Today (Saturday July 14) I will be attending the grand opening of Steve Giordano’s Subway on Jackson Street in Methuen. This is Mr. Giordano’s second Subway in Methuen, and we are grateful for his investment. But the larger story here is the change that has occurred in this neighborhood. The Eagle-Tribune story on the dramatic changes that have occurred in this gateway neighborhood I believe reflected accurately some of the problems we faced and the real progress made to improve the business climate and the quality of life for our residents. This neighborhood has special meaning for many long time residents for many reasons, but especially because one of Methuen’s landmarks, Findeisen’s Ice Cream, is located there. After a series of closings of other major shops around Findeisens (Barcelos Market, which was a First National, Zayres Department Store) the area became run down and attracted undesirable activity. The owner of Findeisen’s said in the Tribune:
After Zayre closed, I was by myself,” said Forzese, whose shop is smack in the middle of the plaza. “We were broken into a couple of times. It’s much better now.”
The Police reacted to the problems, heightening enforcement and devoting additional resources to the area. The improved public safety profile helped Methuen to promote the business investment that has helped to turn the neighborhood around.
The rebirth, of sorts, began in 2000 when a Walgreens was erected on the Barcelos site. The pharmacy planted grass and shrubs and installed a big road sign to welcome people into the city.
CVS/pharmacy soon followed suit, setting up shop on the opposite corner from Walgreens.
Dunkin’ Donuts, Family Dollar, Domino’s Pizza and Big Lots, all moved in behind Walgreens, where Zayre had stood.
“Those improvements make a big difference,” Sawyer said. “Chains like Walgreens and CVS wouldn’t have invested if they didn’t think it was a viable area.”
And so an important gateway neighborhood in Methuen is dramatically improved. I represented this area when I was on the City Council, and as Mayor I am especially delighted to see these improvements. I hope to see you at the Grand Opening of Subway. If you would like to talk Economic Development in Methuen you can call me at 978-983-8505 or Economic Development Director Karen Sawyer at 978-983-8560. Link to the Eagle Tribune story here.
Bill Manzi.com 
Your Honor,
I read about this in the Trib. Happy to see this happening. I live near the area and watched it slide into disuse when Zayre’s went out of business. I’m glad it is coming back even stronger.
AM I MAD! Did you hear what Mayor Ken Reeves said on the radio when the news of the payroll expenses were published in the Herald?
“WE ARE NOT METHUEN”
I think you ought to tell him;
“Thank God.”
Jules
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Your Honor,
Failed to mention Kevin is ex mayor of Cambridge. Herald story about cambridge salaries. WOW.
I don’t suppose you’re making $244,000 as mayor?
Jules
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Your Honor,
Shopped in the new area. Had not been there for a long time. Great job. Looks wonderful.
(No snide remarks allowed in this e-mail)
Jules
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Great article, great press for Methuen. Well done.
Jules, do you have a link to that Ken Reeves article? Is it recent? You mentioned you are a WTKK listener – he made that exact comment on the Michael Graham show several months ago (it’s on his blog Feb. 21). Our wonderful mayor then called in and defended our city.
And Jules, I’m with you… I’ll take Methuen over Cambridge any day.
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This is the statement. It came as part of an interview that pointed his generally kookyness.
This casual statement, made by Cambridge Mayor Ken Reeves during our interview, could be the slogan of the limousine liberal class current running amok over the citizens of Massachusetts. Just four words, but they say so much.
It describes the mentality of the governing political/media class that can say, without shame, “Hey, you voters are morons. You don’t know what the income tax rate should be, you don’t know what the marriage laws should be, and we don’t care WHAT the Constitution says, we’re going to ignore you. After all, you’re just from Methuen. We’re from Cambridge/Beacon Hill/Milton, etc., etc.”
Massachusetts voters are regularly dismissed by the Limo Lords as they gather on Beacon Hill for yet another round of tax increases, pay raises and luxury drapes. And why shouldn’t they? After all, they’re so much better than us peons that what they choose to do immediately becomes “good” thanks to their tireless, unchallenged liberalism.
That’s what the Mayor meant by “We are NOT Methuen.” We’re better. We’re smarter. We’re morally superior. And therefore we can do what we want. No matter how much it costs…you.
Jules
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Jules,
Mayor Reeves called my office to apologize for his remarks, and then apologized again in person at a Mayor’s meeting. His apology was gracious, and I accepted it in that spirit. The Teacherlady is correct, I did call conservative talk radio to defend Methuen, and I was upset by the remarks. Since I don’t listen to WTKK I owe the heads up to the Teach, who let me know!
Bill
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Your Honor,
Reeves gets a part time gig as Mayor for 90+ grand. How would like that job?
Do you know why he picked on Methuen? Was it random?
Do you think he really is sorry. If he was sober then he called your constituents (like TeacherLady and me) a bunch of dolts.
I wonder how many of our citizens know he made the remarks?
I think TeacherLady and I are not happy with the Cambridge part time mayor.
Want to bet if you had said that he would not be so easy on you, no matter how much you apologized.
It’s over now.
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