Lowell Downtown Neighborhood Association

SAVE THE DATE

2012-01-31T21:01:00.001-05:00

Annual “Spring” Neighborhood Food Drive (a.k.a. The Pantry Raid)! The drive is schedule for March 17 – March 24 with bag distribution being completed by Thursday March 22nd and the pick up on Saturday, March 24! I realize that for some of you March 17th is considered one of the major holidays throughout the year….feel free to begin on the 18th (maybe the 19th)!

If you have any questions please send me an email or give me a call!

Debbie CalleryBusiness Development &
Fundraising Coordinator
Merrimack Valley Food Bank, Inc.
735 Broadway Street
Lowell, MA 01854
Phone: 978-454-7272 Fax: 978-454-1717

License Commission Meeting Time

2012-01-27T05:40:00.002-05:00

Pleased to find this SUN editorial regarding the License Commission. Well stated and also includes the suggestion of a compromise.

"In this case, we see a simple compromise that can satisfy both the business sector and the public.
The License Commission can hold a 3 p.m. meeting on the first Thursday of the month, followed by a 6:30 p.m. meeting on the third Thursday of the month.
Those who have business before the board can simply inform the commission's executive secretary as to which slot is convenient for their schedule.
Of course, it won't solve the problem of giving the same access to all the people all the time, but it is a start in the right direction. Over time, we'd prefer to see the 6:30 p.m. meeting time become the rule rather than the exception.
The License Commission performs a valuable function and does its job well. All it has to do now is become a bit more flexible in continuing its public service".

http://www.lowellsun.com/ci_19751791?IADID=Search-www.lowellsun.com-www.lowellsun.com

2012-01-20T10:08:00.000-05:00

LDNA MEETING
MONDAY, JANUARY 23RD, 7PM
AT LCT, 246 MARKET ST.

American Textile History Museum - Free Saturday

2012-01-20T10:06:00.001-05:00

Man stabbed in downtown Lowell

2012-01-15T15:15:00.005-05:00

And more discussion over at Left-in-Lowell
http://www.leftinlowell.com/2012/01/16/what-the-hell-is-going-on-downtown/

Rob Mills has updated his story on-line
http://www.lowellsun.com/local/ci_19751690

Thankfully the young man who was stabbed has been released from the hospital.
this situation does beg the question why the city continues to ignore repeated reports from Chief Lavallee about the escalating situation in this area.
There are some very simple and cost efficient things that could have been done immediately...enlist business owners to keep lights on at night, specifically in the parking lot of Paige & John where most of these fights occur; place surveillance cameras in the parking dept. office which is directly across from aformentioned parking lot and cameras at the corner of John & Merrimack Streets.

The city has committed considerable resources on surveillance to catch people illegally dumping trash; can we not do at least that much to improve public safety?

Rob Mills tells the very sad story and states the obvious about the neighborhood bickering...

Man stabbed in downtown Lowell
Posted by Police Line on January 15, 2012
The Lowell Downtown Neighborhood Association, bar owners, the city administration and the License Commission are battling each other in an epic attempt to decide when to hold a meeting.

Meanwhile, a man was stabbed in downtown Lowell and flown to a Boston trauma center early this morning shortly after last call.

Police have not identified the man. I have no indication whatsoever whether alcohol was involved. Here is what I do know:

At about 2 a.m., a police sergeant called the “downtown portable,” a police unit assigned to patrol around downtown bars, to the area of Middle and Central streets to help deal with a “highly intoxicated” woman.

At the same time, a fight was reported in the area of Paige and Lee streets — a common trouble spot downtown when bars close, which has been discussed at prior public meetings.

Two cars who weren’t dealing with the situation on Middle Street were sent to Lee and Paige. By the time they arrived, they reported the fight was breaking up. There were no more radio transmissions regarding the fight.

At 2:12 a.m., an officer was sent to the emergency room at Lowell General Hospital, because a man had just walked into the ER with a stab wound...

Read the whole blog entry:
http://sunpoliceline.wordpress.com/2012/01/15/man-stabbed-in-downtown-lowell/

Veterans for Peace plan "eat-in" at Babylon Restaurant tonight

2012-01-10T11:26:00.005-05:00

Nice coverage of this story by Rachel Maddow

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

In the event you may not be aware, as reported in today's Lowell Sun, a restaurant downtown was recently the victim of a malicious act of vandalism where a 20 lb building stone was thrown through the window. While investigations are currently underway to determine whether this incident was a "hate crime," it goes without say that acts like this have no place in our community.

Vandalism and Public Safety are topics of frequent discussion concerning the state and culture of downtown and actions are currently being taken by the City, Lowell Police Department, Business Owners and Residents to address these concerns. The extreme nature of this recent incident at Babylon Restaurant has shown us just how important these partnerships are in the continuing growth and development of downtown.

I am contacting you to encourage you to join the Veterans for Peace and other concerned Lowellians tonight at an "eat-in" at Babylon Restaurant, 25 Merrimack Street,between 5pm and 8pm. For those who are unable to attend I encourage you to visit this restaurant for lunch or dinner, at any time, and tell the staff that you support them and are taking a stand against violence in our community.

Each of us has the power to help make our community a place that everyone can enjoy. In addition to continuing to support businesses downtown, I hope you will join Center City Committee in discussing and creating solutions aimed at Downtown’s continued development as a place for all to admire and enjoy.

Bobby Tugbiyele
President
Center City Committee, Inc.
centercitycommittee@gmail.com
http://www.lowellcentercity.org/
The Center City Committee is made up of 23 Stakeholder Organizations representing every aspect of downtown life from residents to business owners (including retailers, restaurant owners and commercial businesses) to city officials, building owners, educational institutions, cultural organizations, social service agencies, students, and visitor-oriented organizations like the National Park and the CVB. It provides a forum for networking and information exchange and meets regularly to help promote the downtown.

2012-01-09T11:30:00.001-05:00

Running on Empty

2012-01-08T12:16:00.002-05:00

License Commission Public Hearing

2012-01-08T12:14:00.000-05:00

CITY OF LOWELL

LICENSE COMMISSION

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The License Commission of the City of Lowell will hold a public hearing on Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. in Lowell City Hall, 2nd floor, Council Chamber at 375 Merrimack Street on the request of the City Manager that the License Commission change time of meetings from 3:00 p.m. on Thursdays, to 6:30 p.m. on Mondays; meetings to be held in the Council Chamber.
The reason for the request to change meeting time was on a motion voted by the City Council; read and referred to the City Manager, November 29, 2011: “changing the meeting time to the evening because many people are unable to attend 3 p.m. meetings due to their work and business commitments. Councilors discussed changing License Commission meeting times to allow for more community input.”
The License Commission will open the hearing for public comment; the licensing board reserves the right to limit the time for public comment.
License Commission City of Lowell
Walter F. Bayliss, Jr., Commissioner
Raymond T. Weicker, Commissioner
Brian T. Akashian, Commissioner

Date: January 6, 2012
Lowell Sun newspaper

2012-01-06T16:59:00.000-05:00

WATER MAIN BREAK ON MIDDLESEX STREET

Middlesex Street is closed from Burnside to Livingston Streets due to a break in an 8-inch water main earlier this afternoon.

Traffic is being detoured around this stretch of Middlesex Street which is in front of the Public Works facility as Water Utility crews work to determine the extent of the damage and begin repairs.

A handful of nearby water customers are affected at this point. Repairs are expected to continue late into the evening.

For more information contact the Lowell Regional Water Facility at (978) 970-4242.

2012-01-03T10:41:00.001-05:00

2012 Lowell Mayor Patrick O. Murphy. Congratulations!

Center City Committee President Bobby Tugbiyele

2011-12-23T12:00:00.002-05:00

Q & A with Bobby in today's SUN
http://www.lowellsun.com/local/ci_19607635

LOWELL -- Bobby Tugbiyele moved to Lowell 10 years ago to secure a degree in political science and history at UMass Lowell and hasn't left.

Instead, the 30-year-old Tugbiyele has become a community leader trying to bolster the city's downtown.

He spends his days as a senior career adviser in the workforce-development division for Community Teamwork Inc., and in October was named the new president of the Center City Committee, Inc.

The Sun recently caught up with Tugbiyele to find out more about the Center City Committee, his goals for the group, his thoughts on the downtown and job market in the region.

Q: What does the Center City Committee do?

A: It is made up of a cross-section of anyone with a vested interest in downtown issues. There are a lot of issues that groups are dealing with on a daily basis, and there is a beauty of having other people who may not identify with those issues push the process and advocate for those issues. I'm not at the United Teen Equality Center or the Lowell Community Health Center during the day, but at our monthly meetings, I can hear about issues they are facing.

License Commission Meeting

2011-12-15T18:35:00.007-05:00

Some additional posts on License Commission behavior...
http://mindtivo.blogspot.com/

http://www.leftinlowell.com/2011/12/17/commission-of-drama-queens-maybe/

A few points on the License Commission meeting. Concerns were raised by commissioners about the cost of holding a public hearing to discuss changing the time of the meetings from 3:00 PM on Thursday to 6:30 on Mondays to accommodate public comment. I could probably raise $100.00 to advertise a public meeting so that should not be an obstacle.
Does the police dept. have the budget to have a representative at the meetings if they are held in the evening? Does the city have the budget to make Mr. Wynn available for evening meetings?

Mr. Bayliss suggested Lowell is a destination city and downtown is a business district (it’s actually mostly mixed-use)…that might be true but we will not be able to attract any new businesses unless the City Council, Administration, License Commission work together to determine what the city wants for the downtown area and how to enforce the regulations that are currently in place. In the meantime the police will continue to draw additional dollars from the taxpayers to pay for police officers to control the unruly bar patrons at closing time and therefore the taxpayers are paying a premium to keep a few nightclubs open (an aside…Lu Richards is now the President of CNAG, that is why she appeared at the meeting in lieu of Ann Marie Page).

On Tuesday our city council transferred $100,000.00 dollars (of our hard-earned tax dollars: no to mention the $50,000.00 already spent since May) to cover police over-time (mind I have no complaint with the unfortunate police officers who have to deal with being mace-d, having lit cigarettes thrown at them, and all kinds of ridiculous behavior…at least they are doing the job we pay them to do) in part to cover the issues downtown. As a taxpayer I am compelled to do the math. If our anchor bar has 700 people a night (the number they use in their marketing materials) and each of those patrons spends $20.00 (low low estimate) that is $14,000.00 per night x 4 nights per week (Th-Sun) = $56,000.00 per week x 52 weeks = $2,912,000.00. I have no idea what this business is paying for city taxes but my guess is they are getting a bargain.
There is an argument to be made that if I was paying less city taxes I could spend that money at businesses in my neighborhood (negligible…I personally have no complaints about paying my city taxes considering what I get for my money). I am neither a member of the Tea Party or the Occupy movement; I’m just saying that I think everyone should be able to (encouraged) to come downtown, stay out late and have fun. I’m not worried about leaving a downtown place at 2AM and walking to the diner and walking home at 3AM; my tax dollars are paying all those police officers to take care of me. But I am tired of my friends friend’s saying, “I’m not staying here after 10PM” or hearing from business owners talk about how they have to step across the puddles of pee and vomit to get into their business in the morning (not to mention those whose doors are blocked by hoodlums from getting into their business at night) or have to, yet again, call someone to fix their smashed windows. WHY ON EARTH CAN’T PEOPLE HAVE A FEW DRINKS, LISTEN TO SOME MUSIC, HANG OUT WITH THEIR FREINDS AND NOT FEEL COMPELLED TO DESTROY SOMETHING BEFORE THEY LEAVE?
Solutions: this is a HUGE blank space…I have no specific solution to this problem but I think it is time for the city council in cooperation with city management; License Commission, and other stakeholders to work together and determine how to make this a place we can all enjoy and not let it be overtaken by a few business owners who have no regard for their fellow business owners and certainly no regard for the taxpayers of the city.

Historical reference: Chief Lavallee has been holding meetings with downtown bar owners and residents for several years now…Rob Mills stopped covering the meetings because they were so boring; because we had found a common ground where everyone co-exists. Now we are allowing our “anchor bar” to dictate to the other business owners, residents, police department and all city taxpayers.
Just my opinion and I am sharing because I think this is a much larger issue than just our neighborhood. kmm

SANTA!

2011-12-08T12:08:00.003-05:00

Free photos with Santa Claus
Saturday December 10, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM. Bring your little elves to the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce (131 Merrimack Street) for a keepsake photo with Santa Claus, free of charge. In addition to the all-important visit with Santa, kids will receive a candy cane.

Central St. Bridge Work

2011-12-07T15:16:00.001-05:00

In today's SUN...
City bridge work to drag on through February
Construction on the Central Street bridge over the Pawtucket Canal, which began late last summer, has been delayed by a couple months, according to the company overseeing the project.
Enel Green Power North America, Inc., an Andover-based renewable-energy plant operator, owns the canal and is completing the project on the Central Street bridge and two other bridges in the city.
A spokesperson for the company said work on the Central Street bridge was supposed to be complete by mid-December, but the schedule has been pushed back to projected completion in February due to conditions that were not known until construction began.

Local holiday shopping

2011-12-06T18:06:00.008-05:00

the obvious...

Brush Gallery Holiday Marketplace open through December 25
Come to the Brush Holiday Marketplace 2011 open -Nov. 25 - Dec. 25, Tues. - Sat. 11- 4pm & Sun. 12- 4pm Enjoy the Sugar and Spice Weekend, and their 4th annual Cookie Competition on -Sat., Dec. 10 and Sun., Dec. 11, (special hours) 11-5 both days
More information: http://lowellculture.pmailus.com/pmailweb/ct?d=TYhkMgAuAjkAAAJoAAWgzg

ALL Holiday Show & Sale, November 25 - December 23
Start your holiday shopping with the Arts League of Lowell! Gallery hours: Weekends 12-4pm and other days as available. Ugly Holiday Sweater Party with Raffle ($5/ticket, can be purchased at Van Gogh's Gear) -Dec. 17, 4-6pm
More information: http://lowellculture.pmailus.com/pmailweb/ct?d=TYhkMgAuAjIAAAHkAAWgzg

the not so obvious...check out the gift shops at Boott Mill and Textile Museum for some interesting items.

http://www.nps.gov/lowe/index.htm

http://www.athm.org/

Toys for Tots Benefit

2011-12-05T18:39:00.002-05:00

The Worthen House Café is holding it’s Toys for Tots Benefit this Friday, December 9th at 8:PM. Please bring one unwrapped toy to the party.
http://worthenhousecafe.com/

SANTA

2011-11-27T09:14:00.001-05:00

SATURDAY

2011-11-22T11:00:00.004-05:00

City of Lights Parade starts at 4:30. More info:
www.lowellcityoflights.org

National Small Business Day. In recognition downtown retail business/restaurants have a variety of specials offers available. Start your holiday shopping without getting into your car.

LDNA MEETING TONIGHT

2011-11-21T10:33:00.001-05:00

LDNA meeting for Monday, November 21st, 7PM at LTC.
There are two agenda items:
1. Bobby Tugbiyele, downtown resident and recently appointed President, Lowell Center City Committee, will discuss ways to elevate the downtown .
2. Daniel Bach, Teaching Assistant, UML, will pick up where he left off at our last meeting. Daniel is gathering information and input from residents and business owners across the city to determine if there is a desire/need to establish recycling drop-off locations for those that do not have access to the city recycling program.

Downtown Bars

2011-11-20T19:31:00.006-05:00

Spoke too soon...this one is ours.
From Channel 4 Eye Team
A man was arrested for allegedly attempting to punch Celtics guard Rajon Rondo outside a Lowell nightclub early Saturday morning.
Rondo was at Brian’s Ivy Hall on Merrimack Street in Lowell for a promotional appearance.

According to Mr. Hayburst, one of the clubs owners in a SUN article, "Rondo was unpersonable and disrespectful toward patrons."
http://www.lowellsun.com/local/ci_19378063

However Mr. Hayhurst told the Globe, “Rondo...didn’t seem aggressive at any point during the night...”
http://www.boston.com/Boston/metrodesk/2011/11/haverhill-man-allegedly-tries-punch-celtics-guard-rajon-rondo-lowell-nightclub/MPvga9KineKK5e33ToKe7N/index.html?p1=News_links

On Brian's Ivy Hall Facebook page, "Get here early! Be prepared for yet ANOTHER CRAZY night!!.' "ANOTHER CRAZY NIGHT AT Brian's Ivy Hall!!! BEST CLUB IN LOWELL!!! LAST NIGHT 700 PEOPLE"

Unlike Mayor Menino; I have never seen our Mayor or a city councelor come downtown to see for themselves what is going on at 1:45 AM.

City of Lights Parade Saturday November 26th

2011-11-19T10:01:00.002-05:00

this is a great fun, festive start to the holidays. Photos from previous parade.

In preparation for next Saturday’s City of Lights Parade (Saturday November 26 at 4:30 PM), parking meters will be bagged starting at 7am on Saturday November 26 on Central Street , Merrimack Street and Arcand Drive . From 4pm – till about 6:00pm the streets listed will be completely closed until the parade passes.

Please note once the parade is over all bags will be removed and during the parade there will be two way traffic on Mark et Street from Dutton Street to the garage.

On parade day parking will be free at the John and Mark et Street Garage from 11am – midnight. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at any time and for additional information please visit www.lowellcityoflights.org or www.lowell.org

Downtown Bars

2011-11-19T09:50:00.004-05:00

Not our downtown...Boston downtown. I like that fact Mayor Menino took the time to go see for himself.

4 Shot Outside ‘Troubled’ Boston Nightclub « CBS Boston

Lowell Neighborhood Innovation Grant Program

2011-11-17T07:57:00.001-05:00

2011 Downtown Summit

2011-11-14T13:11:00.001-05:00

2011-11-11T09:45:00.000-05:00

Today we honor all the men and women who have served and especially our friend and neighbor Greg Page who is in Afghanistan. We are very proud of you and eagerly awaiting the HUGE celebration we will have when you are home. Stay safe Lily’s Dad!

2011-11-05T10:22:00.000-04:00

2011-11-04T18:24:00.000-04:00

Veterans Day

2011-11-03T17:05:00.001-04:00

The members UMass Lowell community will be engaging in a Veterans Day Celebration and Flag Raising Ceremony on Wednesday, November 9th at 10:30a.m. As a precautionary measure we would like to inform you as area residents, that this event will be followed by a flyover of Air Force F-15s at 11:30a.m. This portion of the event will be very brief, yet extremely loud.

UMass Lowell diligently serves the more than 500 students who are veterans and has been selected for a second time as a “ Military Friendly School ” by G.I. Jobs Magazine; we are one of only three public universities in Massachusetts to earn this designation. The Military Friendly Schools’ list honors the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and schools that are doing the most to embrace America 's veterans as students.

In honor of our student veterans and the veterans of our nation, we commend their courage and valor; as such we feel that a flyover of Air Force F-15’s is a token of the esteem and admiration that we at UMass Lowell hold for our veterans.
Patty Coffey, MA
Assistant Director
Office of Community and Cultural Affairs
978/934-3218
University of Massachusetts Lowell
http://www.uml.edu

Join us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/UMLCommunityRelations

For all the latest cultural events and lectures join us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/UMLArtsandIdeas

post-storm operations

2011-11-01T11:21:00.001-04:00

Following this weekend’s freak mid-fall snowstorm, City officials have put in place sheltering and debris removal plans.

Public Works crews along with contractors have been removing tree limbs that have fallen in the public way that are not near downed power lines.

“We urge residents to use caution until all wires have been repaired and debris removed,” said City Manager Bernie Lynch. “Our first priority is to make our roads and sidewalks safe and to provide shelter for our residents who have lost power. As we move forward we are also making arrangements to help residents dispose of fallen tree limbs.”

The following debris drop off locations will be opened to assist residents in disposing of fallen branches on Saturday, November 5 and Saturday, November 12 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.:
Hovey Field, 31 Hovey Ave. off of Hildreth St. near the Dracut line (Centralville)
Leblanc Park/McNamara Park, 475 West Meadow Rd. (Pawtucketville)
Cawley Stadium, 512 Douglas Rd. (Belvidere)
DPW Yard, 1365 Middlesex St. (Highlands)
In addition, the Public Works yard will be open for storm related tree disposal Wednesday, November 2 to Friday, November 4 from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Material will be accepted from Lowell residents only. Residents must present a Lowell tax bill or valid driver’s license issued in Lowell to confirm residency.

Material that is acceptable as yard waste (Branches must be less than 3' in length and less than 3" in diameter at the widest end.) can be put out for yard waste pickup on regularly scheduled days.

City officials have met with National Grid representatives and continue to press for expediting repairs.

“As of this afternoon we are told that Varnum Avenue areas have come back online,” said Lynch. “We are in constant contact with National Grid officials and will press for full restoration of power to all neighborhoods and all Lowell residents as soon as possible.”

The Lowell Senior Center will remain open as an emergency shelter for residents still without power. Call (978) 970-4131 to confirm that the Center is still open.

Drivers are urged to use caution when driving through areas without power at night and to approach each signaled intersection without operating traffic lights as a 4-way stop.

Residents are also reminded that Trick or Treating has been postponed to next Sunday, November 6 from 6-8 p.m.

Jackson St. Improvements

2011-10-29T11:04:00.001-04:00

An update from James Errickson, DPD

On November 11, 2011 (Veteran’s Day), the City’s contractors for this project will be “cold-planing” the street in preparation for the eventual paving of Jackson Street . This may cause traffic disruptions on Jackson Street during the day. Following this step, the final paving of Jackson Street will be scheduled, for which the City intends to complete prior to the Thanksgiving holiday weekend (pending weather conditions and materials supply).

THURSDAY OCTOBER 27TH

2011-10-25T18:02:00.002-04:00

Stanley Swann's Jazz Showcase pays tribute to Nina Simone, October 27

Enjoy an elegant evening at Savannah Palace with Stanley Swann’s Jazz Showcase! Special guest artist vocalist Valerie Stephens performs the music of Nina Simone. - Oct. 27, 7-9pm
More information: http://www.stanleyswann.com/Stanley_Swann/Stanley_Swann.html

THURSDAY

2011-10-25T18:00:00.002-04:00

2011-10-23T13:02:00.002-04:00

The next LDNA meeting will be held Monday, October 24th, 7PM, at LTC, 246 Market St.

Agenda
1. City Manager Bernie Lynch
2, Daniel Bach, Master's Student - Teaching Assistant, Community Social Psychology, to discuss ideas about creating common area recycling drop-off locations downtown.

2011-10-18T17:10:00.002-04:00

POSSIBLE RELOCATION OF LIVING WATERS TO
SAINT ANNE'S

When: Thursday, October 20, 2011 9:30 AM-11:00 AM
Where: DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE ARTHUR HAMMAR CONFERENCE ROOM AT THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT, 50 ARCAND DRIVE, JFK CIVIC CENTER.

Voter Registration Downtown Lowell Sunday

2011-10-16T10:51:00.001-04:00

Sunday, October 16 · 11:00am - 2:00pm

Location Meet in Front of Market Street Market- 95 Market St.
Lowell, Massachusetts

More Info On Sunday, October 16th @ 11am-2pm, join friends and members of the Lowell Downtown Neighborhood Association (LDNA) in their efforts to register residents and patrons of Downtown Lowell to vote in the upcoming city elections on Tuesday, November 8th, 2011.

Deadline for registration is Wednesday, October 19th, 2011.

For more information on upcoming election and current candidates, please visit:
1. http://www.lowellma.gov/depts/electioncensus
2. http://www.richardhowe.com/election/ (detailed history on elections in Lowell)

DOWNTOWN SUMMIT

2011-10-14T06:32:00.003-04:00

The city is asking downtown residents, students, business owners, employees, and commercial property owners to please take a few minutes to fill out this brief survey. This survey will provide valuable information for discussion at the Summit.

Downtown Residents/ Students please fill out this survey
http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e4ysi50bgt7lyf8w/a012cgtr1jjl9/questions
Downtown business owners, employees, and commerical property owners please fill out this survey:
http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e4ysueuvgt7nz4pk/a012dgtr1k4zq/questions
For more information contact downtownsummit@lowellma.gov

Lowell Police to host Citizen’s Academy

2011-10-08T09:55:00.000-04:00

The Lowell Police Department is holding its 27th Citizen’s Academy this fall. This popular eight week course is held to educate citizens about the Lowell Police Department, its organization, operations and role in the community. Participants will gain an understanding of police department responsibilities and the laws that govern it. Students are given the opportunity to offer their ideas and share their experiences. The goal of the academy is to develop a partnership between citizens and their local law enforcement agency that benefits both.
Classes are taught by Lowell Police Department administrative and supervisory staff.
The Citizen Academy is fee of charge and is open to all local citizens 18 yrs. and older. Classes will be held on eight Wednesday evenings from October 12th – November 30th.
The hours are 6pm-9pm. Classes are held at Lowell Police Training Dept. located at 99 Middlesex St., between the Registry of Motor Vehicles and Garcia Brogan’s Restaurant.
Applicants must have a clean court record. Background checks are done on all applicants. Applicants with numerous traffic violations will not be considered.
An applicant is asked to commit to attending every week if accepted. Class space is limited to 40 students and there is always a waiting list.
Applications for Citizen Police Academy are available on Lowell Police Department Website, Blog and Facebook page.
Applications and further information can be obtained by contacting Sharon Callery at LPD Community Services, (978)937-3210

Tuesday, October 11th starting at 8PM

2011-10-06T17:21:00.000-04:00

CENTRAL STREET COBBLESTONE WORK
The next phase of the cobblestone project on Central Street from Market St. to Appleton St. is on schedule for Tuesday, October 11th at 8:00 p.m.
This will be an overnight project.
The work to be performed is the milling of the top surface of asphalt. This will provide a smooth, level base for the top coat of asphalt to be placed later. Signage and police details will be on site to assist with traffic flow.
At this time, the forecast appears to be favorable for this task. The next activity will be paving the area. The paving is currently scheduled for the morning of Saturday, October 22nd. The paving is weather dependent so we will keep you apprised of any changes to this activity.
In between the milling and the paving, the structures will be raised in this area. While we will be taking action to minimize the impacts, drivers are reminded that this is an active construction zone and caution should be taken.
The Parking Dept. will be placing bags on the meters/space numbers. In order to shorten the duration of the project, the work will be conducted during the day and some nights. We will try to balance the work load to minimize the impact.
As with any construction project, there is the expectation that the short-term disruption and inconvenience will result in the long-term benefit of improved travel conditions for both vehicles and pedestrians.
We know how important a smooth driving surface is to all who use our downtown and this project is a big step towards providing that. We appreciate your patience and cooperation during this project.
Any questions can be directed to the City Engineer's office at 978-970-3330.

Lowell Open Studios

2011-10-02T09:43:00.002-04:00

Sunday 11 - 5

2011-09-28T14:27:00.003-04:00

2011-09-28T14:25:00.000-04:00

2011-09-22T09:45:00.001-04:00

CENTRAL STREET COBBLESTONE WORK

2011-09-15T06:46:00.001-04:00

CENTRAL STREET COBBLESTONE WORK
The next phase of the long anticipated project to remove the cobblestones on Central Street from Market St. to Appleton St. is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, September 13th at 8:00 p.m. This will be an overnight project with a second night on Thursday September 15th (if necessary).

The work to be performed is the removal of the cobbles from the intersection of Central and Middlesex Streets. Work will be done in one travel lane and then switch to the other side. Police details will be on site to assist with traffic flow.

Since this phase involves working directly in the intersections, the decision was made to perform the work at night to minimize traffic disruptions. There will be some noise generated by this construction. While we will work to keep that to a minimum, it cannot be eliminated.
The Parking Dept. will be placing bags on the meters/space numbers. In order to shorten the duration of the project, the work will be conducted during the day and some nights. We will try to balance the work load to minimize the impact.
As with any construction project, there is the expectation that the short-term disruption and inconvenience will result in the long-term benefit of improved travel conditions for both vehicles and pedestrians.
We know how important a smooth driving surface is to all who use our downtown and this project is a big step towards providing that. We appreciate your patience and cooperation during this project.

Any questions can be directed to the City Engineer's office at 978-970-3330

City Council Meeting September 13, 2011

2011-09-13T10:48:00.012-04:00

There are quite a few downtown related items on tonights city council agenda. See below. I am also including Chief Lavallee's report.

2011-09-11T08:31:00.002-04:00

Cooler weather might be here, but September sizzles with the Athenian Corner's Concerts on the Corner. This week, enjoy a return engagement by Todd Rourke, performing "music made in New England with the world in mind." Showtime is 7:30pm. All Concerts on the Corner are free and and open to the public. Dinner and drinks served all night.

The concert series wraps with performances by Lowell's Johannah Zacharer (September 22) and The Flip Accoustic Duo (September 29). For more information about the Athenian Corner and all of our entertainment, log onto www.atheniancorner.com or visit our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/AthenianCorner

And are you ready for some Football? Our wildly popular Patriots Discount promotion returns next week. Last year, Athenian diners enjoyed discounts of up to 45%. So root for the Patriots to pile up the points on Sundays and save big bucks Monday night. (Monday night games give you discounts on Tuesday)

2011-09-10T18:00:00.001-04:00

Our old HQ is now OPEN!

2011-09-10T11:03:00.008-04:00

UTEC's Steel Topping Off Ceremony
Tuesday, September 20th, 2011 @ 12pm

What: UTEC's GREEN Building Steel Topping Off Ceremony, joined by Governor Deval Patrick & other local and state dignitaries
When: September 20th, 2011 at 12pm
Where: UTEC, 34 Hurd Street, Lowell, MA 01852
(between Lowell District Court and UMass Inn & Conference Center)

How you can get involved:
Imagine your logo flying high on the top of UTEC's new green building for a period of time before and after our event. You can be a part of a great cause while also enjoying a unique marketing opportunity for your business. Visibility highlights include:

•Topping-off ceremony with your banner prominently featured
•Access to others who share your commitment to sustainability and youth development
•Continued visibility to Lowell's residents, visitors and downtown businesses
•Permanent opportunities also available to reach the hundreds of anticipated annual visitors to UTEC's GREEN building
DONATE: https://secure.commonground.convio.com/utec/donatenow/

What the New Building Means

The completed building will double UTEC's capacity to help the highest-risk youth of Lowell. The new addition will have dedicated classrooms, multimedia labs, and a youth-run café! The commercial kitchen and café will create permanent jobs and allow for the expansion of our culinary arts program. The classrooms will double the number of available spots in our workforce and education programming. The conference center and rental space will help UTEC further serve the needs of our community.

UTEC has been expanding since we were founded by teens in 1999, and now we will have a home that grows with us. Contributions and donations help to purchase computers for the alternative education programs, A/V studio equipment, dance studio supplies, café furnishings, kitchen appliances, and other final finishes for the interior of the building.

Most importantly, a donation from you will help us achieve our ultimate mission of trading violence and poverty for social and economic success for all the youth we serve.

2011-09-07T09:24:00.000-04:00

DATE CHANGE - PUBLIC SAFETY SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING HAS BEEN CHANGED TO THIS THURSDAY SEPT. 8 AT 5:30.
Title: City Council Public Safety Sub/Committee
Location: City Hall, City Council Chamber, 2nd Floor
Description: Chief Lavallee will present his report on Issues downtown

Concerns over proposed center for homeless in downtown Lowell

2011-09-06T05:36:00.003-04:00

This is the first I have heard/read of this...story in SUN

By Lyle Moran, lmoran@lowellsun.com
LOWELL -- Living Waters, an all-volunteer Christian ministry, has served homeless people in the Mill City for nearly 15 years and operates a daytime drop-in center for the poor and needy at 9 West Adams St.

But having outgrown its current space, the ministry is close to finalizing an agreement to move its drop-in center to Saint Anne Episcopal Church's gym on Kirk Street so that it can help more homeless people, multiple sources have confirmed to The Sun.

The church building that houses the gym is already home to Acre Family Child Care and the Merrimack Valley Housing Partnership. Lowell High School is down the street.

Although the drop-in center's move has not been finalized, some local political and business leaders are already worried about the potential for an increase in the number of homeless people in the heart of the downtown if Living Waters relocates.

Central St. Incident

2011-09-01T16:21:00.004-04:00

Stories that take on a life of their own...Lowell police report that a neighborhood resident WAS NOT assaulted and robbed on Central St. over the weekend. 'nough said.

This is a good opportunity to remind people when you are out walking late at night to be mindful of your surroundings and it's best not to walk alone.

Central St. work update

2011-08-30T17:40:00.001-04:00

CENTRAL STREET COBBLESTONE WORK

Lowell, MA (August 30, 2011) – The next phase of the long anticipated project to remove the cobblestones on Central Street from Market St. to Appleton St. is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, August 31st at 8:00 p.m. This overnight project will run for two consecutive nights.

The work to be performed is the removal of the cobbles from the intersections. Work will be done in one travel lane and then switch to the other side. Police details will be on site to assist with traffic flow.

Since this phase involves working directly in the intersections, the decision was made to perform the work at night to minimize traffic disruptions. There will be some noise generated by this construction. While we will work to keep that to a minimum, it cannot be eliminated.

The Parking Dept. will be placing bags on the meters/space numbers. In order to shorten the duration of the project, the work will be conducted during the day and some nights. We will try to balance the work load to minimize the impact.

As with any construction project, there is the expectation that the short-term disruption and inconvenience will result in the long-term benefit of improved travel conditions for both vehicles and pedestrians.

We know how important a smooth driving surface is to all who use our downtown and this project is a big step towards providing that. We appreciate your patience and cooperation during this project.

Any questions can be directed to the City Engineer's office at 978-970-3330

Aftermath

2011-08-28T17:45:00.002-04:00

I took a spin around the block with Mr. Lavash. We lost 2 trees and a lampost on Market St. Centro's lights are escew...Market St. Market just closed. Athenian, Wings Over, Etsogo and Dunkin Donuts are open!

2011-08-26T12:20:00.007-04:00

A few things from today's SUN article...
http://www.lowellsun.com/local/ci_18762697

"I took offense to this and I'll tell you why," Bayliss said. "This makes the License Commission look stupid."

In my opinion it made the License Commission look INFORMED. Then there's this...

"Bayliss even apologized to bar owners, saying that he has long told them to call police when issues arise, and agreeing that it seems they are being punished for that. "

I'll add that the bar owners were the meeting even though they did not have to be there. I think that means they are serious about participating in the process and they certainly showed more respect for the chief than the commissioners did.

"Weicker: suggested either police or bar owners maintain a list of people who cause fights and other problems in bars so they could be barred from all bars in the city. "

I am not an attorney...but as a citizen I have to hope there is some kind of law preventing this.

The same report will be discussed by the City Council's Public Safety Subcommittee at a meeting Sept. 13th 5Pm prior to city council meeting. Anyone concerned about this issue is urged to attend.

2011-08-25T18:02:00.009-04:00

I posted this on Rob’s facebook…but will share my thoughts about the License Commission meeting today.
Since I was at the meeting too I have to say a few things. 1. Respectfully to Mr. Bayliss; this is NOT about him or the License Commission. This is about everyone involved getting together and trying to determine what the future of the neighborhood is going to be; stop pointing fingers and come up with some solid ideas. In my opinion Chief Lavallee has identified a problem and he is reaching out to everyone involved looking for solutions 2. I'm sure the stats are up because more incidents are being reported. That does not mean there were less incidents. I could be wrong but I suspect this can be attributed to the current sector captain who was formerly in a neighborhood were REALLY bad things happen and the guy is probably wondering why on earth this nonsense is tolerated. 3. In my opinion the reason we can not attract better businesses downtown is because any serious business owner doing their due diligence is going to hang around the neighborhood at all hours for at least a few weeks...and probably thinking this is not the place for me. 4. People from Belvidere should not have to look at there watch and think "It's almost 10; I better get out of Dodge"...reference point 3. 5. Possibly above all else and something newer people to the area do not understand; historically people did not LIVE downtown; they worked here. When industry started to leave and the city found itself with a ghost-town (I remember the 80's) someone came up with the wacky idea of filling the place up with subsidized housing. That was good but still more space...let's fill the rest of the place up with more people (really crazy idea). However no one ever sat down and thought about the logistics of how you mix all those pieces together. I think LDNA and the LPD and most of the bar owners have done an excellent job of getting together and finding a way to make it all work. The city council and the License Commission should get on board and throw out anyone who doesn't have a long-term goal of being a responsible part of the community. 6. As someone who does not discriminate; I make an effort to try out everything downtown; I love my island! (yes we are surrounded by water on all sides-maybe we should just pull up the draw-bridge at 1AM...alternatively we might consider shutting off the alcohol at 1AM and staying open all night for breakfast) It’s a great place to live; it is and should be a great place for anyone to come out and have some fun and not have to deal with the both the petty nonsense and certainly not have to leave before 10 to avoid an unruly bunch of drunks or precariously step over the vomit going out the door in the morning…or worse. 7. Last but not least, the LPD should not have to "baby-sit" drunks when there is an entire city who needs them; my tax dollars could be much better spent. KMM

p.s. Commissioner Weicker did not make a new friend today when he made reference to my being "old".

CENTRAL STREET COBBLESTONE WORK

2011-08-23T17:28:00.001-04:00

The long anticipated cobblestone work to Central Street from Market St. to Appleton St. is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, August 24th at 5.30 a.m.

As with any construction project, there is the expectation that the short-term disruption and inconvenience will result in the long-term benefit of improved travel conditions for both vehicles and pedestrians.

The whole project involves removing cobbles at the intersections and along the gutter line. The first task will be the removal of cobbles along the curb line. The cobbles will be removed and replaced with asphalt. There can be no vehicles parked at the curb during this operation which should take about a week. Parking is available at both the Early Garage at 135 Middlesex St. and the Roy Garage at 100 Market St. The schedule of the next phase will be announced at the end of this phase.

The Parking Dept. will be placing bags on the meters/space numbers the night before. In order to shorten the duration of the project, the work will be conducted during the day and some nights. We will try to balance the work load to minimize the impact.

We know how important a smooth driving surface is to all who use our downtown and this project is a big step towards providing that. We appreciate your patience and cooperation during this project. Any questions can be directed to Lisa DeMeo, City EngineerPhone: 978-970-3330

2011-08-21T07:14:00.002-04:00

LDNA MEETING
MONDAY AUGUST 22ND 7PM
AT LTC, 246 MARKET ST

TRANSFORMERS

2011-08-19T10:24:00.005-04:00

No, not the movie…these things…
This morning ENEL removed an unused transformer next to our front door. It was remarkable to watch this being operated by a little remote control.
I will say I am a bit dismayed considering the caution tape is attached to my front door that there was no notice from ENEL and/or city in advance. Dismayed not surprised.

Lowell Southeast Asian Water Festival

2011-08-13T08:18:00.002-04:00

15th Annual Lowell Southeast Asian Water Festival.
August 19th: Lucy Larcom Park, 6-9pm
Candle floating ceremony
Small scale performances which will also be seen again on Saturday
August 20th: Sampas Pavilion, 10am-6pm
Boat races
Food, Entertainment (traditional and modern)
Children's corner, all-day pass for $1
And much more!

American Textile History Museum

2011-08-11T06:20:00.000-04:00

American Textile History Museum : Glamour and Grace: 1930s Fashion and Marking Time: Voyage to Vietnam
American Textile History Museum exhibits, "Glamour and Grace: 1930s Fashion" on view through Oct. 16 and "Marking Time: Voyage to Vietnam" on view through Sept. 25.
More information: www.athm.org

Folk Festival

2011-08-04T15:07:00.001-04:00

Remember when Folk Festival was just fun…no stress no worries or at least for those of us who only attend and do not have to do any of the hard work of planning or working or cleaning up.

Reading today’s stories in the Sun I found the statement by Acting Superintendent Deborah Freidl that the late-night crowds downtown are just a part of the event's evolution to which officials will adjust, most important. Good point! Just 3 days prior to the commencement of the festival Chief Lavallee held a meeting and asked everyone to do what they could to make sure that after festival hours DO NOT turn into mardi gras… (or as Craig would say; Shangra-lowell) oops! I have total confidence in Captain Kennedy’s ability to evaluate the situation and make the right decision and comments from bar owners sound like they agreed too.

I know that a few bar owners did voluntarily close early all three nights due to the large crowds…therein lies the dilemma. How great that people who come to folk festival stay after to enjoy the city…and how great for all of the businesses who had to turn people away. Hopefully by next year there will be a few more neighborhood places open. So the CM’s comment about starting now to plan for next year is the right thing to do.

I do have to throw just one question out there…why did the city council approve a deal for the Smokehouse to build out the sidewalk? Did anyone provide them with information about the 11 incidents police have logged at this location (only outdone by Brian’s Ivy Hall coming in at 14)? There are many other business owners who would be eager to have the use of 4 parking spaces to build out their outdoor business but have been told no (Old Court aside; they are just to close to the corner for LFP to make the turn)…why this one?

Two stories in the SUN: http://www.lowellsun.com/todaysheadlines/ci_18615060#ixzz1U5E8Oak4

Innocent plea in Lowell Folk Festival brawl - Lowell Sun Online
LOWELL -- In the midst of the Lowell Folk Festival festivities last weekend, police arrested a Lowell man after they spotted him in a group of partygoers kicking a man on the ground…
Rest of the story at SUN on-line: http://www.lowellsun.com/local/ci_18615061

2011-08-02T16:27:00.001-04:00

Central Street Projects to begin AUGUST

2011-08-02T16:09:00.005-04:00

Two projects will be beginning very soon in close proximity to each other...

1.Repairs to crosswalks/sidewalks at Central/Middlesex/Gorham (yeah!). The work is expected start this week and take 6 weeks to complete. CM’s office says work will be done at night and advertised in advance” through the city web site, SUN and neighborhood groups. I do not yet see any information on the city web site. I will post any information as I get it on this web page and our Facebook.

2.Back in June you may recall there was a meeting held by ENEL to provide information about the Central St. bridge construction that will begin approx. August 22nd and is expected to take 4 months. Daily construction hours will be 7AM to 5PM however there are portions of the work that will have to be completed during night time hours. Below are a few slides from the presentation. I have emailed the entire presentation to LDNA members. I will likewise post on any updates.

Lowell Folk Festival

2011-07-27T10:57:00.002-04:00

Lowell Folk Festival
http://www.lowellfolkfestival.org/

In addition the SUN has a link to all things FOLKFEST
http://www.lowellsun.com/folkfest

Meters will be bagged Thursday afternoon in preparation for the weekend street closings but enforcement will not begin until Friday morning.

STREET CLOSING LIST

Arcand Drive- from Merrimack St to Father Morrisette Boulevard, Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Central St- from Market St to Merrimack St, Saturday from 9 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
French St- from John to Kirk St, from Friday noon to Sunday at 9 p.m.
French St's eastbound lane- from Kirk St to Arcand Drive, from Friday at noon to Sunday at 9 p.m.
John St- from Merrimack to Paige St, from Friday at 6 a.m. to Sunday at 11 p.m.
Lee St- will be open but in reverse direction from Friday at 6:30 a.m. to Sunday at 11 p.m.
Merrimack St- from Bridge St to Dutton St, from Saturday at 9 a.m. to Sunday at 9 p.m.
Market St- from Dutton St to Palmer St, Saturday from 9 a.m. to Sunday at midnight and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Market St- from Palmer St to Central St, will carry two-way traffic from Saturday at 9 a.m. to Sunday at midnight, and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Middle St- from Central St to Shattuck St, Friday from 6 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Saturday from 9 a.m. to midnight Sunday, and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Palmer St- Friday from 6 p.m. to Saturday midnight, Saturday from 9 a.m. to Sunday at midnight, Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Palmer St- Saturday will carry two-way traffic from Market St to Middle St Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Paige St- from John St to Kirk St, from Saturday at 9 a.m., to Sunday at 9 p.m.
Shattuck St- from Merrimack to Market St, Saturday from 9 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

2011-07-24T08:05:00.001-04:00

2011-07-16T09:05:00.002-04:00

Come celebrate Folk Festival with 3-nights of live music at 7:30pm at Athenian Corner's outdoor music series Concerts on the Corner. Featured artists: Carl & Dean (July 28 & 29) and Sandy Lee Casey (July 30).

Man with history of offenses allegedly attacked woman jogging on Riverwalk

2011-07-12T12:57:00.004-04:00

UPDATE: Man accused in Riverwalk attack found in Harvard Square
Read more: http://www.lowellsun.com/todaysheadlines/ci_18475566#ixzz1S59P1XfI

It is good to see LPD putting all of these resources to work to find this person. Kudos to Chief Lavallee for recognizing the Riverwalk is the equivalent to the "backyard" for many downtown residents and a much utilized resource by so many Lowell residents and visitors.

The LPD can be reached in the following ways: Main Number: 978-937-3200; Criminal Investigations Division: 978-937-3242; Anonymous Tip Line: 978-459-TIPS (8477); Text-a-Tip: Text tip to 847411 (Tip must begin with LPDtip)

Internet Sweepstakes Cafés

2011-07-11T16:53:00.003-04:00

Someone sent along the stories below regarding Internet Sweepstakes Cafes. I have zero knowledge of gambling so maybe I am just last to the party on this subject. Apparently a Internet Sweepstakes Cafe will be moving into the old Olive That N More space. These places do not even require a license. Perhaps someone can send along any information about this type of establishment.

The wave of Internet Sweepstakes Cafés have been making their way across the United States and now investors in Massachusetts can now have their share of the proverbial pie.
http://internetsweepstakesforum.com/showthread.php?463-Internet-Sweepstakes-Cafes-come-to-Massachusetts

Sweepstakes Cafes Thrive, Despite Police Misgivings
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/07/us/07gambling.html

Lowell police probing Riverwalk sex assault

2011-07-09T13:24:00.001-04:00

If anyone was out on the riverwalk Friday morning...please call LPD if you may have seen this person.

LOWELL -- Police are asking for the public's in tracking down a man suspected of sexually assaulting a woman Friday morning while she was jogging on a walkway near the Aiken Street bridge.

Lowell police Capt. Jack Webb said the woman was jogging along the Lowell Riverwalk at 9:30 a.m. when her alleged attacker dragged her away from the walkway and proceeded to sexually assault her.

Webb said she managed to later run away and sought help from another pedestrian.

The suspect is described as a white man, between 18 and 25 years old, with dark hair and no facial hair. He was possibly wearing dark pants.

Webb said the woman received medical care but added that the case is still under investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call Lowell police at 978-937-3200 or Crimestoppers at 978-459-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent to police via Text-a-Tip, by texting TIP411 (847411) with the subject, LPDTIP

LIGHTS ON CRIME OFF

2011-06-26T09:58:00.003-04:00

Lowell residents and business owners please join Lowell Neighborhood groups and CBA for the Lights on Crime Off Campaign Kick -off and Press Event TUES June 28th 6.00 PM in front of the Lowell City Hall

In the downtown neighborhood there are a few great bright spots at night; Merrimack St. in front of LaBoniche, Mambo Grill, Trends, Humanity, even Chantilly Place on the corner of John St. has great lighting. What we need is to enlist some businesses to make an invest in our neighborhood by leaving a light on…and everyone would benefit from some light in the alleys.

Ask a Neighbor to flip on a switch and leave one light in the window. Leaving a light on overnight helps REDUCE CRIME and cost approx 7 cents a day.

LDNA SUMMER SOCIAL

2011-06-25T15:25:00.000-04:00

Monday June 27th, 6:30 PM
Annual LDNA Pot-Luck Cook-Out
at ALL ARTs Gallery, 22 Shattuck St.
(and the last time we will have use of the deck)
we'll have hamburgers and hot dogs and "punch"...the rest of the menu is pot luck.

2011-06-21T05:38:00.001-04:00

ONE MORE THING...

2011-06-17T14:01:00.003-04:00

From MassDOT:

Please be advised SPS New England Inc., the main contractor on the Lowell Connector bridge over Plain St. has announced that on Monday, June 20, 2011 starting at 7:00 PM the in-bound lane on the Lowell Connector will be fully closed at Plain Street between exit 4 and exit 5 to allow the relocation of the temporary barrier from the current stage one configuration to stage two traffic management plan. On Tuesday June 21, 2011 also beginning at 7:00 PM the out-bound lane will be closed.

All the traffic will be detoured onto the off and on ramps on both Lowell Connector Northbound and Southbound. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes or if travel is necessary on this route to use caution in the approach of the detour area. If you should have any questions or require any further information contact:

1: Chris Leahy, MassDOT Area Engineer - 781-641-8307
2: Anthony Neve - MassDOT Resident Engineer - 781-853-8739

Upcoming Construction Informational Meeting - Central Street Bridge Construction

2011-06-17T13:05:00.004-04:00

Can you say traffic nightmare? Everyone please try to attend...even if you are still tired from Monday night Cook-out.

Construction Informational Meeting for the Central Street Bridge Construction Project.

Date: 6/28/11
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Middlesex Community College , Morse Federal Building ( 50 Kearney Square ), Assembly Room

Eleni's Fashion

2011-06-13T06:26:00.004-04:00

LHS photography students found our Eleni at work in her shop. These photos by Amber White capture the artist and her tools.

City of Lowell Budget

2011-06-12T08:38:00.007-04:00

The city manager presented his budget to the city council...watch the presentation on LTC.

Blogger Event

2011-06-10T13:18:00.001-04:00

Check out the video on richardhowe.com from yesterday's blogger meet-up.
You'll see familiar faces from the 'hood...one special one we have not seen for a long time.

LHS PHOTOGRAPHY CLASS

2011-06-07T06:28:00.004-04:00

Melissa Graham found a cool shady space in the Urban Jungle.

LHS Student photographer Telvin Benjamin capured one of our haunts at a time of day we rarely see it.

Concerts On the Corner

2011-05-25T14:48:00.002-04:00

Start your weekend early with the Athenian Corner's Concerts on the Corner, a Thursday night music series featuring local musicians in our outdoor seating area. This week, enjoy Adult Contemporary favorite Sandy Lee Casey, one of our most popular performers.

Showtime is 7-9pm. All Concerts on the Corner are free and and open to the public. Dinner and drinks served all night. For more information about the Athenian Corner and all of our entertainment, log onto www.atheniancorner.com

LDNA SUMMER SOCIAL

2011-05-25T14:40:00.002-04:00

Monday June 27th, 6:30 PM
Annual LDNA Cook-Out
(and the last time we will have use of the deck)

Lowell Sustainability Week

2011-05-25T14:25:00.004-04:00

Updated schedule can be found here.

http://lowell.org/Pages/sustainabilityweek.aspx

Boston to offer electric car charge stations near City Hall - The Boston Globe

2011-05-23T11:14:00.000-04:00

Boston to offer electric car charge stations near City Hall - The Boston Globe

LHS Photography

2011-05-18T12:52:00.005-04:00

There are some great new photos posted recently to Panoramia by the Lowell High School Photography Class. Here are two by Monita Khuth.

Jackson St. Improvements

2011-05-13T14:15:00.003-04:00

It's difficult to believe that by fall you'll be walking down a sidewalk on a tree lined Jackson St. How sweet is that!

NOTICE: Starting Monday, May 23, 2011, Jackson Street will be converted to one-way traffic from Marston Street to Central Street in order to complete the pedestrian and streetscape improvements along this stretch of roadway. Construction will last approximately 1-2 months.

As can be seen, the Jackson Street and Canal Street Bridge Improvement Project is underway! To date, work has included selective demolition, site preparation, and utility relocation/connection activities, among others. The next step in the project is to focus construction on the north side of Jackson Street from Marston Street to Central Street (in front of the Early Garage to Central Street ).

Because this work requires extensive excavation of a significant portion of the roadway, the City will be restricting Jackson Street to one-way traffic from Marston Street to Central Street to complete this portion of the project (approximately 1-2 months). This will allow the contractor to most efficiently and safely complete the improvements along this stretch of Jackson Street .

City Police, DPD, Traffic, and Engineering staff are currently working closely with the project’s contractor to ensure the traffic plan is properly and safely signed, marketed, and implemented.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for your patience during the completion of this neighborhood improvement project!

James Errickson | Urban Renewal Project Manager
The City of Lowell
Department of Planning & Development
50 Arcand Drive | Lowell , MA 01852
t: 978.446.7200 | f: 978.970.4262 | www.Lowell.org

Notes from License Commission Meeting Thursday

2011-05-13T14:09:00.003-04:00

License Commission Meeting Thursday
http://ltc.org/schedule/municipal/license_commission
It's a long meeting so skip forward to about 55 minutes. We will soon have two new bars in the neighborhood.

All Star Lounge former home of C'est on the corner of Merrimack and Kirk St. You be the judge…watch the video and see if you can tell what type of place they are planning. I couldn't tell. Interesting fact; the President is David Cruz former manager of El Rincon. I will say the owners have been given fair warning by the commissioner's to manage the place well.

Fuse Bistro, Scott Pelletier, Manager. Palmer St. formerly Caffe' Paradiso.
I think the most important thing about this location being open again is this once vibrant section on the neighborhood will no longer be dead and dark. I am optimistic some of life will be "fused" (no pun intended) back in the block.

2011-05-06T10:59:00.001-04:00

SUN story about city proposal to impose security requirements for owners with large cache of firearms.

"Secure storage of the guns should help prevent thefts, and the alarm systems would enable police to respond quickly to potential thefts and keep the guns out of criminals' hands, said Lavallee".
http://www.lowellsun.com/todaysheadlines/ci_18007364

City Survey

2011-05-04T17:20:00.002-04:00

A message from Neighborhood Planner Allegra Williams.
The city has hired a consultant to begin conducting randomized telephone surveys with Lowell residents over the next several weeks. The survey will take just 10 minutes of your time and will provide you with a way to share your views on Lowell's transportation system, public services, job opportunities, housing quality, and so forth. Your feedback will help inform future policy decisions, so we hope you will participate!

Allegra Williams Neighborhood Planner
Department of Planning and Development
The City of Lowell
375 Merrimack Street Lowell, MA 01852
t: 978.446.7200 x1473 f: 978.446.7103

Annual Neighborhood Clean-Up Day

2011-04-29T11:25:00.006-04:00

Saturday April 30th 9AM (or join in any time)
Meet at Mack Plaza

THANK YOU - THANK YOU - THANK YOU
to all the volunteers who helped!

2011-04-28T10:16:00.005-04:00

Downtown Lowell is for sale

2011-04-27T13:11:00.004-04:00

According to the SUN...downtown properties will soon be available. FINALLY!
I have a really optimistic outlook that having these properties on the market will create some great new business opportunities. Let's hope for the best. There are some really great locations on this list (assessed value is also noted).

"Nearly a dozen properties owned by the heirs of the late Louis Saab are on the block, said his younger brother, Thomas Saab". Read more: http://www.lowellsun.com/todaysheadlines/ci_17938728#ixzz1KkEVrvdO

198 Central St., $423,500
39 John St., $246,400
53 John St., $23,800
26 Merrimack St., $1,228,000
61 Merrimack St., $261,500
72 Merrimack St., $506,300
101 Paige St., $184,100
147 Central St., (Saab Building), $1.3 million

LHS Photos

2011-04-18T09:05:00.003-04:00

Thanks to LHS student photographer Gladys Mayancela for sharing the beauty of spring.

The Arts League of Lowell presents ACME

2011-04-15T13:04:00.002-04:00

April 15 - May 22

ACME, features the work of Arts League of Lowell Co-op Members, on exhibit from Apr. 15 - May 22. Artists reception Sun., May 1, 3-6pm.

The Arts League of Lowell is located at 22 Shattuck St., Lowell, MA 01852 More information: www.artsleagueoflowell.com

Whitewater Rafting in Lowell

2011-04-15T13:00:00.002-04:00

Zoar Outdoor presents Whitewater Rafting in Lowell! Reservations are now open for rafting trips taking place every weekend in April & May at 9am and 1pm. Take in this amazing outdoor urban adventure right in the heart of the Mill City. More information: www.lowelllandtrust.org

2011-04-06T10:10:00.001-04:00

TONIGHT

2011-04-04T13:23:00.001-04:00

Four Landings by Melissa Graham

2011-04-03T08:26:00.002-04:00

There are new photos posted on the LHS page. I found this one especially interesting.

Where have all the barrels gone?

2011-04-02T08:01:00.003-04:00

Mr. Marchand explains...

You may have noticed that litter barrels are being removed from neighborhood business districts. Their removal is part of a spring “cleaning and consolidation” effort currently underway. Barrels are being taken to the Public Works department where they are power washed prior to being replaced. Broken receptacles will be discarded. Removing clusters of barrels all at once makes their cleaning and servicing more efficient. The goal is to reduce the overall number of litter barrels and to re-deploy them strategically to provide adequate coverage and to minimize staff time spent on servicing them. Over the years the number of barrels has grown to approximately 300. Some are underutilized and some are broken. A few have been used for the disposal of household and commercial trash. Based on DPW assessments of usage in various districts, we will identify best locations for replacement. We expect the total number to be reduced significantly and service times to be improved. We will also monitor them more closely as some have been being used for disposal of commercial and household trash. Interestingly, we have had a few businesses who have offered to maintain a barrel near their shop. While we got a jump on executing this program as soon as spring arrived, Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions regarding this effort.

Henri B. Marchand Assistant to the City Manager

Substance Abuse Meeting Thursday

2011-03-28T16:49:00.002-04:00

New Trolley Signals at Market and Dutton

2011-03-24T11:04:00.004-04:00

Thanks to Sam for being the first person I heard from that noticed these lights...and to TonyC at richardhowe.com for posting this video!

2011-03-24T10:39:00.001-04:00