Latest news with #RichardFriedman
Daily Mail
17-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Obamas' private Martha's Vineyard beach could be opened to PUBLIC if wealthy developer gets his way
The Obamas private beach in Martha's Vineyard could soon be opened to the public if a millionaire developer gets his way in a long-running legal battle. Boston real estate mogul Richard Friedman has been fighting his neighbors in the wealthy enclave for years over access to a two-mile stretch of barrier beach, Oyster Pond. He bought a 20-acree property in 1983, believing the purchase gave him ownership of the barrier beach. But his wealthy neighbors disagreed, saying they owned the beach. A lengthy legal saga ensued that was ultimately brought to an end by natural erosion and shifts in the beach's sands. As the court battle went on for decades, Friedman decided that, since the private beaches had by this point moved north to rest between two bodies of water considered 'public' under Massachusetts law - Oyster Pond and Jobs Neck Pond - no private entity should be able to lay claim to them. Now Democratic governor Maura Healy is pushing to open the beach stretch to the public, adding a measure to a $3 billion environmental bond bill that would define a barrier beach which moves - whether by erosion or rising sea levels - on to public land as public property. The bill declares that a beach that moves into the 'former bottom of the great pond shall be and remain in Commonwealth ownership in perpetuity.' Hundreds of homeowners would be affected if the measure passes, including Barack and Michelle Obama, whose 28-acre estate includes a barrier beach that would become open to the public. As the Boston Globe points out, Friedman is a Healy donor and is even scheduled to host a fundraiser for her this weekend. Critics of the bill have accused her of doing a donor's bidding but she insists the planned law will open more of her state's most stunning beaches to regular people who aren't super-rich. The Democrat has denied being swayed by her wealthy donor. Her spokesperson said in a statement: 'As someone who grew up on the Seacoast, Governor Healey has always felt strongly about increasing public access to beaches and great ponds.' The Obamas purchased the sprawling vacation home on Martha's Vineyard for $11.75 million in 2020. The battle between millionaire families has been raging since a century ago, when two wealthy clans - the Nortons and the Flynns - with oceanside mansions carved out the beach overlooking Oyster Pond, claiming land rights to large slices of the shoreline. The Norton land is now owned by three trusts - with Friedman being the principal owner, and the Flynn land is owned by six trusts. Last September, a court ruled against Richard and in favor of the neighbors who say they own the beach. Representatives for the Flynn trusts have been fighting Friedman's efforts for decades, and experts told the Boston Globe that the law would likely invite lawsuits from the affected homeowners of properties with private beaches. Eric Peters, one of the attorneys for the Flynn trusts, said 'There is no public interest promoted' by this this legislation promotes the of a real estate developer.' Friedman's lawyers meanwhile have claimed 28 beaches that are now considered private would be open to the public if the law is changed. Friedman is the developer behind the famed Charles Hotel in Cambridge and the Liberty Hotel in Boston.
TimesLIVE
19-05-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Netcare invests in expanding mental health facilities
Private hospital group Netcare will build a new mental health care facility in Pretoria as the demand for the service continues to grow. 'In response to the increasing need for mental health support in the broader Tshwane region, the group will be commissioning the new Netcare Akeso Montana facility (88 beds) in October 2026. Furthermore, the Netcare Akeso Alberlito facility (80 beds) is scheduled to open its doors in March 2027, strengthening the group's national footprint and reinforcing its dedication to meeting the mental healthcare needs of communities across South Africa,' it said. It is also building a new Akeso hospital in Polokwane, which will have 87 beds. Netcare said demand for quality mental healthcare services 'continues to grow and the group remains committed to expanding access and pursuing new opportunities in this vital space'. On Monday, the company reported adjusted headline earnings per share increased by 20% to 58.8c for the six months to March and a 5.3% increase in total revenue to R12.6bn. The company declared an interim dividend of 36c per share. Total capital expenditure, including strategic projects, was R434m. Total capital expenditure for the 2025 full financial year is estimated at R1.5bn. The company has embarked on a digital strategy aimed at improving efficiencies and reshaping the way it delivers health and care. The current rollout phase will see the group developing capabilities in predictive analytics and have made significant progress, with the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority approving algorithm for the early detection of sepsis (blood stream infections) in ICU patients. 'This innovation enables earlier clinical interventions and meaningfully enhances patient care and outcomes. In addition, an advanced analytics platform has been deployed, equipping clinical teams with real-time, actionable insights. Beyond the substantial clinical and patient benefits, this capability positions the group to reduce the cost per clinical event, reduce morbidity and mortality rates and improve overall efficiency,' said CEO Dr Richard Friedman. The next phase of the digital transformation focuses on 'person-centred health and care' and is being rolled out over the next three to four years. 'This initiative will empower patients with direct access to their health records, enabling more meaningful engagement in their care journey and ensuring care delivery is deeply aligned with their individual needs and preferences,' he said.
