Lowell Downtown Neighborhood Association

Minutes of the Meeting

Jack Moynihan called the meeting to order at 7:03 pm. Special guests in attendance were
Ranger JoAnn Marcos from National Park Service and Michelle Rivera from the Citizens Advisory
Committee.
On a motion by Greg Lamarre-Anderson and seconded by Chris Offerman, the minutes of the
February 28 meeting were unanimously approved.
In Treasurer Greene’s absence, Carolyn reported that our bank balance remained steady with
$1233.29.
Captain Cullen from Lowell Police Department reported a small spike of unsavory activity which
he attributed to the warmer weather. There were 3 assaults 2 of which involved LHS students
and another incident with a water bottle at 200 Central Street Additionally there were 4
burglaries, 2 disorderly incidents arrests and 5 vandalism cases. Captain Cullen reminded all to
call LPD for either assistance or to report a concern at 978-937-3200.
Ranger Marcos from the NPS made an informative and uplifting presentation regarding
upcoming NPS activities. The overall theme is that we are getting back to normal, and Lowell
will be alive in 2022. Among the coming highlights are the ongoing Kerouac Exhibit at the Boot
Mill Museum, and an April 6 program commemorating the 1821 arrival of the Irish Immigrants
entitled “Digging Canals” sponsored by the Middlesex Canal Association.
JoAnn announced that March 28 was the first day for school group visits in two years, and that
a full slate of summer programs for youth groups will resume along with the popular Summer
Music Series. Further the Trolley service will resume in June along with canal tours, River Boat
Thursdays and the Lowell Walks program.
Most encouraging is news that the iconic Lowell Folk Festival will return on July 29-31 with four
stages in DTL.
Michelle Rivera representing the newly formed Citizens Advisory Council spoke about the
mission and scope of her group. Incorporated in 2021, CAC meets regularly with LPD, pastors
and youth groups with a focus on diversity, transparency and mutual cooperation with the LPD.
Michelle is visiting with neighborhood groups throughout the city to solicit community input
and ideas for strengthening connections with city government and law enforcement.
District Councilor Wayne Jenness spoke next regarding with an update on the City Manager
selection including news that the Council would be interviewing a single candidate for the ​
position. Greg Lamarre-Anderson expressed a concern that the Council’s narrow search
reflected a lack of openness and reinforced the notion that Lowell is still an insulated city that is
not realizing its potential.
Councilor Jenness also updated the group on the high school building project. With the
projected +30 million in overruns due primarily to pandemic induced price increases, he stated
the city would be seeking new bond authorizations while exploring additional state and federal
relief.
Finally, the LDNA committed to making a financial donation to assist with upgrades to Victorian
Park on Shattuck Street. More to follow on that.
With no other business, the motion to adjourn by Sally Coulter and seconded by Bob Casey was
unanimously voted at 8:15 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Robert Casey, Secretary

Minutes of the Meeting
Jack Moynihan called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm. Special guests in attendance were
Wade Rubenstein and Patty Grasso the Bike Connectors.
On a motion by Steve Greene and seconded by Chris Offerman, the minutes of the January 24
meeting were unanimously approved.
Treasurer Greene reported that our bank balance remained steady with $1233.29.
Captain Cullen from Lowell Police Department reported a small number of crimes in DTL:
aggravated assault (3); Burglary and Shoplifting (1 each); Vandalism (1). He reported that a
series of arrests had been made. A few questions came up about the recent vehicular accident
at the corner of Prescott and Kearney Sq where a car crashed into a storefront window. Also, a
query about a shooting incident close to DTL at Dutton and Broadway was raised. Captain
Cullen advised that these matters are under investigation with no comment at this time.
Wade Rubenstein and Patty Grasso spoke about the history and evolution of Bike Connectors
(https://www.bikeconnector.org/), an organization that locates, repairs, refurbishes and
distributes bicycles to residents who need and can enjoy the multiple benefits of healthy,
affordable transportation. Over the past two years, Bike Connectors has expanded its space
and reach into the community. Previously located at 27 Prescott St thanks to the assistance of
UTEC, Bike Connectors now call the 6,000 sq ft old Lowell Makes at 48 Lee St. home. They have
ramped up activity with 65 bikes distributed in February alone. Patty described the facility as a
bike shop for people who don’t have money for today’s pricy market. Wade and Patty related
that providing bikes gets kids and even adults to school and jobs on time, reduces absenteeism,
provides affordable transportation to a job or appointment etc.
As Bike Connectors has grown, the organization works directly with schools and provides after
school training programs. The Connectors are actively recruiting volunteers and expanding
fundraising with the goal of distributing 600 bikes in 2022. LDNA member Craig Himmelberger,
a principal volunteer at BC, emphasized the need for volunteers, fundraising and expanded
outreach, and he encouraged members to visit the workshop and get involved.
District Councilor Wayne Jenness spoke next regarding the search process for a new city
manager. He reports that the City Council will interview candidates and expressed the desire
for a comprehensive, open process. Various members raised concerns about the search: some
expressed concern that the process has lacked sufficient public input, was being rushed, and
would benefit from professional assistance with the process.​
Finally, Councilor Jenness announced that the city was setting up a Pothole Hotline for drivers
and pedestrians navigating the early spring roadways. And, regarding an iconic restaurant’s
reopening in a new location, the Councilor informed us that Gormley’s grand opening was
scheduled for March 1 at 4pm at 343 Market Street.
With no other business, the motion to adjourn by Bob Casey and seconded by Mindy Dopler
was unanimously voted at 8:23 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert Casey, Secretary

Lowell Downtown Neighborhood Association
January 24, 2022 , 7PM via zoom

Minutes of the Meeting
Jack Moynihan called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm. Along with local residents, Councilors
John Drinkwater and Wayne Jenness, Mayor Sokhary Chau; Sgt. Bill Florence, LPD; and Shauna
Forcier from City Hall were in attendance.
On a motion by Steve Greene and seconded by Bob Casey, the minutes of meetings from
August, September, October and November 2021 were unanimously approved.
Treasurer Greene reported that our bank balance remained steady with $1233.29; he plans to
solicit voluntary dues to augment the account.
Election of 2022 officers: On a motion by Sally Coulter, seconded by Jim Pope, the members
unanimously elected the officers: Jack Moynihan and Carolyn Alpher, co-chairs; Stephen
Greene, treasurer; and Bob Casey, secretary.
Councilor Jenness reported on motions he has filed regarding speeding and pedestrian safety
concerns on the newly opened Hamilton Canal District bridge along with other concerns about
improving snow removal in the area.
Sgt. Bill Florence, LPD, gave the monthly report for the downtown neighborhood which
included an assault, 2 arrests and a couple of criminal complaints most of which involved
fractious behavior during the time of the LHS dismissal. Sgt. Flores indicated that the School
Resource Officers (SRO) were on hand to assist. A few questions arose regarding idling cars,
bicycles operating on sidewalks, and a vehicular accident earlier in the day with a car crashing
into a building in Kearney Square.
Councilor Drinkwater spoke about his motions regarding workforce representation at the LHS
construction project. While the project has reached guidelines for hiring people of color (POC),
he’s requesting a report and a plan to insure increasing the number of women to meet targeted
goals.
A discussion about ongoing, unresolved lighting issues at the new HCID garage came up. With
several neighbors concerned about intrusive lighting and wasted energy, the city continues to
try to resolve the matter.
Lowell’s newest mayor, Councilor Sokhary Chau, spoke about his goals, which include
addressing economic development in the downtown district, forging stronger relationships with
business owners; improving basic services like trash pick up; and addressing the homelessness
issue in Lowell. While he has been busy assembling an office staff, he encouraged all to contact ​
his office and feel welcome to meet with him anytime. He thanked LDNA for the invitation to
attend.
Mayor Chau, in answer to a question about the glitch with recently issued late tax bills assured
those in attendance that residents would not be penalized and that the city is working to clear
up any confusion on the matter.
With the main agenda completed, several informational items were brought forward, including
icy sidewalks, and a sign on the ground by 78 Prescott Street close to the scene of a recent
accident.
Carolyn Alphen mentioned that a new restaurant featuring Korean chicken has opened on
Merrimack St at the site of the old Lowell Burger. Other upbeat items included reports of a
strong Monday night turnout for a production of “Rent” at the Memorial Auditorium and a brisk
business at the local restaurants. Carolyn also mentioned that WinterFest is back on February
18-19 at Lowell Memorial Auditorium after a COVID cancellation in 2021.
A question arose about condo associations not having access to municipal trash and recycling
service. A member suggested the matter should be directed to our State Reps or Senator for
clarification.
With no further business on a unanimous vote, Bob Casey moved and Sally Coulter seconded to
adjourn the meeting at 8:03 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert Casey,
Secretary

Jack Moynihan and Carolyn presiding over the Zoom meeting. Stephen Greene as treasurer and interim secretary. Councilor Drinkwater and Councilor Elect Jenness, Captain Jack Cullen, Christine McCall and Shauna Forcier were online.

1. Previous meeting minutes have not been posted. Draft minutes will be posted on the LDNA web site for approved after a new secretary is elected in January.
2. Treasurer’s Report $1,233.29. No deposits are pending.
3. Police Report Captain Jack Cullen reported on crime in the downtown for the previous month. There was no handout.
   There were 2 aggravated assaults with charges and arrests
   1 burglary with a suspect
   6 car breaks with 5 of them in unlocked cars. 1 involved a broken car window
   2 domestic violence with arrests
   4 vandalisms

Generally the down town has been relatively quiet and with relatively low criminal activity.

A resident complimented the Police for their quiet response late at night, especially when respond in cruisers.

Capt. Cullen reported that the police proactively approach bar closings which tends to avoid problems on the street.

When asked if there had been an uptick in criminal activity, the answer was no and that problems are about half of 5 years ago.

There are some city cameras and private building camera footage is requested and used when available for nvestigations which include broken windows.

Segways are now popular with the patrols and are used.

4. Guest Speaker – Christine McCall, Assistant City Manager &DPD Director, discussed ongoing roadway construction and development issues.

Paving is in process for the Lord Overpass area as the project moves into the final stages Project is due to be complete in the Fall of 22 but generally done by the Spring.

From Shauna Forcie’s email message:

The Lord Overpass Redesign project is entering Phase 4 of construction this week which will significantly improve traffic flow through the area and allow for more turning options. Middlesex Street outbound will re-open during this phase.
Paving and prep work to transition to this phase will take place on Tuesday, November 23, which will require intermittent lane closures and detours. Please avoid traveling through this area on Tuesday if possible.

https://www.lowellma.gov/771/Lord-OverpassGateway-to-Lowell

The Market St bridge (at Dutton) is not a Tiger project. It has been inspected and the issue is the sidewalks. The city is working with MA DoT. Concern was expressed for kids circumventing the sidewalk barriers.

Concern was expressed about pedestrians crossing Dutton at Fletcher as well as Jackson where there is no cross walk and on the edge of the Lord Overpass construction and heavy traffic. It is an ongoing problem.

For the Central St Bridge, the beam was order in August, expecting a May 2022 delivery, Cost is up by 200% Should be finished in the Fall of 2022. A comment on the pedestrian crossing at Warren Street which can be dangerous for pedestrians if traffic turn left onto Central.

A comment on the fact that the traffic barrels on Market Street (at Central) are pushed out into the open lane and forcing traffic to the left side of the open lane. This in turn reduces the usable lane width for traffic turning on to Market Street from Central St.

For the Hamilton Canal Project. The City now owns parcels 15 and 16. The Lupoli garage should start soon. The Blue Bridge still has punch list work to do so it is not open to foot vehicle traffic. The original plan for a theater is not likely and development will be along the life sciences line with synergy with UMass Lowell

On the Homelessness and Affordable Housing – Christine is temporarily in charge. She commented that state and federal leadership is needed. Most towns don’t meet the 10% affordability criteria because of their zoning laws.

The Shelter will go into the 24/7 mode with Winter Protocol.

Councilor Drinkwater has a City Council motion for the City to look into temporary cottage house for homeless people through a private company using state funds.

[ For an update on city related construction projects See City Council December 7, 2021 Packet download, pages 18 -23. Go to the CC Packet download https://www.lowellma.gov/agendacenter]

5. General Information

Old business – the Hamilton Canal Garage Lighting, a partial update. Terry Ryan was not available for this meeting. Some of the sensors for dimming the lights are the wrong ones and replacements haven been ordered but are delayed in delivery. We will get an update for our January meeting.

Remember to shop locally:

The City of Lowell’s Economic Development Office and the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce are working together to encourage shoppers to support our local businesses this holiday season.
Make a purchase at any Lowell-based business and share a picture of your purchase using the hashtag #Shop978 on Facebook and Instagram.
Winners will receive a gift card to any Lowell-based business of their choice (must offer gift cards) and I Love Lowell sweatshirts.
All winners will be announced on Monday, December 27th, 2021 on the City of Lowell’s Economic Development and Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook pages.
https://www.lowellma.gov/724/Economic-Development
There is a new way to report rodent problems to the City. The email address is, rodents@lowellma.gov , Residents can submit their reports of rat or rodent sightings to that email, with specific addresses and preferably with photographic documentation.

The Lowell Litter Krewe has picked up 100,000 pounds of trash through its City wide cleanups this year.

Little Delights has moved to a new location on Merrimack St.

Lala Books has schedules activities and used books. http://lalabookstore.com/

The Adopt a Street Trash pick up continues to be active downtown.

After problems with Waste Management emptying the downtown/city trash barrels, the City collection has worked well.

Captain Cullen is also a local writer. From Carolyn Alphen to Everyone 08:03 PM
https://www.lowellsun.com/2020/10/25/a-familiar-setting-for-lowell-cops-urban-fantasy-novels/

Councilor Elect Jenness thanked everyone for their support, Wayne Jenness, District4Lowell@gmail.com, 978-226-3064 if you wish to reach Wayne.

No Meeting in December.

Next Meeting is January 25th.7 PM Most likely a Zoom meeting

6. Adjourn

8:05 PM

Draft minutes by Stephen Greene

Jack Moynihan, Carolyn Alphen and Stephen Greene present

1. There was no approval of minutes. June, August and September have not been posted on the
   LDNA website, voting has been deferred
2. Treasurer’s Report $1,233.29 No pending deposits
3. Police Report
   Captain Cullen provided the crime report for the previous month. There was no handout to
   attach. There had been a fight with criminal charges. Several burglaries including a break in to
   a mail room, a car break into an unlocked car, 6 vandalisms (broken doors, windows and a car
   window), 2 disorderly conducts.
   During the Q&A, question if there had been gang activity in some of the incidents? No, but in
   the fights, the people were known to each other. The mail room break was in Canal Place 1
   were the criminal broke the lockbox for the delivery drivers and used to fob to gain access.
   This happened in the early hours. The fob was deactivated.
4. Howard Amidon from the Greater Lowell Community Foundation will discuss Mosaic Lowell
   Howard Amidon from the Greater Lowell Community was joined by Allison Lamey from the
   Lowell Plan to talk about Mosaic, Lowell’s Art and Cultural Economy Plan. Work on the plan
   started in the Fall of 2019. Among the objectives of the plan is to build equity around the City
   and get arts and culture included in long range planning. They had a recent presentation at Lala
   Bookstore on 10/26. Another objective is to bring more people to the City.
   The Barr Foundation is involved. A web site is being developed.
   More information on Mosaic can be found at
   https://www.lowellma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/17498?fileID=33387
   General discussion – the plan covers the whole City.
   Folks wanted to see use made of vacant store fronts, opera, dancing at St. Jean Baptiste, a
   walkway to Western Ave. People wanted better sharing and notification of events and activities.
   While there is information on Face Book and through COOL, there is a need for better overall
   coverage. The Sun has not been a good source of activity information for a number of years.
   “Howl” is missed. Need to engage UML. Someone mentioned that a good example of getting
   cultural and event information out was the Boston Phoenix. Why not a quarterly magazine? A
   pull out for the Sun.
   Chat comments included appreciation for the 2 large wall murals and call for more, a call to
   reinstall the Public Art – Human Construction. Abandoned storefront windows were once
   decorated by LHS art projects. Walkable connection between downtown and Western Avenue –
   better walkways to neighborhoods from downtown. Would love to see more community events
   like “drive in” movie nights. Would love to see more events focused along the Canalways.
   Would love to have dedicated comedy and music venues – we really need that now more than
   ever. Sounds like the walkways could be a cultural “freedom trail”​
5. State Rep.Vanna Howard will give an update on the “Adopt a Street” plan
   Representative Vanna Howard talked about the Adopt a Street Program for downtown that she
   and Jack Moynahan have organized. Currently there are 15 volunteers covering downtown
   streets and parks. Trash grabber tools are kept at the Roy Garage. The pails disappeared but
   volunteers are using trash bags. Trash grabbers can be found at Costco.
6. General Information and Discussion
   Planning and Development were not available for this meeting but will be invited to update us
   at our next meeting.
   Pamela Wamala shared that there would be a Holliday show at the All Gallery.
   If you don’t get an email notification for LDNA Meetings (typically the 4 th Monday of the
   month) send a request message to board@ldna01852.org . Next LDNA meeting is Monday,
   11/22, 7 PM
   The problem with lights at the new Hamilton Canal Garage continues. External lights shine
   into some Canal Place 3 units and internal garage lights do not have the motion sensor dimmers
   that were supposed to be installed. Because of proximity to CP3, lighting is a sensitive issue
   which was negotiated with the neighborhood. It is time to get the Parking Director back for an
   LDNA meeting to address when these problems will be addressed/
   Wayne Jenness reminder attendees that he was a District candidate for City Council, that early
   voting had started at the Senior Center and Election Day was Tuesday, November 2 nd .
7. Adjourn
   8 PM
   Draft notes prepared by Stephen Greene

Board members present: Carolyn Alphen, Jack Moynihan, Stephen Greene

1. Approval of minutes
   August minutes had not been posted, will do in October.
2. Treasurer’s Report
   $1,233.29 with no pending deposits
3. Police Report
   Captain Cullen provided a brief police report for the Downtown for September to date (9/27).
   No handout was available. During this time, there were 5 assaults (primarily fights), 1 burglary,
   1 car break (car unlocked), 2 disorderlies, 2 shopliftings, 6 vandalisms (including 2 broken
   windows and car damage).
   During Q&A, electric bikes as well as regular bikes should not be used on the side walk.
   Concerns expressed about kids riding bikes dangerously in traffic. The police do follow up
   when they can track the to their homes. Let police know if you know who the kids are.
4. They owner of Sahel on Central Street talked about their new restaurant. Emile Kamadeu
   whose family had a restaurant in Africa and Peter Tamajong said that they were attracted to
   Lowell because of its ethnic diversity. They had a soft opening earlier and recent ribbon cutting.
   They offer numerous African and Caribbean dishes. The restaurant took 4 year to open as there
   was much work to be done to get the site ready. Add the delays caused by the pandemic. The
   City has been supportive. Sahel is a work in progress and its liquor license is pending. They
   have arranged parking and are working on more. They welcome folks to come and taste the
   cuisine.
5. Adopt a street program
   Jack Moynihan discussed an Adopt a Street Program that he and Vanna Howard have initialed.
   It is a weekly trash sweep of a section of down town street that someone has “adopted”. Trash
   picked and buckets are kept at the Roy Garage. They are currently doing the trash sweep on
   Fridays.
   If you are interested in adopting a section of street, contact Jack or Vanna
   jack.moynihan@comcast.net , vanna.howard@gmail.com
6. General Business
   Carolyn and Jack opened the “floor” for general discussion. Carolyn reminded folks to support
   local business. She noted that a new Tea place had opened on Merrimack St. ?? is this correct??
   A question was asked about 2 large murals that are now being painted, one on the Athenian
   Corner wall and a second on the Gates Block overlooking the garden. More information will be​
   forthcoming, including development plans for the Athenean which have been delayed by the
   pandemic. The murals were approved and had funding.
   Shauna Forcier said she get more information on other questions posed and more information
   on Downtown Development Master plan, Among the questions, why can’t the Blue Bridge in
   the Hamilton Canal District be used by pedestrians. It currently is a hard hat area. What is
   going on with the Boott Mill building at 200 Market St (between Canal Place 1 and Canal Place
   3). Why was a security fencing place around the power house/stack across the driveway from
   Boott Mill at 200 Market st? Many lock boxes are now inaccessible. Why are apartments
   being built in Lowell and not Condos? What can be done about poor building management at
   Appleton Mills? What is going on to encourage Technology and Innovation in the City?
   Answers to many of these questions will be available at a future meetings. Shauna provided
   this link to the 2021 Lowell Plan: https://www.lowellma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/15196/FY-
   2021-2022-Action-Plan
   Captain Cullen said that if there is criminal activity going on at Appleton Mills, notify the
   police.
7. Adjourn 7:54
   Prepared by Stephen Greene
   Added note.
   The Boston Globe printed 2 large articles on “Lowell Stages a Comeback”, 2021-09-30

1. Approval of minutes
   Moved, and approved
2. Treasurer’s Report
   $1,233.29 including last deposit of $30
3. Police Report
   Lt Rojas provided brief police report for the Downtown from August 1 to the 22 nd . He had a
   map and table which is not included. Crimes were relatively few and included car break ins,
   disorderly conduct and vandalism.
4. “Meet the Candidates” virtual session with District 4 and At Large City Council candidates.
   Carolyn moderated the candidates who were given each 3 minutes of free time, 5 questions in
   reversing order and a final closing comment. Since brief notes would not reflect each
   candidate’s comments and responses, the recording of the Zoom meeting is available,
   https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/n0RDTO-
   8sKX2nAAwHAAJ9k5oOa5kYyF3_DAPUmln6bpphfxsTXv5ukMLtDUDOzgB.O6gXKqEls2CTuza
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   Passcode: 0K0S*^hA
5. 
   The Candidates for City Council present on the Zoom meetingin starting order
   Vesna Nuon At large
   Paul Belley District 4
   Ryan Rourke District 4
   Wayne Jenness District 4
   Deb Belanger At large
   Rita Mercier At large
   John Drinkwater At large
   Bobby Tugbiyele At large
   For more information on the candidates and if they have a web site, see the Lowell Votes site
   https://www.lowellvotes.org/whosrunning2021/ scroll down to View Language. This will open
   the 8 districts and the candidates. Not all At Large candidates were able to attend this LDNA
   virtual forum.​
   For information on vote see the City Election and Census Office –
   https://www.lowellma.gov/294/Election-Census
   Don’t forget to vote in the Primary for District 4 on September 21 st and the election on November 2nd
6. Adjourn 8:35
   Prepared by Stephen Greene