May 31, 2007 by Chinatown Blogger.

The Chinatown Blog is not here to knock the Trigen Energy plant (again) but this article was printed on the front page of the Boston Herald today and is something of a concern for Chinatown. The article reported that on March 23, hot steam from vents burned a boy badly and this was not the first time this has occurred. The Chinatown Blogger has heard from third parties that residents had complained about the “hot steam” and thought it was well, full of “hot air”. It seems though that this has been an issue. If you were not aware, the Trigen Energy plant is about 100 years old.

http://news.bostonherald.com/localPolitics/view.bg?articleid=1003966

Posted in WORD ON THE STREET | Print | No Comments »

May 28, 2007 by Chinatown Blogger.

The Wall Street Journal today reported speculation that a deal is imminent for Archstone-Smith, located on 660 Washington Street in Chinatown. This would be the second time that the developer will be sold in recent years. Originally called Liberty Place by developers Kevin Fitzgerald and Charles E. Smith, it was then renamed Archstone-Smith after a merger. This buyout will continue to fuel further speculation, which this blog wrote on April 4, 2007, that the adjacent Kensington Place will also be put up for sale.

The Wall Street Journal wrote on May 29, 2007 (a paid account needed to view entire article):

“Tishman Speyer Properties and Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. yesterday were near a deal to purchase Archstone-Smith Trust, one of the nation’s leading apartment real-estate trusts, for more than $12 billion, according to people familiar with the matter.

A deal could be announced as early as today, these people said. Exact terms of the transaction couldn’t be learned, but Archstone-Smith’s market capitalization is $12.3 billion and an agreement would likely involve a premium. The buyers also would assume $6.3 billion in debt.

That would make the deal one of the largest privatizations of a public REIT. It comes on the heels of Blackstone Group’s $23 billion buyout of Equity Office Properties Trust in February. Shares of Archstone-Smith rose sharply Friday after reports that Tishman and Archstone were in discussions about a transaction. By the end of trading, shares were priced at $55.23 each, up $4.10, or 8%.”

5/31 UPDATE:
It has been confirmed, Archstone-Smith has been offered a buyout.

Posted in WORD ON THE STREET | Print | No Comments »

May 22, 2007 by Chinatown Blogger.

Sunday, June 10 2007
12 NOON - 5 PM
FREE ADMISSION

DRAGON BOAT RACES
ASIAN AMERICAN PERFORMANCES
ARTS AND CRAFTS ACTIVITIES
ASIAN AMERICAN FOOD

Along the Charles River at the Weeks Footbridge on Memorial Drive between JFK and the Western Avenue Bridge

For more info visit www.bostondragonboat.org
or call 617-426-6500 ext. 778

Posted in CHINATOWN CALENDAR | Print | 3 Comments »

May 16, 2007 by Chinatown Blogger.

A neighbor from One Beacon Street sent me this email yesterday:
–
“From my window at One Beacon Street, I can see the Keyspan or NStar power plant on the edge of Chinatown. Occationally dark brown or black smoke will pour out of the smoke stacks. If the wind is blowing from the East, this soot drops right onto the buildings and people of Chinatown. Today, the wind is blowing from the West, so the smoke and soot is being dumped onto the Leather District.

I have a digital camera at work and will send a picture each time I see heavy smoke billowing out of the smoke stack and send it to you. Chinatown is an extremely densely populated neighborhood and this soot can and will affect the health of a great many people, especially the very old and very young. There must be something that the utility company can do to minimize the emmissions from this power plant.

Its billowing out at this moment (12:20 PM), blowing towards the Leather District. The attached picture was taken about 25 minutes ago.”

Posted in WORD ON THE STREET | Print | No Comments »

May 14, 2007 by Chinatown Blogger.

The Chinatown Gateway coalition (the owner of this blog) will be meeting on Thursday, May 17 6PM. The Chinatown Gateway coalition meets on the third Thursday of each month. This is a public meeting and open to everyone.

Time: Thursday, May 17 6-8PM
Place: Metropolitan community room, 38 Oak St. Boston MA

Posted in CHINATOWN CALENDAR | Print | No Comments »