Jack Moynihan called the meeting to order at 7:03 pm. Special guests in attendance were Francesca Cigliano from the City’s Division of Planning, Zoning, Community Preservation Act (CPA) and Conservation and LPD’s Lieutenant Marisol Nobrega. On a motion by Steve Greene and seconded by Sally Coulter, the minutes of the March 28 meeting were unanimously approved. Treasurer Greene reported that our bank balance was $1,333.29. Lieutenant Nobrega provided the LPD’s monthly report of police activity in the downtown area. A late night aggravated assault occurred on Shattuck St, with two individuals possessing firearms arrested. On the issue of dirt bikes wreaking a measure of havoc downtown, Lt. Nobrega addressed the concern and discussed the strict pursuit procedures that officers must follow to minimize further risk and injury to either the bikers or pedestrians and drivers. She indicated that LPD continues to develop plans and policies to safely reduce the activity. Also on her ledger were reports of various vandalism incidents and break ins at Mass Mills, a restaurant on ‘South Street, and a yoga studio on Jackson Street. In sum, the report indicates another month of relatively few incidents in the neighborhood. From the audience came a few questions about the uptick in grafitti and loud motorcycles. Councilor Jenness and LPD are aware and looking into these matters. Featured guest, Francesca Cigliano from the Department of Development Services, about Community Preservation Act, which was instituted by Lowell voters in 2020. She explained the purposes, funding mechanism, and recently approved projects with CPA funding. With CPA funds derived from a small surcharge on residential property tax bills and a matching formula from the state, CPA initiates projects focusing on open space and recreation, housing, and preservation. The projects are submitted for approval to the Community Preservation Committee, comprised of city officials and residents appointed by the City Council. The second part of the presentation was an activity to survey members to determine their priorities for CPA funding. Francesca discussed the survey results and took several questions from the floor. Councilor Jenness reported on the unanimous selection of new City Manager Thomas Golden to succeed Eileen Donahue. As CM Golden takes the reins, Councilor Jenness stated one of the greatest challenges facing the new administration will be to find replacements for a cadre of key positions that have become vacant, including that of the neighborhood services liaison and frequent presence at LDNA, Shauna Forcier. With no other business, the motion to adjourn by Sally Coulter and seconded by Steve Greene was unanimously voted at 8:13 pm.
Respectfully submitted, Robert Casey, Secretary
Respectfully submitted, Robert Casey, Secretary