Upcoming Meetings of more than just casual interest
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NMLC CONSTRUCTION MOVING AHEAD

"Construction of connecting pipes and support facility to the Cape Cod Canal to serve the National Marine Life Center's patients are well underway on Main Street." (5-22-08)

TD BANKNORTH ON MAIN STREET UNDERGOES SPRUCING UP

"The TD Banknorth branch on Main Street has been spruced up ands it looks great and attractive."(5-22-09)

"BBVA CHAIR EAGER TO ASSIST NMLC
IN BUILDING DEMOLITION"

"BBVA Chair Jeff Luce, always on tap to assist a Main Street organization, is shown ready to move to demolish an old National Marine Life Center barn building in preparation for new construction in the rear of the Center's facilities on Main Street in Buzzards Bay. All present were gratified the equipment was locked and Jeff was denied his hard hat intentions -at least for the moment."

"Catching the Buzz...Buzzards Bay"

ground breaking for the new Mezza Luna Restaurant

On Main Street are Bourne Selectman Jamie Sloniecki, State Rep. Susan Williams Gifford, Selectmen Judy Conron and John Ford and Mezza Luna owner E.J. Cubellis. (5-12-08)

FORMER BBVA DIRECT0R RECOGNIZED BY COLLEGE

Former BBVA Director and Bourne Planning Board member and other community services, Dudley M. Jensen has been elected an Honorary Alumnus of the College of William and Mary which he served in multiple capacities until his retirement to Cape Cod. His latest post being Registrar and head of the physical education department. He was inducted into the W&M Hall of Fame in 1995 (5-10-08) Tom Moccia, President

NEW ADDITION TO MAIN STREET

The latest addition to Main Street Buzzards Bay - "Artisans Gallery of Cape Cod" has opened its door for business attracting a wide variety of artistic disciplines and talents, The Gallery is open 7 days a week offering sites for art development, detailed work and sales of all manner of artistic modalities.

Ms. Dianne B. DeSisto is the proprietor and can be reached at 508-743-7555.- the gallery website is www,artisansgalleryofcapecod.com."

Spring is Here!

Betty Ann's is Open for Business

THREE MILE LOOK OBSERVATION DECK COMPLETED

Three Mile Look observation deck is now complete with benches, a gazebo and table. In addition the deck is complete with a great view of the Cape Cod Canal and the Bourne Bridge to the east and the Railroad Bridge to the West. The walkway will be open to the public in early June. (4-24-08)

Main Street, Buzzards Bay
TD Banknorth Getting Some Exterior Work

The Main Street branch of TD Bank North is getting some exterior work done. We look forward to the new facade. (4-22-08)

More Building on Main St. Permitted

The Main Street SUNOCO convenience store/gasoline station near Belmont Circle, has received a town permit for the construction of a drive thru and an apartment above the commercial outlet. (4-21-08)

HELP CLEAN UP BUZZARDS BAY

April 27th “Help Us Give Buzzards Bay a Spring Cleaning” is the theme of the Buzzards Bay Beautification Group’s message to the community for Sunday, April 27th. The participants will meet at 10am at the Buzzards Bay Park. Gloves and trash bags will be available to walk the public lands and sidewalks collecting liter. At noon, all will reconvene at the park for refreshments and conversation! Please join the BBBG in this worthwhile activity. Many volunteers are needed in order to complete this task quickly.” (4-14-07)

Plans for Mezza Luna announced and approved for permitting. Construction could story next month, with a hopeful completion date of early spring 2009. (4-14-08)

READY FOR SUMMER

Ready for Summer is the Beachmoor Restaurant & Inn on Taylors Point in Buzzards Bay. (4-4-08)

NEWS RELEASE NATIONAL MARINE LIFE CENTER BREAKS NEW GROUND FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, April 3, 2008
Buzzards Bay, MA

Today, the National Marine Life Center celebrates the groundbreaking for its new Life Support System Pumphouse and Utility Building. This project represents an important milestone for the organization, and the first phase of its new marine animal hospital. The Robert B. Our Company of Harwich is completing the site work. Barbato Construction of Middleboro is the General Contractor for the project. W.W. Reich, Inc. is serving as construction manager.

Successful rehabilitation of sea life requires a steady supply of clean salt water. The new Life Support System Building will provide for the intake and discharge of sea water directly from the Cape Cod Canal. In the past, water was trucked in regularly. The $1.4 million project will utilize a directional drilling process to access the Cape Cod Canal. Pipes will be installed to bring water to a utility building. The building will house pumps, water storage tanks, and filtration systems to treat incoming and outgoing water. “Saltwater is the lifeblood of any marine wildlife hospital,” commented Kathy Zagzebski, President and Executive Director. “This project will enable the National Marine Life Center to save endangered and protected marine animals with the goal of releasing them back to their ocean home.”

Over 50% of the project costs are being funded by a construction grant of $800,000 from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Congressman William Delahunt and Senators John Kerry and Edward Kennedy were instrumental in securing the funding. The balance of the project is being funded through private donations. To donate, visit www.nmlc.org or call (508) 743-9888.

The National Marine Life Center in Buzzards Bay is an independent, non-profit hospital for stranded marine animals and science education center. Its mission is to rehabilitate for release stranded sea turtles, seals, dolphins, porpoises, and small whales, and to advance scientific knowledge and education in marine wildlife health and ocean conservation. Since admitting its first patient in 2004, the National Marine Life Center has rehabilitated and released sixteen endangered sea turtles and one seal.

Bourne Financial Development Corporation Study on Rebirth of Downtown

The BFDC commissioned this study for the purpose of facillitating crative thinking beyond the current status of the Main Street District, including the rebirth of downtown through new zoning, different traffic patterns, greater density, mixed uses,and new infrastructure that will lead to private commercial and residential development investment sought by the community. (learn more)

AFFORDABLE HOME OWNERSHIP
OPPORTUNITIES IN TOWN

The Bourne Housing Partnership has announced the development of the Bourne Housing Opportunity Purchase Program (B-HOPP) to assist households to purchase affordable housing in Bourne, An information flyer is available at the BBVA office, 215R Main Street, Buzzards Bay, 508-759-8002. For additional information contact Mr. Kerry Horman, Affordable Housing Specialist at 508-457-1005 or email. (3-26-08)

Artisan/Art Work Shop to
Open On Main Street

An artisan art work working space facility will open on Main Street in the vacated Village Furniture Store. Application for space are now being considered with official opening around the Memorial Day Holiday. (3-22-08)

Mezza Luna Plans to Rebuild

Mezza Luna’s owner, true to his word, has submitted plans with the Town of Bourne to rebuild his Main Street dining room. E. J. Cubellis hopes to have the new facility open for business by the end of the year. He is committed to charging the same prices in effect when the landmark eatery burned down last Fall. (3-21-08)

Three Mile Lookout

Gazebo and Benches now in Place! Watch for opening date and dedication ceremony!" (3-17-08)

March 13, 2008

The Honorable Planning Board
The Town of Bourne

Dear Members:

The Buzzards Bay Village Association, now doing business as the Buzzards Bay Vitalization Association commends the Planning Board for its active and deliberate attention to address the zoning needs essential to the revitalization of Main Street, Buzzards Bay.

If we are to renew the area, we need vital, relevant and contemporary zoning to bring about smart growth and urban center development consistent with the resident’s aspirations and Cape Cod ambience and the quality of life!

We commend the Planning Board for taking on this important initiative at a time when resources and talents are being expended to restore Main Street by various public and private groups.  It is this type of cooperation that bodes well for the success of the Main Street/Buzzards Bay enterprise.

We call upon the Board to clear the zoning draft for Town Meeting oversights so that the urgent task of moving faster and further on Main Street can be accelerated, and realized.

Sincerely,

Jeff Luce, Chair

Tom Moccia, President
(3-11-09)

BBVA TAKES STRONG STAND ANTI PROPOSED NOISE BY LAW – CHALLENGES INVESTMENT IN THE BAY!

The BBVA, in the person of Chair Jeff Luce, spoke about against a proposed noise by-law that would have serious negative effect in encouraging investment along Main Street, The substance of his Memo to the Bourne B-Law Committee follows:

TO: Members of the Bourne By Law Committee

FM: Jeffrey Luce, Chair, Buzzards Bay Vitalization Association.
Tom Moccia, President, Buzzards Bay Vitalization Association

RE: Proposed change in Noise By-Law March 12, 2008

By way of background, the BBVA is committed to the revitalization of Main Street, consistent with smart growth, urban amenities and Cape Cod ambience for both resident and visitor alike. This is a challenging task and one that must have the support of town government, community leaders, investors and the greater Buzzards Bay area.

This panel is conducting a public hearing this evening on a matter that makes our task more difficult to attract much needed private capital investment for the kinds of commercial building applications, job creation, tax revenue and quality of life nuances, we all desire for the region.

We have been waiting some 50 years to forge the necessary alliances to move the desired effort ahead. We have seen much progress on Main Street and environs, but there is still much to do. The pending change in the town’s noise bylaw will influence our capacity to encourage both restaurant and housing investment dollars.

In addition the confusion that will be created over enforcement of the pending proposal will further exacerbate our negotiating successes. Main Street, Buzzards Bay is a unique part of the character of Bourne and should have its own identity and regulations consistent with this uniqueness. The area has been neglected much to long to be considered just part of Bourne.

A general town wide noise by law will create a number of difficulties when investors and their design consultants plan new or rehabilitated buildings which might call for open air or sidewalk restaurants on the street level, in season, and the housing units that might be built above these renovated or newly developed sites -the so call top of shop housing architectural design.

The Buzzards Bay Revitalization Association respectfully calls upon the By-Law committee to recommend that the upcoming Town Meeting rejects these changes.

Sincerely, Jeffrey Luce, Chair

Tom Moccia, President

Photo montage of
Arts from the Hearts of Bourne

MMA TRAINING SHIP RETURNS TO PORT

"The MMA's T.E. Enterprise training ship returns to base after a six weeks cruise including traversing the Panama Canal and an exotic port or two." (2-28-08)

BUZZARDs BAY REVIEW
ON RADIO WEBSITE

The moment you've all been waiting for... a chance to find out what's going on in the village of Buzzards Bay! The audio slide show Daniel & I have produced for WCAI is now online

Please check it out and feel free to respond with feedback.

’ best, Elise - freelance journalist

Bourne Police chief report on Park Skating Rink Plans

 Bourne Police Chief Earl Baldwin, President of the Bourne Youth Council is shown reporting on the skating rink plans to the February meeting of the BBVA Main Street Forum.  The chief noted that the current planning calls for a 2009 installation on the Town Park – known to the BBVA enthusiast as Bridge Park.  (2-20-08) 

Town Planner Tells All on Main St. Flooding

Bourne Town Planner Coreen Moore reports on the findings of the consultant study on the implications of flooding on Main Street construction to the recent meeting of the BBVA's Main Street Forum held at the National Marine Life Center. The report concluded that construction could take place in the flood zone, but it might cost a bit more to do so.
(2-20-08)

CCC Exec Discusses Main Street with BBVA Director

"John Lipman, deputy director of the the Cape Cod Commission engages in a colloquy with BBVA director Bill Locke at BBVA's February Main Street Forum on the flooding implications on Main Street renewal."  (2-20-08)

Attorney Bob Parady new Chamber Prexy

“BBVA member Attorney Bob Parady has been elected chair of the Cape Cod Canal Regional Chamber of Commerce.  Bob is a member of the BBVA’s Transportation Advisory group and serves in the same capacity with the Bourne Board of Selectmen’s transportation panel, as well.”   (2-19-08)

BBVA ENDORSES OPEN-SKI
WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY FOR CAPE COD

The Buzzards Bay Vitalization Association endorses efforts of the non-profit OPENCAPE Corporation to create a regional broadband network infrastructure on Cape Cod.

Cape Cod has inadequate communications infrastructure.  The deficiencies extend to both backhaul transport and “last mile” access options.   

The traditional commercial providers have not developed the capacity to serve the entire region, nor have they introduced more modern services such as fiber optics.  The result is old technology, limited options, inadequate capacity, lack of redundancy, and unnecessarily high cost to residents and businesses of the region. 

The impact on the Cape is significant.  Many homes and businesses cannot gain high speed access to the Internet because they are beyond the service range for incumbent traditional providers; school systems lack access to the rich resources of Internet 2; enterprise institutions throttle protocols and lease server space off-Cape because they have inadequate “up” bandwidth.   

The Cape, Islands and South Coast are the most vulnerable region in Massachusetts to natural disaster.   A hurricane will eventually strike the region.  The region does not have the robust and redundant system of communications it will need in the event of a natural or man-made disaster.  In fact, the outer-Cape has suffered complete loss of communications (including 911 service) because existing systems lack redundancy.  The impact of a natural disaster on Cape economic activity will be severe. The lack of adequate infrastructure will negatively impact the ability of businesses to recover from a disaster.

Cape Cod has entered a period of economic transition and its residents have recognized the need to adapt.  A growing consensus has developed that the economic prosperity of the region is in jeopardy if current demographic and economic trends continue.   Several demographic trends have been highlighted recently by the work of demographer Peter Francese in addresses across the Cape.  These trends point to the need for actions to diversify the economy in such a way that an alarming ratio of median home price to median household income (7.3 : 1) is brought more closely to the national average (4 : 1). 

The imbalance pointed out by Mr. Francese can be addressed in part by raising the median household income through a concerted effort to expand the innovation economy dramatically, thus creating greater numbers of companies, and higher paying jobs, in the technology, alternative energy, marine science, and other innovation sector fields.   Development of this sector of the economy is dependent on a robust telecommunications infrastructure.

OpenCape is one of several grassroots efforts specifically created to provide the infrastructure necessary to address these critical issues. It has the endorsement of every town and school district on the Cape, and the support of major employers and higher education institutions in the area. 

The BBVA encourages state lawmakers to support the Broadband Bill, and expand the bond to include five million dollars ($5,000,000) to support the Open Cape initiative. 

Joint Committee on Bonding | Legislative Delegates Addresses

Background | Sample Letter

Bridge Park Design Discussion

"BBVA chair Jeff Luce appears before the Bourne Board of Selectmen explaining the latest design version of Bridge Park reflecting the combined efforts of the BBVA and BFDC planning consultants"(2-6-08)

BBVA Main Street Forum for February Set

The Buzzards Bay Vitalization Association has scheduled its second, in a series of “Main Street Forums” featuring presentations by Bourne Town Planner Coreen Moore and Bourne Police Chief Earl Baldwin, Thursday, February 21, 2008 from 8:30 to 9:30 am at the National Marine Life Center conference room on Main Street in Buzzards Bay.

Chief Baldwin will address efforts by the Bourne Youth Council, of which he is president, to install a temporary ice skating rink in the Town Park and Coreen Moore will speak to “Main Street Flood Control Issues. “The Association created the Forums to keep its members and friends apprised of what it is doing and planning to revitalize Main Street and to provide an opportunity to comment criticize and offer their inputs and thoughts about the future of the area and the BBVA business plan.” said Jeff Luce, BBVA chair.

Rehabilitated Housing near the By Pass.'

A new sign
for a new business
on Main Street - Coming Soon!!

"A 24/7 Emergency Animal Hospital unit near the Bourne Bridge. Another building for the new Buzzards Bay."
(2-3-08)

STARBUCKS IS COMING TO TOWN

“Starbucks Coffee has been given the green light to site a 28-seat restaurant in the former Tanger Mall at Belmont Circle. The plan, approved by the Bourne Planning Board, does not include a drive-up window long sought by the petitiioners.The matter of a drive-up window is  pending before the courts.” (1-31-08

Mezza Luna Rebuild

Owners of Mezza Luna sent a clear signal to the community that it intends to rebuild. Bulldozer and other hauling equipment appear hard at work at clearing the fire site so a new structure can begin. (1-24-07)

Wes Ewell, transportation
consultant to BBVA

Roland Dupont, Project Manager, Three Mile Look

Kathy Zagzebski, president, Executive Director of the National Marine Life Center

Main Street Forum Created to Inform
and Get Feed Back!

The BBVA inaugurated a new member service to inform and exchange ideas on things going on along Main Street.  Participating in the inaugural meeting of the The Main Street Forum held at the Sunnyside Café on Main Street, were Roland Dupont who update all on the Three Mile Look project, Wes Ewell who spoke on current transportation thinking along the street and Kathy Zagzebski who talked about current and projected planning at the National Marine Life Center…The next Forum meeting Is set for Thursday, February 21 at 8:30 am at the Marine Life Center.  Later.  (1-21-08)

"ART from the Hearts of Bourne”

The title of a celebration of the Town of Bourne’s hidden talent is Arts from the Heart of Bourne.  It is sponsored by the Buzzards Bay Beautification Group to bring to the community a free to the public, multi media art exhibit. 

The event will be held over February 23 and 34, 2008 at 135 Main Street, Buzzards Bay, on Saturday the 23rd from 3 to 9 pm and on Sunday the 24th from 11 to 4 pm. 

For additional information contact: 

ARTS for the Hearts of Bourne
PO Box 57, Buzzards Bay,MA 02532
508-759-6123 or 508-759-7791
or email at skiane@verizon.net (1-11-08)

During the past year, the BBVA website averaged 33,400 hits per month!

DIRECT EXPRESS BUS SERVICE FROM CAPE TO GREEN AIRPORT,
PROVIDENCE TO START APRIL ‘08

Cape Destinations will begin bus service to Green Airport, Providence, Rhode Island on April 1, 2008. The six daily trips will start in Harwich with stops in designated Cape based commuter lots along the way for direct service to Providence/Green Airport. The service will be identified as the Cape & Providence Express Bus Service (CAPEX). We hope one of the pick up stops will be in Buzzards Bay. More Later. (12-17-07)

New Buzzards Bay Housing

New housing available off Old Bridge Road in
Buzzards Bay abutting the Cape Cod Canal in the shadow of the Bourne Bridge. (12-10-07)

John F. Kennedy, CEO, Cape Cod Central Railroad is shown accepting his citation form the BBVA for his many efforts to restore rail passenger service to Buzzards Bay and for allowing the Association to take advantage of the Railroad's Dinner train to raise funds for downtown beautification (12-10-07)

A TREE GROWS IN A MAIN STREET ROCK

Would you believe a full-sized tree growing out of a big rock? Well, believe it! Its located on Main Street in Buzzards Bay." (12-06-07)

ANOTHER NEW BUILDING IN BUZZARDS BAY!

Just about ready for occupancy is a combination Dunkin Donuts and Christy's Convenience Store on the site of the old Quintal's Restaurant on Scenic Highway, just off Butler Circle (12-03-07)

ASSOCIATION ACCELERATES
FUND RAISNG ACTIVITY

The BBVA has filed three applications for grants with state, county and local agencies to help underwrite its revised Business Plan. The Association has submitted a request for funds to the Massachusetts Department of Housing & Community Development to study parking options on “Bridge Park”; the Cape Cod Economic Development Council to plan and install a Farmer’s Market in the "Bridge Park" area and with the Town of Bourne Community Preservation Committee to complete the "Three Mile Look" project. (12-3-07)

Members of the Keith Songer family admire a tree planted in his honor by the Bourne TRIAD for his outstanding service to the Bourne community including the Buzzards Bay Vitalization Association. (11-13--7)

Town Business
Beautification

The Buzzards Bay Eagles building on Cohasset Avenue has joined a growing number of Main Street/Buzzards Bay facilities being upgraded and beautified. (11-14-07)

New Dunkin Donuts & Christys Market

Building almost complete for a new Dunkin Donuts and Christy's Market on the former site of Quintal's Restaurant just off the Belmont Circle on the Scenic Highway. (11-13-07)

New Office Space

Just about ready for occupancy is s combination office building and housing units on Cohasset Ave, just off Main Street in Buzzards Bay. (11-14-07)

Cape Cod Commission OK’s
Bourne Local Plan

The Cape Cod Commission has unanimously approved the Bourne Local Comprehensive Plan. (11-12-07)

Penner's Place Gone

As of noon October 26, 2007, the burned-out Penners Place near the west-end circle, off Main Street, has passed into history! A big BBVA thanks to the city’s leadership in spearheading the removal of the unsightly building remains. (10-26-07)

Mezza Luna to Rebuild

“Main Street, Buzzards Bay landmark eatery Mezza Luna” will rebuild so says owner E. J. Cubellis. Last Saturday afternoon his 73 year old restaurant burned down as the saying goes. Nor much was salvageable. Before the fire was out, E.J. posted a “We will see you soon” sign in the front of the devastation. E.J. told the BBVA he will rebuild and give Main Street a first class restaurant and reception facility that it will proud of and he intends to maintain the high quality of cuisine Italian food lovers have come from across the Cape and beyond to enjoy.” (10-23-07)

Dinner Train Ride A Big Success

Some 40 BBVA members and friends took the Cape dinner train ride last Sunday, from the Buzzards Bay RR station to enjoy a scenic nostalgic ride down Cape along side the Canal. They dined on sumptuous cuisine, and enjoyed each others company. Cape Cod Central CEO John F. Kennedy came aboard in Sandwich to greet the BBVA contingent and to see that all went well – which id t did – a tribute to his fine staff. In addition, to the ride, the fine dinner and the view, the attending patrons help raise funds for the BBVA's downtown beautification program.” (10-23-07)