glass windows will reappear again, one day soon.

To help contribute in repairing the chapel, requests and donations can be made to the 'Friends of the Lynn Historical Commission' Fund, contact the:

Lynn Historical Commission

C/O Mayor's Office

Lynn City Hall

3 City Hall Square

Lynn, Ma 01901

Chair Commissioner, Carl Greenler, email: cgreenler@c21northshore.com

Updates & Movements

2010-09-28T03:18:00.006-04:00

Townsend/Hart Ten-Footer
As last heard, the plans for saving the Townsend/Hart Ten-Footer could involve teachers and students from Lynn Tech in the restoration process. After the little building is restored, a location will be sought. It would be ideal to pair it with another Ten-Footer in the city or colonial structure to create a village.

Spring Pond
Rich Randall, Calvin Anderson, Leslie Courtemanche and I have been locating trees pertaining to history. I hope to have a walking map drawn soon of the Spring Pond Arboretum.
And there are a few nominations being made to historic preservation programs.

Some more Good News...
I've been asked to draw something (on my own time). Something I've been advocating on preserving.

I said No to drawing a bad project...
of a developer's idea, to build a cluster development somewhere in Essex County. The project proposed 4 massive similar looking buildings to be built on the edge of a residential neighborhood. There wasn't much I could offer to help the 4x 4-story buildings... the massing and repetitive look is all wrong, in my opinion. Hope the developer returns to the drawing table with a smaller massing version, that is contextual to the area.

Doggie Fountain
Not my undertaking, but the Friends of Lynn/ Nahant Beach have replaced the old drinking water fountains with new ones, which have bowls for pets at the bottom now.

Ford School park and garden
Many improvements were made this past summer at the Ford School, improving the International Garden, adding trees, and reducing the asphalt surface.

Henry Ave Park
Residents in the Highlands have worked hard to restore and maintain a park in the Highlands.

Subterranean - A new, used book store in Downtown Lynn
I'ld like to say thanks to Chris Barber for his inspiring comments on the blogs, for opening a book store in the heart of downtown, and for the inspirational literature!

Meet Me Downtown, live video

2010-09-25T10:10:00.001-04:00

The Meet Me Downtown Festival of the Arts

is happening today from 12-5pm, on Mt. Vernon Street.

A live video feed can be viewed here...

Update: Corey's video coverage of the event is seen on this link:
http://www.justin.tv/downtownlynn/videos?kind=highlights&page=2

Green Space on Broad Street & The Angell Memorial Fountain

2010-09-22T10:20:00.001-04:00

In the midst of Broad and Lewis Street, there isn't much green space fronted for the neighborhood, except when we come across a little island at the intersection of Nahant Street. On this little green island is a historic monument in need of repair. The Angell Memorial Fountain was erected by citizens and school children of Lynn in the early nineteen hundreds in memory of George T. Angell, who founded Angell Memorial Hospital in Boston for animals. The fountain once served as a horse trough, in the period of its day. Here is an opportunity to apply for grants to restore the monument, add benches, create aesthetic pedestrian friendly crosswalks to this little green space for the community and improve another gateway to Downtown Lynn.

This was brought to attention by Kathy Wrynn.
Please contact the Lynn Historical Society or the Lynn Historical Commission for more info.
You can also contact me. I am a member of both.
Katerina Panagiotakis, tel. 617.418.3009, email studio@aikaterini.com

Fight or fight taxes...

2010-09-15T15:43:00.003-04:00

There's a reason to support every Lynn neighborhood, even if you live across town. Once a development degrades a neighborhood, taxes through Lynn increase (while its image decreases). Read the statement made by Chief Assessor Peter Caron in the Daily Item today.

Please support Lynn's neighborhoods fighting the big-box project, trying to restore the gateway into Downtown Lynn, and the homes on High Rock.

City Hall needs advocates like us to help the community.

Without any noise, our leaders have no one to represent.

"For the People, by the People."

Hope you make some noise :)

Save Spring Pond Woods, video update

2010-09-10T11:10:00.001-04:00

The video 'Save Spring Pond Woods', created back in April, has been edited with recent images.

peace on

Video... Paving over Salem: Driscoll's Corporate Priority

2010-09-08T13:19:00.001-04:00

While many of us Lynners are felt beaten and kicked by comments in other communities who try to put our city down, only to inflate 'hate' between some agenda... many Lynners still love Lynn and do not care to give the same disrespect in return. Well... the Salem News has asked their leaders to not listen to the heart of the people from "the city next door". No matter where your zip code is, I hope Lynn moves forward and comes out from behind the iron curtain set by other towns. Is this another sad moment in humanity? At least (I hope) Lynners will not be doing the same by degrading other towns. Lynn is a philanthropic city. We may be one of the poorest, but we are one of the biggest givers... that is a fact. This is the Salem News article: Salem New's opinion of the Lowe's/Walmart scheme.

But.. not all people beat on Lynn. Here is a video presentation by a nice Salem boy, talking mostly about Salem, and "the good people of Lynn".

Featuring...

Paving over Salem: Driscoll's Corporate Priority

An informative video presentation

on the impact of the proposed Lowe's/ Super Wal-mart project

and

Salem's Zoning

conditions

.....

A Joyce Jr. Production

St. George Summer Festival

2010-09-08T12:55:00.001-04:00

Taking a recess from research... here is something that LynnHappens.com has been at the heart of Lynn all summer, following activities from different cultures and places. This past weekend Seth followed an event thats closest to my own... The St. George Picnic. Seth's images can be viewed on Lynn Happens by clicking on the image to the right. I think, if not mistaken, the Greek parish in Lynn is 2nd to biggest in Massachusetts?

Here's just one of my photos below.

This year was a blast to the past watching these kids pounce around. The children I was watching wanted to make sand art at the children's activity booth. They picked the peace figured bottle to fill and said "I want to make Peace, because God wants us to have peace in life."

Presentation: Salem Lowe's/Walmart impact on Lynn & Spring Pond Woods

2010-08-29T23:21:00.001-04:00

The ELCA is featuring a presentation on the

Salem Lowe's/ Super Wal-mart development and its impact on Lynn and Spring Pond Woods

Wed, September 15

6:45 p.m. Refreshments and Social

7:00 Program Begins

Temple Ahabat Sholom

151 Ocean Street, Lynn

Email east.lynn.assn@comcast.net or call 781-346-9060 for more info

Zoning Ordinance talk for Strip Clubs

2010-08-27T14:00:00.006-04:00

You have to buy today's Lynn Daily Item to see what the talk for a new city ordinance is, on limiting the location of Strip Clubs.

The following partial map of Lynn shows industrial areas eligible for the new zoning, showing the areas of GE, and several blocks by Boston Street and Western Ave.

I know many do not want strip clubs in this city, for the fear an old city poem will attract a string of them. And I am one of those people who does not want to deal with an added reputation of living in this city. But if these clubs want to be here and there isn't much to do about it, couldn't we at least ask to not make this a daily visual in our family lives?

Boston Street

Boston Street in the past decades has become more of how Downtown used to be. There is circulation and many businesses growing here. There is access to the cemetery and to the schools' shared playing field (I still image Manning Bowl). There are favorite kid restaurants here. (I used to be one of those kids, hanging out after track practice or games and there used to be an ice-cream parlor). Its a major cut through from western to northern Lynn. The west side of Boston Street is mostly dense neighborhoods, with a church and private school on the main street.

The Brick Yard

It is nice to still see family homes thrive here that survived the industrious revolutions.

Lynn Tech is in this alley.

Is the eligible strip club district abutting to near to family neighborhoods, areas and schools?

Can there be a further limitation within the eligible industrial areas?

take 2

2010-08-25T00:49:00.004-04:00

Click above posters to view or download.

For more info visit:
. Friends of High Rock on facebook
. Spring Pond Woods

Ready-made Arboretum at Spring Pond!

2010-08-17T20:25:00.002-04:00

In the coming days the Spring Pond Advocates (including myself) will be preparing maps through the old Fay Estate where one can wonder and find rare trees and flora from all parts of the world. We have a ready-made arboretum here in Lynn by Spring Pond. The trees are found readily in Spring Pond Woods in Lynn, Salem and Peabody on the old estate. Richard Sullivan Fay, a historic land owner imported 200 acres of rare flora from all parts of the world, and many of these species are believed to of been seen here first in the country. In olden times, the trees were labeled for people who strolled through the estate to admire the foliage. We hope to revive this historic landscape and bring it back to its days of glory.

The flora is inventoried as follows:

Jasmine from the Mediterranean
Bitter Night Shade, native to the Mediterranean in Europe or Asia
Mock-orange, native to America, Asia or southeast Europe
Asiatic Day Flower, native to east or south Asia
Lemon mint, native to the Mediterranean in Europe
Bamboo, native to east Asia
Red Oak, unique species
Norway Spruce, native to Europe
Black Locus, native to southeastern United States
Tulip Tree, unidentified
Austrian Pine, native to Europe
European Mountain Ash, native to the Mediterranean in Europe or Asia
Birch, unique species
Sasafras, native to North America and Asia
Mulberry, native to the subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, Europe or Americas
Scotch Pine, native to Europe or Asia
Missletoe, native to Great Britain or Europe
Pussy Willow, unidentified to native country
Rhododendrum, native to southern Asia, southern Europe, northern Australia or southern Americas
Hyacinth, native to eastern Mediterranean or Asia
White Campion, native to Europe, Asia and Africa
Elm, native to Asia
Aster, native to Europe and western Asia

A variety of trees from North America include:

Mountain Laurel
Honey Locus
Atlantic White Cedar
American Beech
American White Birch
Larch Tamarack
Sugar Maple
Lady’s Slippers Orchids

Other unique flora and trees remain unidentifiable

Bike to the Sea is coming!

2010-08-17T02:46:00.000-04:00

...slowly but surely. The latest news is that the trail has begun in Everett and is making its way to Lynn's sea!

"Iron Horse Preservation has ripped up the tracks through Everett!!! Onward to the Sea!!!"

~ says Stephen Winslow of Bike to the Sea

This is my beach cruiser, looking forward in seeing more bicyclists soon!

Solar Passive Design (and being a good Lynn neighbor)

2010-08-16T21:04:00.007-04:00

Back in early June, a person from Swampscott requested my help to battle off a bad development, after seeing my rendering in the paper highlighting the threat of Lowe's to the area. Its not hard to say "No" when fighting developments that are not good.

I'm fond of Passive Design and always thought I'm in the wrong latitude (temperate distance from the equator) to practice 'natural architecture'... but its not impossible to do around here. When a neighboring Swampscottan was concerned about a new development ruining their ocean view... I later discovered that wasn't the biggest issue. Their home is an example of solar passive design, in New England! Highly unique and rare around here.

His home was designed without insulation. The walls are made of masonry to absorb solar heat during the day, to then radiate through the interior at night. His heating bills are very low in the winter. In conclusion the new development proposes a threat on shading the walls of his home that rely on solar absorption. The Passive Design System also includes ventilation, where as during the Spring and Summer months, Prevaling Easterly Winds cool the home through openings, with natural ocean sea breeze.

I love it when a building does not rely on mechanical systems.

Here is one of the many sketches made for the owner. A sketch was drawn for each wintery month. The existing home is on the left, and the proposed development is ghosted on the right, showing shadows on the walls.

The drawings were created in Vectorworks Designer/Architect, using latitude and longitude coordinates to acquire accurate solar readings.

Heart to Lynn...

2010-08-15T10:56:00.008-04:00

Lynn has so many beautiful recreational places to see. There may not be a lot of retail and tourist shops here, but there are fascinating natural resources to take in. 11 miles from Boston, right off the commuter rail... it is a ready made vacation city (if it wants to be).

If looking for something to do this summer, visit these treasured places
in the North Shore of New England:

The endless sands of Lynn/ Nahant Beach

The endless ocean view by Lynn Shore Drive

The docks view to Boston from Lynn Heritage Park

The trails of exploration at Lynn Woods

Old Paradise of Spring Pond

The endless sky from Highrock Tower and Observatory

The running fountains by Goldfish Pond

The endless serenity of Pine Grove Cemetery

Classic memories at The Band Stand, The Commons

The large variety of classic architectural styles in Downtown

and throughout Lynn.

Endangered Ten-footer

2010-08-11T02:44:00.001-04:00

We need to find a temporary location for the Townsend/ Hart Shoemaker Ten-footer, a.s.a.p.
Then we'll worry how to restore it and where to keep it there after. The Ten-footer needs to move from its current location for some reason.

We need -
a flat bed truck to move it,
yard space to store it,
and someone to help restore it.

Please contact Katerina Panagiotakis, tel. 617-418-3009, email: resident@heartoflynn.com