Lowell Downtown Neighborhood Association

Lowell Downtown Neighborhood Association April 2026 Minutes  

Ken called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm on April 27th, 2026. 

Treasurer Update (Dom): There were no transactions and the current account  balance is $1,314.29. We were able to acquire a new EIN number from the IRS  and are in the process of transferring the account from Rockland Trust to  Eastern Bank. 

Police Report (Captain Demaris) 

⁃ Downtown bike operations – police conducted an operation on April 22nd  targeting reckless bike riders downtown and observed 8 juveniles riding  recklessly. LPD plans to conduct similar operations in the future, including  during vacation week 

⁃ Broken windows – police were able to identify and arrest a single individual  apparently responsible for the March spate of vandalism and broken  windows on Merrimack Street. 

⁃ Car break ins – decrease from 12 (February) down to 5 (March). Police have  arrested and charged 3 individuals responsible for many car breaks in the  area. Reminder to lock car doors and to avoid keeping valuables (purses,  wallets, backpacks, laptops, etc) in plain site 

⁃ Brief discussion of other incidents reported to police 

Police Q&A 

⁃ Discussion about alternative approaches to discourage reckless driving of  bicycles in the streets downtown. Police are working the school resource  officer to talk with families of kids to discourage the behavior. City is  working on special events and is in talks with the Bike Connection and  other partners to find alternative attractive places for kids to bike (e.g. a  mountain bike trail in the Lowell state forest). 

⁃ LPD confirmed there are no Shot Spotter devices in the city 

17th Middlesex District Representative candidate introduction (Dr. Harini Aiyer) – Dr. Aiyer is running for the state rep seat for the 17th Middlesex District. She  described her personal background and history, what drew her to Lowell, and  her top priorities as a candidate – affordability, safety, and transparency. – Note: there are two other candidates for the position. We hope to hear from  them at future LDNA meetings

Lowell City Budget Update (Lowell CFO Conor Baldwin and Deputy CFO Austin  Walk) 

– The CFO gave an in-depth presentation describing the process of creating the  annual budget. The city sets tax rates in the fall, departments submit funding  requests from the fall through the spring, and the city manager submits the  budget to the city council in May for review and approval. The CFO identified  5 major fiscal challenges, including increased pension, health insurance, and  energy costs, increased state assessments (especially for charter schools)  and increased debt service costs for capital improvements like the new high  school. 

– The full budget is available online on the city’s website (https:// www.lowellma.gov/151/Budget) 

– Discussion in the meeting focused on the parking enterprise fund, which is  separate from the general fund. This enterprise fund accounts for the debt  service and operating costs of the garages, and translates to the usage rate  of the garages downtown. The increases in the downtown parking rates have  gone to pay for debt services for improvements to the Downes and Ayotte  garage and the construction of the Hamilton Canal Garage. Some residents  expressed concerns that downtown neighborhood is disproportionately  impacted by parking costs and parking enforcement relative to the rest of the  city. The CFO discussed some anticipated upcoming relief (e.g. the Early  Garage debt service should be paid of within 5 years). 

City District Updates (City Councilor Sean McDonough) 

– Sean discussed the process for and difficulties with repairing the sidewalks  downtown. In some situations, abutting owners own vaults below the  sidewalk. The vaults fail, causing a sinkhole in the sidewalk and leading to  complications regarding who is responsible for fixing the issue. 

– Sean is working on a list of sidewalks, fences, and bridges that need  improvements in the district. The city engineer may also have a separate list  of upcoming and recently completed road and sidewalk improvements. 

– The association discussed ways for the city to improve communication about  what’s been repaired and what is on the city’s radar for future improvements 

Announcements from the President (Ken) 

– Due to time constraints, we deferred conversation about the front-runner city  program and the downtown business improvement district to June. (We will  not hold a meeting in May.) 

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm.

Lowell Downtown Neighborhood Association
March 2026 Minutes
Ken called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm on March 23rd, 2026.
The meeting began with introductions from the new members of the board.
⁃ Ken Michienzi – President Runs the Lowell General Store downtown
⁃ John Hawkins – Co-vice President, downtown Lowell resident for 15 years
⁃ Bob Casey – Co-vice president
⁃ Dominic (Dom) Serge – Treasurer. Lowell downtown resident for coming up
3 years.
⁃ Abiola Laniyonu – Secretary resident of downtown Lowell for a few years
Treasurer report (Dom) – we had a single transaction – a $1k check for the DCR
donation for the Victoria Park project. The current account balance: $1,314.29.
We have a couple of in-flight projects including:
⁃ Transitioning the signers of the account to the newly elected treasurer
⁃ Acquiring a new tax (EIN) number
⁃ Opening a new bank account for the organization (moving from Enterprise/
Rockland to Eastern Bank)
Police Report (Captain Demaris)
⁃ New dashboard for residents to review crime stats in Lowell –
lowellpolice.org
⁃ Downtown bike riding: LPD is planning 1 or 2 bike safety operations in the
spring to discourage aggressive bike riding downtown.
⁃ Broken windows downtown: There was a spike in broken windows on
Merrimack Street and John Street (10 incidents in 10 days). Police are
investigating. 4 or 5 incidents were around National Guard recruitment
centers. Nighttime unit will spend more time in downtown patrols
⁃ B&E of motor vehicles: spike in breaking and entering of motor vehicles in
February and first few days of March. Police have charged 3 individuals so
far. Out of 12 vehicles broken into, 9 were unlocked. Recommendation –
lock your cars and do not store valuables in your car.
⁃ Brief discussion of other incidents reported to police (assault, disorderly
conduct, shoplifting).
Police Q&A
⁃ Alleged incident in early March with a bouncer assaulting a patron at the
Blue Shamrock

⁃ A resident requested for additional police presence and patrols downtown
at night in the dark. LPD confirmed the police patrol downtown and
recommended if the resident sees something that doesn’t seem right, call
the police. LPD works with residence and businesses on lighting but has
limited ability to improve lighting on private property
⁃ A resident described an incident involving kids and an alleged air-soft rifle.
LPD recommended making a report to the police if you become aware of a
crime, so they can investigate it.
⁃ A resident asked about people who feel afraid or uncomfortable calling the
police. LPD suggested making an anonymous complaint in that case.
Victoria Park Project update (Bob Casey)
⁃ LDNA has applied for funding from Community Preservation Act to improve
the benches and general condition of the park
⁃ CPA approved funding last month, on to City Council for approval
⁃ Lots of help and support on this project from DCR
⁃ Note: We are the only neighborhood association, and only 1 of 2 projects
for outdoor/recreational space, submitted for review for CPA funds
⁃ Approximate price: $27k for the benches
Update on the canals (Steve Cerand)
⁃ Lowell downtown canals have been refilled with water
⁃ There were a few roadblocks and issues that left the canals dry for so-long,
including the Central Street bridge project, a sinkhole near the penstocks
on the Easter Canal near the Concord river (by the MCC library), a water
main break, and foundation work at the Boott Mill
LDNA 2025 survey of constituents (John Hawkins)
⁃ LDNA 2025 survey of constituents – link
⁃ Please fill out the survey to help the board learn how best to serve the
organization
⁃ 25 responses so far, mostly from downtown residents
⁃ Identified themes so far – public safety, cleanliness, housing, and improved
communication (outreach and visibility)
⁃ By next month, we hope to compile statistically valid results
City Councilor Update (Sean McDonough)
⁃ Business Improvement District (BID) – informational motion on this
week’s city council agenda. Downtown residents should learn more about
the BID and form an opinion on it. A BID would assess a small tax on
landowners in the district and that money, along with a contribution from
the city, would be put in to improving downtown. A non-profit board would
be elected to manage the BID and spend the funds to improve downtown.

Who is eligible to vote for and serve on the board of the BID was the topic
of discussion. Sean pointed out that the city council can influence the
eligibility criteria for board members, which can significantly shape the
direction the board takes, and can approve or decline to approve the
creation of the BID. There was a discussion of the pros and cons of a
downtown BID, and residents looked forward to learning more.
⁃ UMass Lowell and the park behind the Tsongas Center – UMass Lowell
has plans to expand the Tsongas Center and to build a new hotel and
convention center, which would impact the park between the Tsongas
Center and the riverwalk. The association discussed the relationship
between the University and downtown residents and the potential loss of
accessible green space for downtown residents.
⁃ Economic development in Lowell – The update on the green space
sparked a more general conversation about the impact of development
(Hamilton Canal district, LINC, UMass Lowell conference center, etc.) on
economic conditions in the city and the quality of residential life. The
association discussed the potential for community benefits agreements or
tax incentives to distribute the benefits and costs of economic
development
⁃ Lupoli and the Senior Center – There was a brief conversation about
recent developments on the Senior Center and the city’s relationship with
the owner/developer. In general, residents expressed the desire for more
transparency, consistency, and protection of city interests when the city
enters into a partnership with a private developer. There was also a brief
conversation seeking clarity on the role of the city auditor, and who should
provide oversight for partnerships.
The meeting adjourned at 8:05 pm

Lowell Downtown Neighborhood Association
(LDNA) October Meeting Notes
Date: October 27th, 2025
President Lamarre called to order the October meeting of the LDNA at 7:01pm.
Secretary update: Motion to approve minutes made, seconded, and approved
Treasurer update:

• Current balance: $2,322.29 in account.
• Pending $1k check for DCR for trash cans at Victorian park…
• The association’s bank account will transition from Enterprise Bank to
  Rockland Trust as part of their acquisition
  Update on Victoria park from Bob Casey: The Community Conservation
  Committee met and determined that our project is eligible for funding. We are in
  the process of applying for funding but may need to partner with the state’s
  Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) or a non-profit for the
  application. Next month we hope to have Sandra Libby from DCR to speak at
  meeting.
  Police report from Sargent Velez: September saw a spike in aggravated assaults
  and car breaks. A suspect was identified and car breaks have diminished since
  then. There have been zero in October to date. Most aggravated assaults were
  in the garages
  Election updates with Will Rosenberry: Elections are a week away. Early voting is
  available at the Lowell Senior Center, and over 200 people have voted early so
  far. The city has billboards to announce the elections.
  Upcoming elections for 2026: There will be a primary election February 3rd and

a general election on March 3rd for the open state Senate seat. There is no in-
person early voting for special elections. There will be a primary in September

and general election in November for congressional and Massachusetts state
races.
Treasure Green gave another update on heat pump special rates with National
Grid, which provides a rebate over the winter. Mass Save takes care of it
automatically if you got your heat pump through them.

Lowell School Committee candidate Danielle McFadden. She is the President of
the Lowell Chamber of Commerce and is running to add parental perspective to
the committee. She’s done a lot of fundraising and wants to work directly with
the city and look for grants to bring in more funding for the schools. Another
issue is with continuity in leadership and where to make cuts if necessary.
President Lamarre mentioned upcoming LDNA elections and seeking
candidates before November meeting
Upcoming events:

• Lowell PupFest on Nov 1st
• Friends of the Library book sale also November 1st
• City of Lights on November 29th with holiday market at Dutton St. Market
• No LDNA meeting in December
  Councilman Jenness spoke regarding motions for upcoming city council
  meeting.
  Discussion ensued regarding trash trucks and early pickup at 4am and 6am
  Motion to adjourn at 750 made seconded and approved

Lowell Downtown Neighborhood Association (LDNA) – November Meeting Notes

Date: November 24

Meeting Called to Order: 7:03 PM

1. Approval of Minutes

– October minutes were distributed late; approval deferred to the January meeting.

2. Treasurer’s Report

– Balance: $2,322.29

– No deposits or withdrawals this month.

• Bank statement is is now on Rockland Trust letterhead
• LDNA has a $1,000 commitment to DCR

3. Police Report – Captain Desmarais

– New real-time crime data dashboard is now live after resolving initial bugs.

– Crime decreased from September to October by approximately seven incidents.

– Car break-ins reduced to one incident in October following targeted enforcement.

– Reminder: Hide packages and lock vehicles during the holiday season.

– Be mindful of porch piracy; consider giving specific delivery instructions.

– Attempted bank robbery at Washington Savings Bank; no money taken.

– Clarification provided regarding unmarked police vehicles being used for various units.

– Concern raised about underage drinking, specifically at The Blue Shamrock.

– Additional concerns about traffic enforcement, including cars running stop signs and and school bus flashing lights.

4. DCR Update – Bob Casey & Guest Speaker Sandy Libby

– DCR: Department of Conservation and Recreation.

– Sandy Libby oversees playgrounds, hard courts, and fitness areas.

– Victorian Park benches need replacement; grant application pending for historically accurate benches.

– Temporary benches are currently in place.

– Additional trash receptacles will be added.

– DCR is operating under resource constraints tied to federal policy shifts.

5. Announcements

– Treasurer Greene reminded members about National Grid heat pump rebates (link in agenda).

– Discussion with Councilor Gitschier regarding revival of the Lowell Spinners through a new collegiate league beginning in late May.

6. LDNA Elections

– President: Ken Michienzi

– Vice Presidents (Co-VPs): Bob Casey & John Hawkins

– Treasurer: Dom Serge

– Secretary: Abiola Laniyonu

7. Scheduling

– No meeting in December.

– Next meeting: January 26.

– City of Lights celebration is this Saturday.

Meeting Adjourned: 8:03 PM

September 22, 2025

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. by the President. A motion was made to accept the minutes from the previous meeting, which was seconded and unanimously approved.

Treasurer’s Report

Treasurer Greene reported that the account balance is $2,322.29. This includes one deposit and no withdrawals. There has been no change in the status of the account with the Enterprise/Rockland bank merger.

Community Updates

Bob Casey –Victorian Garden:

• LDNA will be donating $1,000 toward the purchase of trash receptacles at Victorian Garden
• Filed a preliminary CPA grant application with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) for 11 new benches in the park. He expressed hope that the application will move forward.
• Councilwoman Rita Mercier suggested that community members might sponsor benches as part of the effort to help fund them

Treasurer Greene: 

Shared that National Grid has announced a program offering a lower delivery rate for customers who use heat pumps.

• The discount applies to the delivery charge, so residents will receive the benefit even if they have another provider or are enrolled in the city’s aggregation plan.
• More information about this program will be shared when available.

Police Update – Captain Desmarais

Captain Desmarais provided updates on recent public safety issues and initiatives:

• Increased complaints about homelessness and drug use in the Gallagher Terminal area, which has spilled into downtown. Several arrests were made for individuals who refused to leave the area.
• At 246 Market Street, complaints were received about high school students gathering at what is considered a dangerous site. The city is working to fully fence off the area.
• A bike operation conducted on August 21 in Centralville and downtown resulted in 10 bikes being seized. The bikes were held for seven days, and parents and children were educated when the bikes were retrieved.
• Officers continue to work to disperse groups of students gathering on Merrimack Street after school.

Reviewed crime statistics.

• Addressed community questions regarding: a pedestrian struck on Central Street while crossing against the light; youths on bikes weaving through traffic and kicking cars (referenced the bike seizure operation as part of efforts to reduce this behavior); and the use of electric bikes and scooters on sidewalks. He noted that they should be on the street and that efforts are underway to increase signage and work with schools to share this information.

Candidate Introductions

A forum of city council candidates was conducted. Below are the main takeaways:

Wayne Jenness

• IT professional, District 4 City Councilor (4 years):
• Described his systems-based approach to problem solving.
• Noted accomplishments including the creation of a Communications Department, pushing for the implementation of a 311-style system, and bringing forward a motion to create policies to better train student employees at summer camps on handling bullying issues.

Eric Gitscher

• At-Large City Councilor, Civil Engineer by trade:
• Focuses on government efficiencies and improving how the city delivers services.
• Highlighted achievements including helping create the Sustainability Committee, pushing for road improvements, and noting that opioid incidents have declined by one-third since 2022.
• Spoke about the use of ARPA funds for new fire trucks and cautioned that ARPA funding is running low.
• Expressed support for residents having the right to vote directly for the their city councilor vs the council filling the vacant spot in Belvidere

Sixto Dejesus

• At-Large Candidate, Enterprise Bank (14 years):
• A resident since 2006, with extensive experience in business development.
• Highlighted his experience listening to customers and connecting them to solutions tailored to their needs.
• Stated his priorities include business development, ensuring equitable access to resources, and leaving no one behind.
• Speaks Spanish and Portuguese, reflecting the languages spoken by many Lowell residents.
• Serves as Chairman of the Board for Coalition for a Better Acre, focusing on housing and helping residents break out of cycles of poverty.

Sean McDonough

• District 4 Candidate, Special Education Teacher at Lowell High School:
• Lives downtown above Brew’d Awakening Coffeehaus. Graduate of UMass Lowell and former Peace Corps volunteer.
• Advocated for more green space downtown, noting the lack of parks available for residents. Stressed the need for unprogrammed, resident-focused spaces.
• Discussed parking issues, advocating for more affordable parking options for Section 8 residents, where parking costs can equal one-quarter of rent.
• Emphasized pedestrian safety, calling for better sidewalks and the full removal of old parking meters and filling in the holes they’ve left

Rita Mercier

• City Councilor (30 years), Former Sheriff’s Department Staff:-
• Spoke about her longevity and persistence in city government (30 years), and her preference for working directly with the administration rather than through motions.
• Praised neighborhood groups as the eyes and ears of the city.
• Cited her personal experience as a mother as important to her perspective.
• Serves as President of the Bridge Club, which provides support for those facing addiction and homelessness.

Q&A Highlights

– Concerns were raised about the homelessness situation in Lowell, with suggestions to explore practices used in other cities such as Springfield.

-A question was asked about the possibility of a new treatment center in Lowell. There was discussion about using more humanized language when addressing homelessness and addiction.

-Additional questions covered the Historic Commission and how change is managed, and which public figures the candidates look up to.

-Attendees asked what the candidates would like to see Lowell become a beacon for:

• Jenness: Education (Pre-K through PhD), sustainability with a focus on transportation.
• McDonough: Increasing green space and amenities such as basketball courts, particularly in neighborhoods that lack them.

– Motion to adjourn made, seconded and passed unanimously

NEXT MEETING: Monday, October 27, 7pm at LTC on Market St

Approval of the minutes (sent out last month and available on the website https://www.ldna01852.org/ )
Budget update from Treasurer Stephen Greene
Police Report
Candidate Forum – meet candidates for City Council
Upcoming events in the downtown

o September 27 – Lowell Hispanic and Latinx Festival – Boarding House Park
o October 4 – Kerouac Park Cleanup with Lowell Litter Crew and the Lowell Celebrates Kerouac Festival
October 9-13 – Lowell Celebrates Kerouac
o Other events from attendees


Next meeting:
October 27, 7pm at LTC on Market St

Upcoming meetings:
October 27
November 24
December – no meeting
January 26 – nominations for LDNA office positions
February 23 – elections for LDNA office positions

6. Upcoming Events & Community Updates

NEXT MEETING: September 22

LDNA letter in support of Boot Hydro plan – you may use the text of this letter as the basis for your own letter to send:

Via eFiling
Debbie-Anne A. Reese, Secretary Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 888 First Street, N.E.
Washington, DC 20426-0001
August 25, 2025

RE: Comments on Lowell (Boott) Hydroelectric Project (P-2790-074) Amended Final License Application
Dear Secretary Reese:
On April 30, 2021, Boott Hydropower, LLC, (Boott) filed an application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (The Commission) for a 50-year license to continue operations of the Lowell Hydroelectric Project (P-2790), located on the Merrimack River ni Lowell, MA. The Commission issued a Notice of Application Ready for Environmental Analysis (REA) on May 20, 2025, initiating the comment period for filing comments, recommendations, terms and conditions, and prescriptions. During this comment period, Boott subsequently filed an Amended Final License Application (AFLA) on June 19, 2025, which proposes to retain the downtown canals within the Project Boundary and reinitiate generation at several of the downtown canal powerhouses.
This letter from the Lowell Downtown Neighborhood Association (LDNA) is to express support for the approach proposed in the Amended Final License Application and to provide comments regarding section E.6.2 Proposed Action Measures. The vote to approve this letter took place at our August 25, 2025 meeting.
Lowell is known for its partnerships and collaborations among local organizations and government. Boott’s coordination with the leading stakeholders: City of Lowell, National Park Service (NPS), Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (MDCR) and the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML) as well as other community organizations is critical to arrive at a final license that addresses the many needs identified in the Amendment for further implementation: the Canal Operations &
Maintenance Plan, the Historic Properties Management Plan, a Recreational Access and Facilities Management Plan and a Deferred Maintenance Plan.
c/o Stephen Greene, Treasurer, 200 Market St #614, Lowell, MA 01852 www.ldna01852.org
Page 1 of 3

Approval of the minutes as written by Ken Michenzi, acting Secretary

Budget update from Treasurer Stephen Greene

Proposal for Update on Victorian Park improvements

Police Report from Lt. Dawn Beauchesne 

Boott Licenses amendments  – Jon Geer and Steve Cerand help.   This is a 50 year license.

Candidate Forum – School Committee members

Folk Festival comments

Upcoming events in the downtown

o   September 13 – Lowell Irish Festival – concentrated around the auditorium

o   September 20-  Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race will shut down one block of Market and impact traffic at the start and end of the race

o   September 27 – Lowell Hispanic and Latinx Festival – Boarding House Park

o   October 4 – Kerouac Park Cleanup with Lowell Litter Crew and the Lowell Celebrates Kerouac Festival

o   Other events from attendees

Next meeting:

September 23, 7pm at LTC on Market St