Riverwalk: A path to nowhere

To: all Unit Owners at Deep Harbour

Subject: Riverwalk within Deep Harbour

The City of Cambridge sued Beazer for past due taxes and completion of the pedestrian easement known as the “Riverwalk” The city has $80,000 in their 2019 budget for the completion of the Riverwalk.  Our declaration documents require that we maintain the Riverwalk and open it for public access once completed. Until then, Deep Harbour is closed to the public.

Public access has created several security problems for our community. Thefts of opportunity and break-ins have occurred. Littering and noise have also annoyed residents.  The DHMA has endeavored to minimize pedestrian traffic with a plan to close pedestrian gates and will be sealing gaps in our fence line. The goal is to create a truly gated community for the exclusive use of the residents which is safe and secure. 

At our meeting with the city representative, we expressed our concerns. The city representatives which included the city’s lawyer, a councilman, the city manager, and the public works manager, listened to our concerns.  They did not commit nor consider any accommodation to our objections.

Our concerns and comments:

·        Security and Safety

·        Questionable value to public and Deep Harbour

·        Increased Financial burden to Deep Harbour

·        Liability and risk

·        Our contributions to the city and self- management

Simply put, the Riverwalk as conceived has no value to the public nor the residents of Deep Harbour. It was part of a larger vision that included commercial development of the properties along the creek. That never happened and will not for some time.

 The city moved on this issue with no consideration of our community. We were never asked nor invited into the discussion.

Once built, the city walks away and leaves us with the liability, and the cost of maintenance which includes snow pushing and repairs.

Our community is 100% residential, a private gated community. There is nothing here for the general public.  Really, a sidewalk around a vacant lot?

The adjacent neighborhood trespasses using our streets as a shortcut, Littering, theft, and noise is what we have experienced from the general public,

The city’s vision and our reality are out of sync.

Taxes paid by Deep Harbour total $470.000

169 condominium units are privately owned and occupied.

94 lots reserved for townhouse construction are owned by Beazer.

~900 Marshy Cove (48 units)

~700 Cattail Cove (48 units)

~Townhouse 1 (34 units)

~Townhouse 2 (16 units)

~Townhouse 3 (13 units)

~Townhouse 5 (10units)

~Townhouse 4 (undeveloped) (0 units)

~Marina 56 slips, 26 privately owned

Beazer makes no contribution to the ongoing maintenance of the property other than grass cutting.  They also contribute nothing the reserve fund for future repairs and replacements of common elements. The burden of the bulkhead which secures their property and other elements are supported solely by the owners of Deep Harbour.

Bids are out on the street.  On December 4, the project will be awarded. 

City Council meets every Monday at 6:00 PM.  Express your concerns.

Regards,

George Breig , President Deep Harbour Master Association