Category Archives: Budget Issues

Hold the line on city parking rates

Here is an excerpt from the SUN editorial regarding increased parking rates. You can get the rest by clicking on the headline above.

“…Most of the city’s employees, including School Department workers, don’t live in Lowell, and don’t share in the cost of parking in the city’s garages. Yet the people who have made an investment in Lowell — downtown condo residents and business owners — not only have to pay for their own parking but must also subsidize parking for city workers who take up municipal spaces.
The plan to increase residents’ rates by $10 a month without exacting a contribution from city workers isn’t fair. City workers, including teachers, should bear some of the cost through a payroll deduction. Downtown residents who already are supporting the garages through parking fees and taxes should be exempt from higher rates…”


Neighbors have supported Mr. Carney and all he has done to make the city garages safer, cleaner and more profitable. However, the SUN is correct when you consider downtown residents are pretty much the only city tax-payers who have this burden.

Here’s a thought…since each “household”, (which includes my little tiny condo that is not eligible for municipal trash pick-up), subsidizes the city trash program to the tune of about $150.00 per year. Instead of the City increasing my parking fee $120.00 annually; maybe we could just call it even…I’m willing to pay the extra $30.00 to pick other people’s trash.
KMM

Dressing up the downtown

I lifted this from Bill at Center City Committee blog for all of us who enjoy the beauty of these hanging flower baskets everyday. I would like to suggest that everyone get their $5. annual LDNA dues to Greg at the April meeting so we can make a contribution to keeping this small bit of beauty alive and well downtown.

For several years now, the City has paid for installation of hanging flower baskets and their care in the Downtown. The flowers benefit the downtown by adding to the street ambience and help in promoting local business and retail efforts. However, due to budget constraints, the City will no be able to continue this annual $13,600. cost without help. The City will continue its commitment to the installation and removal of the baskets, but the cost of the plants for the 140 baskets, which are installed in early spring, will be difficult to cover. The Center City Committee has agreed to be a $250.00 sponsor, but a lot of other donations are needed as well. Anyone interested in helping is asked to contact Anne Barton or Diane Tradd at the Department of Planning & Development. 978-446-7200.