(future Lechmere T station rendering)

State leaders are apparently frustrated by the yearlong delays in the Northpoint project, so they are stepping in to take over the building of the new $70M Lechmere T station that was supposed to be built by the Northpoint developers.  Because the Northpoint developers have been fighting in court about the future of the project, the state is worried that any further delays in the Lechmere station could impede upon the entire Green Line extension project to Medford.

From "State to take over building of T station" (in today's Globe): 

The station must be moved to place it along the tracks that are being used to extend the Green Line through Somerville to Medford. Currently, that Green Line ends at Lechmere.

"Because of the uncertainty and time delay with the NorthPoint Project, and recognizing the aggressive timeline for completing the Green Line extension, we are incorporating the relocation of Lechmere Station into our project," Adam Hurtubise, a spokesman for the Executive Office of Transportation, said in an e-mailed statement. "We are not precluding the opportunity to work with the selected developer if and when the NorthPoint legal issues . . . are resolved."

It will be interesting to see if or how the state actually re-engages the developer of Northpoint for this since the projected cost is $70M - and that has to somehow be added to the already $550M Green Line extension budget.  I guess the question is: who's paying?

As far as Northpoint condos go, it looks like the sales office will be reopening with a new grand opening after Labor Day.  Of the 329 condos, 46 have been sold so far, according Collaborative Cos. who is marking the condos.  Hopefully, sales can get kick-started there after the court battle is over.  I don't know if I would want to personally move in there right now, but over the next 10-15 years, Northpoint should be able to fulfill its promise of a transit oriented "minicity" and be a great place to live and work.