Well, this is a relief. Really and truly a relief.

According to today’s Newburyport Daily News, January 30, 2008, Stephen Karp is coming to visit Newburyport, MA. The hope is for sometime in early March 2008.

“”It is just him trying to be visible here,” the mayor said… “It will be open to the public.”

The intention of the meeting, which is being pursued by (John) Moak and other Newburyport officials, is simply an introduction of the “players” involved with New England Development, including Karp, Moak said…”

“Moak said he wasn’t sure what form Karp’s visit would take but said he could address his development philosophy and introduce his team…”

“It is going to be more of an introduction, an introduction of New England Development to the community,” Moak said…

“At this point, the logical thing to do is to get to know the people of Newburyport and listen to their concerns to see if he can put those concerns to rest,” Jones (Newburyport City Councilor Tom Jones ) said. “I think he would find the people of Newburyport to be very welcoming to that…”

He (Newburyport City Councilor Tom Jones) said it is better to work with residents at the start than fighting them throughout…” (Newburyport Daily News, January 30, 2008, “Karp planning first visit to Port to introduce development team,” by Stephen Tait)

Mary Eaton
Newburyport

(Editor’s Note: Gillian Swart in the Newburyport Current, reported on February 7, 2008, that Stephen Karp will be in Newburyport, MA, Thursday, March 13, 2008, at a public forum–time and place to be determined.)