AWARE: Public Disclosure on Property Values

AWARE Coalition (Accurate Worcester Assessments on Real Estate) has been busy attempting to get the word out about the fiscal year 2012 property value assessment that is taking place.


With the forthcoming mailings, we can expect notices to be published in the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, along with a number of other places with the  City of Worcester's website being the key place.


Stay tuned!

2011 AWARE Public Disclosure Property Values Explanation

Haiti: Worcester's Role

While it's been 8-days since the earthquake struck the island of Hispaniola, the 24-hour news coverage, the pictures and the stories about those living in Haiti continue to blow my mind.

While through tragedy it's tough to find a silver lining, I wholeheartedly believe that for many years the United States has turned a blind-eye to Haiti, but now the entire world is paying attention to this grief-stricken country. It's a shame that it took such a tragedy that forced us to take off the blinders, but now we can do something.

Here in Worcester, the City has organized an event to help raise funds for Haiti Relief. The event is taking place on Friday, January 22, 2010, from 5 pm to 8 pm at Union Station.

Michael V. O'Brien: I RUN this City!

The Man has spoken and laid the smack down on all the candy-asses in Worcester, especially City Councilor Mike Germain, when it comes to pools in the WoO.

City Manager Michael O'Brien states that if you have an issue with it, "Talk to the hand!"

Risking It All

Sometimes living in Central Massachusetts is seen as "risky", but I
tend to disagree, because while there are other cities that are
dealing with their own share of budget woes, Worcester and City
Manager, Michael O'Brien, are "workin' with what we have", and that's
not alot.

Yes, the playground that is being built at the Providence Street
School is a waste of $400k; there's the ice skating rink that has
doubled as a "cafe-like meeting place" that beautifies the rear of
City Hall. (if only all 'rears' could be beautified in such a manner,
we'd have a much better looking city.)

Then there's the forthcoming elections where Konnie Lukes is running
as the incumbent and is being challenged by Gary Rosen, Kate Toomey,
and John O'Brien. Thank goodness we have a great race slated, but it's
not going to be a drama-filled race similarly to the Preakness, because
we know that Worcester residents don't turn out to vote because many
feel,"that the people may change, but the same things go on in the
City." (Yes, apathy runs rampant and those running for City Council
know this.)

Then there's the issue of the Seniors who get silenced more than Mike
Vick at his trial hearing. They, the Seniors, show up to City Council
meetings in vast numbers and take their seats only to be kicked out of
a meeting because they get a little rambunctious. Don't they deserve to
let their voices to be heard?Haven't they earned it?

So, as July winds to a close, I think it's only appropriate to write
that as the election season ramps up, and back-to-school shopping
leads to thought of a dreaded winter, we must take solace in knowing
that those in charge are, "workin' with what we have"!

Marketing: Naming Rights

I keep hearing and reading that Dunkin' Donuts's balance sheet has
taken a beating, similar to many 401k's and other retirement accounts.

I was surprised by this, because with the plethora of D&D's that exist
in New England, I wouldn't think they'd have a problem hitting their
comparative same-store sales from last year. But as the job market
got worse and more people were laid-off, a halt was put to those famed
"D&D runs". You know about those 'runs'; don't front like you don't
know what I'm writing about!

Maybe Dunkin' Donuts & the City Manager, Michael O'Brien, can strike a
deal to name the ice skating rink behind City Hall "The D&D COW Rink"?
(You have to admit, it does have a nice ring to it?) And D&D can set-
up a concession stand that sells coffee, hot chocolate, Munchkins and
bagels, because what's better than ice skating and taking a break for
some delicious hot chocolate with lots of whipped cream? Nothing!

Or maybe, Mr. O'Brien can get some families to donate money to open
the city pools and allow those with deep and shallow pockets alike, to
contribute to the City, while having their name attached to a pool or
restroom? Someone a long time ago said every penny counts, right?

So, let's GO Mr. O'Brien & I'll be the first in line to cut a check to
the COW!

Twit for Twat

With the President of the United States, the Governor of Massachusetts and the Boston Police Department using Twitter, it appears as if there's a push to encourage City Manager Michael O'Brien to use the social-media darling, Twitter, in Worcester.

Let's see how long it takes City Manager O'Brien to respond with a "yes" or a "no", and if he chooses not to Twit, don't worry, we'll see a few City Councilors jump on the band wagon before he's forced to.

City Manager: Dissed in Public

I like how folks around these parts think it's a great idea to invite City Manager Michael O'Brien to the Worcester Police graduation ceremony. Word is, that City Manager O'Brien received a copy of the invitation from "friends and family of the recruits" and written on it was, "IF YOU CAN'T SUPPORT THESE WONDERFUL WOMEN AND MEN WHO HAVE GIVE UP SO MUCH AND WORKED SO HARD, YOU ARE NOT WANTED AT THIS CEREMONY.....SHAME ON ALL OF YOU."

Thank goodness Police Chief Gemme stepped up and during his opening remarks said,"If the manger listened to me these recruits would not have a law enforcement career."

Read the full story written by Scott Croteau of the T&G.

Sports: Worcester BLEW It! Again!

A couple of years ago there was a group of business owners that were
"looking into" the NBA creating an NBA Development League team in
Worcester, in partnership with the Boston Celtics. Now, you'd think it
would have made sense to everyone, but such was not the case.

The D-League team could have played at the DCU Center and brought
people and money into this great venue. Maybe the City was scared of
doing a deal because of previous dealings with folks like Roy Lucas,
Jr. of the defunct New England Surge?

Any how, the Celtics went on to make some great acquisitions- KG and
Ray Alllen- and win the NBA Championship in 2008.

Well, word is being announced today that Portland, Maine has been
awarded the NBA Development League franchise! The Celtics will end
their contract with the Utah franchise and former Celtics assisstant
coach Jon Jennings will head the Maine D-League team as president and
general manager.

Mayor Lukes and City Manager Michael O'Brien, you both catch an "L"
for this one! Great job! NOT!!!

Worcesterites Can't Count?

I'm not sure when exactly when a child learns to count to 10, but I would say that it usually takes place around 14 to 16 months. Well, it seems as if the good folks at the Telegram & Gazette can't seem to get their numbers straight or at least transcribe them properly for the next day's local newspaper.

We know it's one thing to do it once, but it happened for a second time, this time for the BIG one....the municipal elections. When it happened after the preliminary elections, held September 11th, we brushed it off and said, mistakes happen. When it took place again after the municipal elections, held on November 6th, I scratched my head in amazement and wondered out loud, "What is going on?"

We hope that the Telegram & Gazette's inability to count or print the final numbers doesn't spread rampant throughout the City? Let's all say a few prayers......because prayer does help.

Worcester Rocks

In an effort to attract college-aged students to the City of Worcester, the Colleges of Worcester Consortium has unveiled the video that's suppose peak the interest of students and entice them to attend a college/ university in the City of Worcester.

I have to tip my hat to the Consortium, as it's an effort that is long overdue and for a city that grows by well over 30,000 students each fall, the city is in dire need of an attractive marketing piece that reaches students.

As some people may be aware of, this generation of young women and men going to college, referred to as "Millennial Students" (born between 1982 & 2003), have grown up with computer technology, specifically the personal computer and the world wide web, CD and DVD players, cellular telephones and travel by plane. To say that this is the hardest generation to market to and attract to a city such as Worcester, would be an understatement.

Worcester is working hard to change its image from being perceived as a "dirty and down-trodden" where "there is not alot to do" for the 18 to 30 age demographic.

The work that the Consortium, the Worcester Chamber of Commerce and others are doing to make Worcester a destination for students, businesses and families is good, but as we know, the programs need the proper funding and, more importantly, a person that people can identify with and be a cheerleader for the City.

One of the largest issues facing the City these days, besides the $5.6 million budget deficit, is the issue of PRIDE, or lack there of. The feeling by many people in the City is that the politicians, "keep doing the same old same old" as reported to me by a local patron in the waiting area of a barber shop who requested to remain anonymous. "The people who really run Worcester don't care about me or my kids.....all they care about is their own property and how much money they can make", he continued.

While some who have called Worcester home for many years may argue that the City has changed dramatically, there is still the acknowledgment that, "there is still alot that can be done a whole lot better", said Cody Smith, a Worcester resident of 21 years, regarding improving the City and its image.

So, what is the City of Worcester to do? Should the City hold town hall meetings to discuss the issues facing the City? These meetings are typically unproductive and don't serve a well-suited purpose other than giving people a platform to air complaints. Residents need to communicate with their District Councilor and the Mayor to make them aware of the issues and begin to address them. Residents must take more ownership and responsibility for the City that they call home. It's one thing to complain, but complaining without a resolution is pointless. Think, ask questions and then do something. The City needs YOU to get involved!