Xway parking site gets new lighting

State and city officials flipped the switch yesterday to turn on the lights over a former MassDOT storage area beneath the Southeast Expressway in the South End that is being developed into new parking lots.

The three lots are on an eight-acre swath under I-93 — from Herald Street to Randolph Street — and the first two are expected to be active this spring. The parking lots will be staffed 24-hours a day. MassDOT will recover the 
$2.5 million upfront cost through revenue generated by the new parking lots.

The redevelopment is the result of a partnership between MassDOT, which formed a community advisory group, NSTAR and the developer of a nearby parcel on Albany Street.

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Dock in Harbor Towers condo

The 640-unit Harbor Towers­ complex has undergone an extensive rehabilitation, including all new windows, a $74 million heating, air and electrical upgrade and, most recently, renovated lobbies and common hallways.

Unit 10F is on the 10th floor at 85 East India Wharf, one of the complex's two 40-story towers built in 1971. It features a renovated kitchen, a large open living/­dining area with great harbor views and two bedrooms with great Financial District views. The unit, which has a new half bath, French doors and carpeting, is on the market for $1,100,000.

The lobby, with contemporary lighting and a 24/7 concierge, leads to reconditioned elevators and up to newly carpeted common hallways with sconce lighting.

Unit 10F opens into a long ceramic-tiled foyer and hallway lined with closets.

To the left is a track-lit renovated kitchen with 25 cabinets, including six large pantry cabinets in an added built-in. Counters have gray Corian tops as does an island with a gas stovetop and seating for three. Updated stainless steel appliances include a Bosch dishwasher and double wall ovens, and there's a side-by-side GE refrigerator.

Off the kitchen, a half bath with a patterned porcelain sink and white tile floors was added six years ago.

The kitchen opens into a large, open dining/­living area that was recently re-carpeted and features a wall of windows overlooking Rowes Wharf, Fan Pier and Boston Harbor. There's track lighting over the dining­ room area as well as a granite-topped built-in with shelving and cabinets under the windows. A sliding glass door at the far end of the living­ area opens out to a private concrete-sided balcony.

A new set of French doors from the living room lead into the second bedroom, currently used as a home office/study. This room has carpeting over parquet floors and has two windows with great Financial District views.

The adjacent master bedroom suite also has carpet over parquet floors and windows with great city views. There's a recently added walk-in closet with built-in wardrobes, but the white ceramic tiled en-suite master bathroom could use some updating.

Across the hall, a second full bath has been reno­vated, with ceramic tile floors and walls around a glass-doored tub and shower.

The unit does not have an in-unit washer and dryer, although their use has recently been approved by the condo board. There is a common laundry room, which is about to be renovated.

Parking is at the Harbor Garage across the street and costs an additional $388 a month per space for residents.

The $1,185 monthly condo fee includes heat, hot water and central air-conditioning, and also services such as a 24/7 concierge and an outdoor heated pool.

Broker: Susan gram and Karen Peters of Otis & Ahearn Real Estate at 617-227-6070

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BMW X-Drive will make you believe

It would be easy to think the BMW 428i is just a rebadged 3 Series, since they've discontinued the 3 Series coupe, but this is a new build from the ground up. Lower, wider and with more fuel-efficient powerplants, this refreshing and elegant sportster begs to be driven and boy, it's just a blast to drive.

Our four-cylinder 2.0 -liter turbo cranked out 241 horsepower and is mated to a smooth-shifting, powerful and quick accelerating eight-speed automatic. Don't expect a guttural growl out of this motor — it purrs like a kitten while delivering plenty of pop. The X-Drive full-time all-wheel-drive feature worked very well in rain and light snow, but heavy snow calls for performance winter tires.

One drawback to the 
X-Drive is the lack of a manual transmission option with a stick only available on the rear-wheel models. BMW does offer selectable driving modes for the automatic though, and without question the Sport mode is the preferred one for the 428i. The LCD shows how the mode affects the way the car changes gears, power distribution to the wheels, suspension settings and engine performance. I ran it in Comfort on the highway and the gas mileage increased proportionally. I thought the car's performance really suffered in ECO, but once again the mileage improved. Mileage is rated at 22 city and 33 highway. One note: Disable the annoying auto-on auto-stop feature; it's very rough.

The classic BMW split grill sets apart the cat-like wraparound directional headlamps that blend into the refined sweeping lines that tuck into the rear lamps. The shark-like fender gills actually are functional, working in conjunction with the brakes to help direct airflow over the discs to help cool them.

A comfortable but very understated leather and brushed metal interior is well crafted, moderately quiet and surprisingly roomy. Two gauges adorn the dash with electronic readouts for radio and car info. Rear-seat passengers will manage for short jaunts, but I would not recommend a long journey for them. However, for you and your favorite someone, the car is a neat highway cruiser and touring about will be fun. The trunk provided enough space for bags or groceries and easily will haul your gear for a holiday.

But sporty driving is the hallmark of the BMW. And I love the way the 428i delivers with light and responsive steering. This is just a fun, easy car to drive. Drop into the racing-
inspired driver's seat, grab the leather-wrapped steering wheel and you'll feel as if all the controls were 
custom-designed. For a low-slung two-door, the sight lines were good except for backing up. The beautiful lines, with its flared fenders and swept-up rear, do sacrifice some rear vision; however, the backup camera and warnings proved very useful and made parking easier.

European carmakers are known for the quick escalation in price as you build out your ride but at a $42,500 starting price, Bimmer comes well-equipped out of the factory. Our $50,225 M Sport was a tricked out tester that included the Cold Weather, Driver Assistance and Dynamic Handing Packages in addition to the upgraded M-sport Brakes. Only missing was the Technology Package that adds navigation, a larger LCD, a HUD and Bluetooth connectivity.

Make sure to swap out to performance snow tires or all-seasons in the winter. I ran into a pretty good nor'easter and the performance tires struggled even with the full-time all-wheel drive. Some ice and snow buildup on the alloys caused a brief rough ride until they heated up and spun off the debris. You've invested in this car so instead of garaging it for the winter, spend a few extra dollars to maximize your BMW as a year-round driver.

BMW has struck a nice balance in the luxury coupe field with its handsome styling and spacious interior and cements itself against some tough competition such as the Audi A5, Infiniti Q60 and the Mercedes-Benz C-class.

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AC casino hopes for quick end to fake-chips probe

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — An Atlantic City casino where someone may have used fake chips at a poker tournament hopes to learn on Saturday whether the suspended games should be allowed to continue.

The first event of the Borgata Winter Poker Open was suspended Friday for 24 hours by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement after suspicions about the games arose.

"The Division of Gaming Enforcement and New Jersey State Police are aware of a situation involving counterfeit chips," said Lisa Spengler a spokeswoman for the gaming enforcement division. "The matter is currently under investigation." She declined further comment.

Joe Lupo, senior vice president at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, said more than 50 other tournament events are not affected and will be played as scheduled. He said he expects the investigation to be completed by Saturday at noon.

"The integrity of our games and our operations is of the utmost importance to us," he told The Associated Press. "We are determined to investigate this incident thoroughly, and will work with law enforcement to prosecute any illegal activity to the fullest extent of the law in the event any findings are discovered."

Lupo and New Jersey State Police said no one had been arrested or taken into custody as of Friday night. Lupo said the casino regretted "any inconvenience or concern this causes our players."

"Within the next 24 hours, we believe we will have enough information to determine whether we can resume play, or must take another course of action," he said.

The event under scrutiny is the tournament's Big Stack, No Limit Hold 'Em event. It began on Tuesday and had a $560 buy-in. There were 27 people remaining in the contest when play was suspended.

Lupo said concerns arose during play Thursday night. The tournament was scheduled to resume at noon on Friday, but he said it was suspended before that could happen. He would not say what raised concerns about the integrity of the game, saying it was part of the ongoing investigation.

The 18-day series of tournaments is a regular feature at the Borgata. The casino's website said the championship event, which starts Sunday, Jan. 26., would include a $3 million prize guarantee.

The investigation does not involve Internet gambling, which began late last year and which the Borgata has dominated in the early going.

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Wayne Parry can be reached at http://twitter.com/WayneParryAC

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Obama: 2014 can be breakthrough year for US

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama says he believes 2014 can be a breakthrough year for the country.

In his weekly radio and Internet address, Obama says the U.S. is primed to bring back jobs lost in the recession or to overseas competitors. But he says to make that happen, the U.S. must act to create good-paying jobs and increase economic opportunity.

Obama says he wants to work with Congress. But he says when Congress doesn't act, he'll act on his own. He's pointing to a new manufacturing innovation institute the government helped launch in North Carolina.

In the Republican address, Indiana Rep. Marlin Stutzman says Democrats have focused on "making it easier to live without a job."

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Online:

Obama address: www.whitehouse.gov

Republican address: http://1.usa.gov/1dDYKtS

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High-end rentals offer way of life

It may be off-season for rentals, but a thousand high-end apartments have hit the Boston market.

The Victor near North Station has come on with 286 units, there's 381 apartments at the Kensington in Chinatown, the 99-unit Gatehouse 75 in Charlestown is also open. The 50 units at 11 West Broadway in Southie and the 202 units at 315 on A in Fort Point are both ready for move in.

The race is on to sign up tenants, and the developers believe that there's a pent-up demand out there. Normally it takes about a year to fully lease larger rental buildings.

Rents are high. At The Victor, they start at $2,795 for a studio up to $5,000 for one or two-bedroom units. The Kensington rents are even higher, ranging from $2,920 for a one-bedroom up to a staggering $10,645 for an upper-floor two bedroom. Rents at 315 on A straddle the two, starting at $2,279 for a studio, up to $5,289 for an upper-floor two bedroom.

They say in real estate it's all about location, location, location. But for these big new luxury apartment buildings, that's only part of the draw. Just as important are the amenities and creating a great urban living experience for their tenants.

These buildings offer condo building finishes, with quartz and granite counters and custom cabinets, on-site fitness centers — so you don't have to join a health club — and elaborate outdoor terraces that provide a sense of 
nature in the hard-edge city. They have common kitchen areas, lounges and club rooms where residents can serve meals or host a party and where guests can come over to watch a game. And they offer conference rooms and work spaces that allow residents who work at home to present a more professional face to their clients.

"The rents are high, but people are seeing the value in all the amenities, and that you can have it all right here in the building," said Drew Boujoulian, The Kensington's resident services manager. And that even includes dog-walking and pet-sitting services.

It appears to be drawing tenants. The Kensington is already 48 percent leased.

These buildings create their own neighborhoods even as they exist in larger neighborhoods. Residents can go out and get to know their surroundings, or if they don't have the time or inclination, create a community in the building they live in.

And these buildings aren't just drawing young professionals, but a lot of empty-nesters, testing the water for city living in 
environments that help them ease into urban life.

Each building has its own personality. The Victor has a wood-floored sports court — a homage to the nearby TD Garden — and a unique gift-wrapping station. At 315 on A, there's a common kitchen/lounge and fitness center on the 20th floor offering spectacular views. The Kensington has an outdoor pool and a shared car service.

The Victor seems more for corporate people, The Kensington has an air of urban exclusivity, while 315 on A targets its appeal to creative types.

Kelly Saito, president of 315 on A developer Gerding Edlen, added: "One big difference between what we offer and other big apartment dwellers is our focus on sustainability."

From the reclaimed wood on the lobby floor to its photovoltaic array on the roof, to the building's cogeneration heating and cooling system, 315 on A 
offers every imaginable green amenity.

The pitch seems to be working. Jessica Ryan, property manager of 
315 on A, said 26 percent of the building is leased.

Even though The Victor has only leased 10 percent of its units, the building's community manager 
Gabrielle Strahl says things are picking up, with eight leases already signed this month. And she doesn't even mind that lease-up is proceeding slowly.

"It's given me time to work out the hiccups and get to know personally everyone who's moved in here," Strahl said. "You don't get to do that when it gets really busy."

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State criticizes closing of Isis

The state's Office of Consumer Affairs & Business Regulation is calling on Isis Parenting to give its customers — many of them expectant parents — better information to help them adjust to the chain's sudden closure announcement.

The Needham company, which announced late Tuesday that it would no longer offer prenatal and early parenting classes and would shutter its 13 stores, should tell customers when those stores are closing so they can use gift cards and merchandise credits, according to Undersecretary Barbara Anthony. Isis also should arrange for another retailer to accept its outstanding gift cards once it closes, she said.

"Consumers need to know what's the deal," Anthony said. "How long do I have to use this? How long are you going to stay open? I think that they owe that to their loyal customers to figure that out fast and give them information."

Isis did not respond to Herald inquiries yesterday. The company has said its stores will be open for limited hours for a short period to sell remaining merchandise. Posts on the company's Facebook page stated Isis is "addressing each client situation" and would be in touch by email yesterday with customers who registered for classes in the past few days. The company also said online retail orders would either be filled or, if the company did not have the inventory, the sales would be cancelled.

"We are working with our partner hospitals to try to transition the prenatal classes — that is why the notification process will take some time," another Isis post said.

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Web glitches hurt Obamacare-created health insurer

An experimental new health insurance company created under a provision of Obamacare — with 
$88.5 million in federal funds — is now struggling to enroll members because of the state's broken Health Connector website.

"It's not a pleasant turn of events, but it is what it is, and we're dealing with it," Minuteman Health CEO Thomas Policelli said. "We certainly look forward to when it's fixed."

Minuteman, which bills itself as a low-cost health plan that will be run by its members, has only managed to pick up a few hundred customers so far through the state Health Connector.

"It's certainly far fewer than we would have hoped," Policelli said.

The Connector website is supposed to allow Bay Staters to enroll in health plans as required by Obamacare. It was revamped to comply with the federal law and has since been riddled with problems. Website woes are also frustrating bigger, more established insurers, who have redeployed staff and even hired temps to work on enrollment.

"It does create the potential that other projects may be placed on hold, but we all recognize the importance of this and know that members come first," said Eric Linzer of the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans.

Connector spokesman Jason Lefferts said: "We participate in twice-weekly all-carrier conferences, weekly one-on-one meetings with each carrier, and staff are constantly working with carriers every day."

An emergency review of the glitch-plagued Connector website is scheduled to be completed today.

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B.R.A. OKs $500M Landmark center

Mayor Martin J. Walsh told hundreds of retailers the city will soon usher in a "new era of transparency" at the Boston Redevelopment Authority, just hours before the agency met for the first time since he took office, approving a massive Landmark Center development project in the Fenway — with full property taxes.

"From big business to small business, from neighborhood businesses and downtown businesses, we will make reforms, including better organization of our staff under a new economic development chief," Walsh told real estate professionals and investors at the Colliers International Annual Seminar at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center yesterday. "That will keep our economy growing. We will make Boston a leader in streamline transparent and effective job and business growth from Seaport Square to Dudley Square."

The Herald first reported Sunday that Walsh would seek a brand-new cabinet-level economic development czar to oversee the BRA and submit Beacon Hill legislation to reform the agency. Brian P. Golden, a former state representative and BRA executive director, has been named the agency's interim director. Walsh will also call for an independent audit of the BRA, though he's been short on specifics about what the probe will focus on.

Meanwhile, the BRA approved a major redevelopment of Landmark Center last night.

The Landmark developers will have to pay property taxes on the new construction. The same property had been previously granted tax breaks as a blighted area in 1996. The BRA came under fire following Herald reports during the final months of the Menino administration for granting breaks to high-end projects. Yesterday's approval with taxes took place without fanfare.

The project will create 550 apartments, 110,000 square feet of new retail space, 75,000 square feet for a new Wegman's grocery store, and 15,000 square feet of office space and parking. The $500 million development will feature three residential towers, a new food court and the Wegmans and have clear access to the T, developers said. They plan to demolish much of the existing building, but maintain the historic 200-foot Landmark tower, originally built in the 1920s for Sears, Roebuck and Co.

"It's been years in the Fenway working on various buildings and master planning and revitalizing of the neighborhood," said Steven Samuels of Samuels & Associates, the developer. "When acquisition of Landmark became available a couple of years ago, we envisioned it as a key piece in the final turnaround of the Fenway."

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Partners: State board wrong on South Shore Hospital acquisition

Medical giant Partners HealthCare is hitting back after a state commission last month said its proposed acquisition of South Shore Hospital would raise costs and do nothing for the quality of care.

In a document it will give the Health Policy Commission today, the nonprofit health care provider accuses the board of ignoring facts and misreading others.

Partners calls the commission's estimate that the deal will add $23 million to $26 million in annual health care costs "merely speculation."

Already the biggest hospital system in Massachusetts, Partners argues that acquiring South Shore Hospital in Weymouth will bring "value and efficiencies" to the region.

This is the first time the Health Policy Commission, a new body formed by a 2012 health care cost-containment law, has challenged a hospital acquisition.

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