Like any legitimate media outlet, we don't report rumors, and the same largely goes for speculation — unless it's clear that someone very credible is indeed purely speculating, and unless there is a context to it.
This past week, for example, City Councilor Bruce Tobey and other officials speculated that the state's Designated Port Area restrictions and other requirements in the city's request for proposals likely discouraged companies that had initially expressed interest in the I-4, C-2 site, which ultimately drew no formal bidders. And while no one will really know until those companies answer the question themselves, that was speculation well worth a news story.
To that end, Wednesday's Times front page included a story fueled by rumors and speculation alike — usually a journalistic double-whammy. Yet the story, in my view, proved to be a very legitimate and truly important news story in a number of ways.
The story was the one reporting the acquisition by local developer Mac Bell of three key properties on Beach Court on the fringe of Gloucester's historic Fort neighborhood.
But beyond the purchase itself, the story outlined the fact that Bell's deal essentially places nearly all of the Fort's Pavilion Beach waterfront in the hands of two companies — Bell's Pavilion Mercato LLC and Beauport Gloucester LLC, which is headed by New Balance founder and owner Jim Davis and Cruiseport Gloucester's Sheree DeLorenzo, who's been heading up advancement of Beauport's plans to develop a new hotel on the former Birdseye site.
With that in mind, the story noted that the deals for any and all of those properties has left some Fort residents on edge, with some even suggesting that Bell and Davis are working in tandem. That thought's also fueled by the fact that the area is being eyed by Beauport for a rezoning from the Birdseye site down to the Chamber of Commerce building, which is also owned by Bell.
There is, of course, nothing on record indicating that any of the Fort property purchases by Davis or by Bell are intertwined — beyond the fact that Davis and his LLC bought the Birdseye site from Bell after Bell's development plans there fell through last year. And both Davis and DeLorenzo noted in the story that there is no connection between their companies' dealings.
So, you may ask, why do a story? Why would your community's newspaper do that?
First of all, it's always important when reporting a story to note what the story means. In this case, the property acquisitions by Bell indeed mean that he and Davis essentially now dominate property holdings on the Pavilion Beach side of Commercial Street. And, yes, that's raised concerns among a number of Fort residents who, largely based on rumors, have wondered about the developers' possible working relationship and plans.
That brings us to another primary reason for the story: To pose the questions being raised on the street and via emails to the developers themselves, and to give them the chance to respond.
Thankfully, they did. DeLorenzo noted there was no connection whatsoever between any of Beauport Gloucester LLC's plans and Bell's latest purchases. And Bell, asked point-blank if he was working with Davis or Beauport Gloucester, answered, "No, except that we have similar interests in doing right for our neighborhoods, doing right for our businesses, and doing right for our community."
As the Beauport hotel project, especially, moves forward — likely bringing a significant economic opportunity for the city — we will continue reporting any new dealings involving it and the Fort as a whole. Likewise, we will also report the reactions of residents. And if that reaction is rooted — all or part — in speculation, we'll not only try to address it, but will call on the developers to try to address their neighbors' concerns as well.
That was the idea beyond Wednesday's Page 1 story. As always, let me know what you think.
Questions? Comments? Is there a topic you'd like to see addressed in a future column? Contact Times Editor Ray Lamont at 978-283-7000 x3438, or rlamont@gloucestertimes.com.
