Council Takes East Cambridge Land For Hotel, Retail, Office Development

The Cambridge City Council voted last night to take three East Cambridge properties by eminent domain, a move that will help clear the way for a major office, hotel retail and park complex in the area.

The council unanimously approved the transfers, which will be paid for with state, federal and local money, despite complaints from some small businessmen that they will have to relocate or shut down.

One gas station owner whose business will be forced to move told the councilors he hoped the city would relocate his station. "If you want to continue to get my support, you'll have to go down to this man's home and talk to him, you'll have to find him a new home for his service station," City Councilor Alfred E. Vellucci said.

And Albert Sutherland, the owner of a tire store on Binneyst., said his business "had paid taxes in this city for years."

Citing high interest rates and the uncertainties of real estate development, Sutherland predicted the plans for the complex would fail. "I don't think you understand the severity of the current economic situation," he said.

But the council, which heard experts predict that the development could eventually generate millions in tax dollars from a currently underdeveloped area, wasted no time in approving the plans.

"Sure we're holding the die in our hands a little bit. I'm not a gambling man, but if I were, I'd go ahead and roll the dice this time," Councilor Kevin P. Crane '73 said.

The riverfront development, slated for the area surrounding Lechmere Sales, will eventually feature high technology firms, condominium developments, at least one hotel, several parking garages, and improved roads and sidewalks.

The Lechmere Canal will be dredged and lengthened to create a park, and the old courthouse buildings off Cambridge St. will be renovated as offices and shopping areas.