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Needham Bank, Wellesley
Write Ahead, Wellesley

Discussion over another planned Wellesley bio lab facility continues

December 19, 2022 by Bob Brown 1 Comment

Update (12/19/22): The Planning Board unanimously approved the project.

The Wellesley Planning Board on Dec. 5 had a Project of Significant Impact hearing regarding the Beacon Capital Partners property at 110 Worcester St., aka Park 9, aka the ex-Sun Life building, aka the property across from the Wellesley Gateway property (see the Wellesley Media recording just after the 41-minute mark). The project focuses on the conversion of 72,000 sq. ft. of office space located in Building 3 into laboratory space (this is dubbed “core and shell” work to prep the space for labs— lab tenants themselves will customize their chunks of space).

110 Worcester St conversion
110 Worcester St. building being converted is highlighted in red (via Richmond Group during Planning Board meeting)

 

When bio lab plans were aired by Beacon Capital Partners for the Wellesley Gateway property across Rte. 9 (93 Worcester St.), members of the public grilled the board and property owner on the safety of the conversion, which has since been approved by Planning. That property was closer to residential neighbors than is 110 Worcester.

No one from the public messaged the Board about or attended the Dec. 5 meeting to speak, somewhat to the surprise of at least a couple of Board members. A legal notice was posted about the original date for the hearing in November on the town website and in an obscure thing called a “print newspaper,” and postcards and emails were sent to neighbors.

The property owner met with about 10 neighbors in October, so perhaps they had their main concerns addressed during that gathering (what they really wanted was for the leaf blowing to shift to weekdays and away from the wee hours, said Jennifer Schultz, 1 of 3 lawyers identified as being on the Beacon team for this project). As said local attorney David Himmelberger, also representing the applicant, “this is pretty much a replica” of the 93 Worcester St. proposal.

The town’s engineering team did have some questions to be addressed, and an email snafu delayed sorting that out, so the hearing needed to be continued. The fire department, Municipal Light Plant, and others were good with the plan.

The Planning Board discussion on this topic is slated to pick up, and perhaps finish, on Monday, Dec. 19.


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Filed Under: Business

Linden Square, Wellesley
Riverbend, Natick

Wellesley business buzz: Asaro design plans shared; Town sticks with single tax rate

December 15, 2022 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

The latest Wellesley, Mass., business news:

Asaro design plans shared

asaroAsaro Bakery & Cafe, whose window signs on Church Square have been teasing the town since February about its impending arrival, does have design plans making the rounds.

We checked them out at the Wellesley Health Department recently, and word is that the cost of installing a pricey grease trap is one big challenge.

That didn’t stop Matz Collaborative Architects from posting renderings on its website and social media of what the eatery could look like, including outdoor seating along the side and rear of the building. Matz dared to hashtag its Instagram post #comingsoon, but when asked about “how soon is soon?”, it predictably deferred to the elusive Asaro.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Matz Collaborative Architects (@matzcollaborative)

Town sticks with single tax rate

Wellesley will stay with its single property tax rate for residents and businesses, per a Select Board vote earlier this month.

The annual tax classification public hearing and vote, which you can relive by viewing the Wellesley Media recording about 3 minutes in, took place on Dec. 6. The new chief assessor, Ellen Muller, made her debut at these meetings as well.

To no one’s surprise the assessed value of residential and commercial property continues to climb, with those values up 9% and 11% respectively for fiscal 2023.

The median assessed value of single-family residences: $1.36M! Close to 80% of the town’s overall property values are single family residential homes .

assessed values
Screenshot from Wellesley Media recording

Once the Assessor’s Office and Board of Assessors crunched the numbers, the tax rate turned out to be $11.45 per $1,000 in property value. That’s down from $11.68 last year, though due to ballooning property assessments the median tax bill rises by more than $1,200 to $15,538.

Shifting more of the tax burden to commercial property owners to the largest extent allowed would boost the median tax bill for them by about $16K a year, while reducing the median residential bill by about $1,100. “It’s really a very punitive effect on the commercial rates,” Select Board member Colette Aufranc said during discussion, adding that it’s very difficult to undo such a change.

Select Board member Beth Sullivan Woods emphasized that much of Wellesley’s commercial tax base comes from small businesses, and pointed out that landlords have been “heavily investing” in property improvements over the past year-plus. “Keeping the single tax rate is another element in ensuring the success and the rebound of our business community,” she said.

More: Natick stays with single tax rate for residents, businesses


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Filed Under: Business

Page Waterman, Wellesley
London Harness, Wellesley
Wellesley Lacrosse

The hunt was on at the Wellesley Square Holiday Stroll

December 15, 2022 by Deborah Brown Leave a Comment

The game was afoot at the Wellesley Merchants’ Association Holiday Stroll Scavenger Hunt, as dozens of families searched for QR-coded snowflakes at participating stops throughout Wellesley Square for the chance to win $800 in gift cards from 32 stores. After the Hunt was completed, four winners were picked at random. The holidays are shaping up to be extra happy for the families pictured below, shown collecting their prizes at London Harness.

Wellesley Square Scavenger Hunt
From left: Will, Doreen, Steve and Finn Barrett of Wellesley

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Business, Entertainment, Holidays, Shopping

Sara Campbell, Wellesley

Something looks different inside E.A. Davis…

December 7, 2022 by Bob Brown 1 Comment

I dropped by E.A. Davis (579 Washington St.), now under ownership by Mahi Gold Outfitters, on its opening day this past weekend during Wellesley Square’s Holiday Stroll.

The brightly lit store still features the old-timey E.A. Davis sign out front and the classic cash register inside, but otherwise has a freshly renovated feel all dressed up for the holidays. Clothing hangs from fun rope swings, the wood floors have been refinished, and there is no shortage of colors to choose from despite this no longer being Lilly Pulitzer central.

The upstairs promises to open next year and feature kids’ stuff. The downstairs was off-limits, too, for now.

Without Mrs. Swellesley at my side during this visit, you’re not getting any fashion analysis out of me. I’ll let the photos speak for themselves.

Here’s wishing new owners Becky and Brian Voelkel a successful holiday shopping season.

ea davis newea davis new

ea davis new
A familiar carousel horse from E.A. Davis of old

 

ea davis new

ea davis new
The classic cash register remains

 

Here are a couple of E.A. Davis throwback photos from before the changeover:

EA Davis, Wellesley

EA Davis, Wellesley


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Filed Under: Business, Fashion

Karma restaurant sneak peek: We visit Burlington version of eatery coming to Wellesley

December 2, 2022 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

With Asian fusion restaurant Karma on its way to Wellesley’s Linden Square, we got a jump on things by visiting Karma at the Burlington Mall. The local chain has four locations. Wellesley will be the fifth jewel in restauranteur Iverson Guo’s crown of upscale, sophisticated eateries.

We were unfamiliar with the Burlington area, so it took a tour of the mall parking lot for us to find the distinctive red pagoda-style front entrance. Impressive, heavy doors welcomed us from the sidewalk into the dining room. The restaurant can’t be be accessed from the mall.

We were joined by Nicci Kadilak, who publishes the Burlington Buzz, an online news source that focuses on Burlington, Mass. She’d visited Karma before and was ready with her recommendations. Nicci insisted we try the scallion pancakes ($11), and indeed, they were so good that Mrs. Swellesley’s advice for those visiting Karma when it opens here is, “Don’t go without trying them.” The order of six came to the table hot, flavorful, crispy, and served with a savory sauce.

Karma burlington
Flavorful & crispy scallion pancakes

Karma has a classy, fine-dining experience feel to it that is comfortable and welcoming. Seating options include booths, tables, and bar seating. We hear the cocktails are a specialty, but since day drinking isn’t our vibe we stuck with sodas. We were there at Karma’s Friday opening time of 11:30am, and the place filled up quickly around us.

Karma’s extensive menu focuses on Japanese assertive cuisine juxtaposed with the delicate sauces and styles of France. What that means—the chefs will make your order as spicy as you want it, but spicy isn’t a default option. You have to ask for it. Fresh herbs with a distinctly French flavor to them are in use, such as tarragon in some of the sushi dishes. Then again, jalapeño peppers bring Central American flair to many choices. Russia puts in an appearance with caviar, lots and lots of it, lending its briny luxury to many of Karma’s sushi offerings. Familiar classics are on the menu such as General Gao’s Chicken, Pad Thai, Crab Rangoon, and more. A multi-course Omakase menu, all the rage right now at area eateries, is available by reservation only. There are gluten-free options including chicken, steak, seafood, fresh vegetables, and more.

One way to experience a wide variety of the chefs’ sushi creations is to is order either the Great ($19) or Grand ($25) sushi lunch option, which includes miso soup and a salad. But be sure to emphasize that you are ordering the lunch special not the $118 sushi and sashimi platter for two. (Unless you’re looking for a truly huge lunch.)

Karma burlington
Karma in Burlington (we arrived as doors opened at 11:30am)

Gyoza is my must-order item at Asian restaurants, and Karma’s offering is tasty—the pork version has a sweetness to it and the covering is on the lighter side (less doughy than some dumplings I’ve had).

Karma burlington
Beautiful sushi and sashimi presentation, Karma, Burlington.

Look for Karma to open in Wellesley by Spring of 2023. Oath Pizza is another Linden Square place that will be coming soon.

karma
Future home of Karma in Linden Square

 

Wellesley Square has also experienced a restaurant rebirth, with La Toscano, Laughing Monk, and Lockheart as new additions to that area.


Where to Eat in Wellesley

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Filed Under: Business, Food, Restaurants

Deland, Gibson, Wellesley
Rick Cram, leader

Wellesley Holiday Gift Guide—put indie-owned stores on your “must-shop-at” list

November 28, 2022 by admin 1 Comment

SPONSORED CONTENT: Are you ready to find the perfect holiday gift for everyone on your list? Great! Because Wellesley and Newton’s local, independently owned stores are ready to help you get across the shopping finish line with good cheer to spare. You can expect extra-special service, unique offerings, and a festive retail experience at every business in Swellesley’s Holiday Gift Guides. This is the year that holiday shopping becomes fun again.

London Harness

 

London Harness, Wellesley
Your neighbors at London Harness and TUMI Wellesley provide you with unforgettable service, offering perfect gifts for you and your loved ones. You’ll find the finest variety of personal and business gifts, travel and leather goods, handbags, and much more, with complimentary gift wrapping and personalization service available on most items.

Kenzie & Hope

 

Kenzie & Hope, Wellesley
Wow gifts for all the ladies In your world—women, teens or girls—Kenzie & Hope offers something for everyone on your list. From cozy Aviator Nation sweats, MISA dresses, Margaret O’Leary sweaters, Bogner jackets or Stoney Clover Lane travel accessories, Kenzie & Hope will bring big smiles to your holiday. Follow us on instagram @kenzieandhope

Joel Bagnal Goldsmiths & Jewelers

 

Joel Bagnal, Wellesley
Don’t miss the Joel Bagnal Goldsmiths and Jewelers Retirement Sale at 101 Central St. in Wellesley Square. The store is closing and ALL jewelry is ON SALE while supplies last! Save up to 70% off on bracelets, rings, earrings, necklaces, and estate jewelry. Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10am-5pm.

Wellesley Toy Shop

 

Wellesley Toy Shop
Wellesley Toy Shop is the area’s most beloved destination for making kids’ holiday wishes come true. Locally owned and a Wellesley Square institution, the 59 Central St., shop has a wide selection of Lego, Playmobil, puzzles, dolls, stuffed animals, craft kits, board games, and so much more. Put Wellesley Toy Shop at the top of your “must visit” list for the holidays.

Greentail Table

 

Greentail Table, Newton
Located in Newton, at 343 Watertown St. (RT. 16), Greentail Table is a destination resource for inspired modern tableware and gifts including holiday, hostess, housewarming, wedding gifts and more. Our collection includes glassware, decorative accents, table linens, and more. Shop with us for the holidays in-person or online: greentailtable.com.

Filed Under: Business, Holidays, Shopping, Wellesley Holiday Gift Guide

Wellesley business buzz: Free 2-hour parking during holiday season; License plate art expands into pillows

November 22, 2022 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

The latest Wellesley, Mass., business news:

Free 2-hour parking during holiday season

parking meterShop and dine locally and park for free at all 2-hour street meters in Wellesley during the holiday season.

Beginning on Monday, Nov. 21 and running through Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, drivers are permitted to park free of charge for up to 2 hours at all street meters.

Cars parked for more than two hours are subject to ticketing.

Free parking meters are marked with bags. Parking fees are still in effect during the holidays at all 4-hour and 10-hour meters, and in all municipal parking lots.

More on Wellesley parking.

 


License plate art expands into pillows

babson pillowGreat to see recent Wellesley High School alum Michael Tufankjian is going soft—he has expanded his License Plate Designs business to focus on pillows rather than metal signs made from chopped up license plates.

As we reported in 2017 (See “Entrepreneurial Wellesley High student not letting old license plates go to waste”), Tufankjian’s venture was borne out of both his family’s car dealerships and his own desire to start a business that incorporated recycling and sustainability.

“The idea came to me when I saw some discarded license plates at my family’s car dealerships, and I wanted to figure out a way to reuse them,” he said at the time. “I have taken several business classes at Wellesley High School and have always wanted to start my own business.”

He sold the art locally, including at Wellesley Holiday Boutique.

As reported by Bostinno, Tufankjian has transferred from Babson College to Villanova and expanded his business to focus on pillows with designs inspired by license plates. The pillows are available via his website as well as at college stores, from Babson to Stanford. A quarter of profits from the $75 pillows go to Boston Children’s Hospital.


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Filed Under: Business

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