Lowell Downtown Neighborhood Association

Lowell Downtown Neighborhood Association 

Minutes of the Meeting of March 24, 2025

President Laura Lamarre Anderson convened the meeting at 7:02 PM. 

The minutes of the February 24 meeting were approved unanimously on a motion by Jim Pope and Greg Lamarre Anderson

Treasurer Greene indicated our bank balance was $2282.29

LPD Lieutenant Dawn Beauchense introduced Sgt Tim Whelan who supervises the downtown and Acre patrols. While the monthly report was fairly consistent with prior months, there was a shooting on March 16 on Jackson Street. The gang unit tracked down the armed suspect who was subsequently arrested and booked. Lt. Dawn indicated that the shooting was not a random event. 

February was a frigid month with typically low numbers of aggravated assaults, car breaks, vandalism, and shoplifting. A burglary at 181 Central St. is under investigation while a second such incident on Church Street resulted in an arrest aided by surveillance cameras. Lieutenant Beauchense indicated that the LPD has increased patrols at the Bishop Markham and Fenwick Apartments. 

Most of the questions from the members focused on the recent presence of ICE in the downtown area, including at Canal Place. The lieutenant indicated that LPD was not notified and did not participate in these activities.

Next, Laura introduced Sixto DeJesus who is a candidate for the city council on the citywide ballot.Sixto provided information about his professional and community experience and asked the members present for their input as he plans his campaign. 

District 4 Councilor Wayne Jenness reported that the city was very close to announcing a new agreement for development at the Hamilton Canal district. He described the new 311 system and encouraged members and neighbors throughout downtown to download the app and to use it to report incidents to the city and also to get answers for their questions about services. Wayne answered a couple of questions regarding the condition of the Riverwalk and Pawtucket Canal. 

For the reorganization, the members present nominated and elected Laura Lamarre Anderson as chairman with Steve Greene and Bob Casey, treasurer and secretary, respectively. Ken Michienzi volunteered to be the substitute secretary as needed. 

Before the close of the meeting, a representative for the Pollard library was present to promote upcoming events under their sponsorship. Laura also reminded that the town and city music festival was coming up on April 26 followed by the Indie booksellers event on April 27. 

The meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:12 PM 

Respectfully,

Robert Casey,

Secretary

AGENDA – April 28, 2025

• Approval of the minutes as written by Bob Casey, Secretary
• Budget update from Treasurer Stephen Greene
• Police Report 
• Details about the Points of Light celebration and a call for volunteers – Laura Tavares
• Updates from Downtown City Councilor Wayne Jeness
• Upcoming events
• May 10 -Doors Open Lowell
• May 10 – Spring Busker Festival (Middle and Palmer streets will be closed to traffic, there will be no parking on Shattuck St)
• May 17 – Family Day at Kerouac Park
• May 30 – June 1 – Grecian Festival at Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church
• Open for discussion of what we want to see at upcoming meeting – we need input

NEXT MEETING is Monday, JUNE 23, 2025, 7pm at LTC

Upcoming meetings:

May – no meeting

June 23

July – no meeting

August 25

September 22

October 27

November 24

December – no meeting

AGENDA – MARCH 24, 2025

• Approval of the minutes as written by Stephen Greene, Secretary
• Budget update from Treasurer Stephen Greene
• Police Report 
• Updates from Downtown City Councilor Wayne Jeness
•  Vote for Board positions – President, Treasurer, Secretary 
• Open for discussion of what we want to see at upcoming meeting – we need input

Lowell Downtown Neighborhood Association 

Minutes of the Meeting    February 24, 2025

President Laura Lamarre Anderson called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM at LTC.

The minutes of January 27, 2024 were moved and approved unanimously.

Treasurer Stephen Greene reported our bank balance at $2,282.29 which reflects a deposit of $130.00 and no debits.  Greene will take the minutes for this meeting. 

LPD Captain Daniel Desmarais provided the Police Report for January.  First, he introduced newly promoted Sergeant Brian McMannus who is on the early patrol.  The Captain began by reporting on the recent Snow Parking Ban during which about 179  cars were towed and about 200 tickets were issued.  He said that this was in addition to the regular work that the police perform.  If you are not on the city notification for Snow Parking Bans, you can get on the Code Red system which is available through the City Website.  Overall, crimes were down from December’s 23 to 19 in January.  There were 3 aggravated assaults, 3 burglaries and 6 car breaks, where about 85% of the car breaks were unlocked vehicles.  The Capt. reminded us to lock our vehicles and not leave any visible valuables.  The perpetrator walks down the street flicking door handles.  An open car only takes a minute to rummage through. Break ins in the garages are down.  If you see someone who looks suspicious in the garage, let the attendant know or call it in. There were 3 shopliftings with one charge.  The Dollar General store has seen its share of shoplifting. There were 4 vandalisms with one of them by an ex-girlfriend.  The Central Street fire had one seriously injured person and significant damage.  The cause of the fire has yet to be determined.  Homeless people were not involved.  The police do check that building entrances are secure but also need help from the public.

Q&A  On resident had observed that the full set of wheels had been stolen from a car next to hers in a city garage.  This was done by a criminal gang which the police are aware of.  They can steal 4 wheels in less time than you could change a flat. High school kids leaving school in the afternoon have had some close calls crossing the intersection with the new stop signs at French and John streets.  The police do outreach to the immigrant  community.  They recently had a well attended session at the Baptist church which was facilitated by translators.  The police emphasize that immigrants should not be afraid of the Police.  When asked about their role with ICE,  the police cooperate as they would with other agencies such as the FBI or ATF when crime is involved, but ICE’s role is dealing with immigration, not the local police.  There were no issues with Winterfest.

Katherine Moses, the Sustainability Director for the City of Lowell, provided new information about the city’s Community Choice Aggregation program including selecting a new electricity supplier.  A card was sent out with the 3 choices: standard and Green 5 which are both less that N Grid’s rate; and Green 100 which is a little higher than N Grid.  If you have been on the city’s Aggregation Program you were automatically switched to the new aggregate power supplier at the standard rate.  You can change your rate.  If you have a new electric service  account, you are likely on the N Grid rate.  Check the upper back portion of your electric bill – Supply Services.  If you are in the city program the supplier will be First Point Power. 

Katharine introduced Victor Vargas, Energy Advocate who can provide energy efficiency  and rate information for both residential and small businesses.  Victor can be reached at 978-674-1408 or vvargas@lowellma.gov .

During general discussions, Lowell joining the UN Frontrunner Program was mentioned.  Joining was initiated by the City Manager. Lowell is the first city in the US to be in this international program.  Toronto is also in the program. Details are few at present but are in process.  Katherine will be in charge of Lowell’s program and she will report to us in the future

Councilor Jenness was not available for Council updates.

After a few general comments, the meeting was adjourned about 7:50 PM

Next meeting is Monday, March 24th, 7 PM at LTC.

Stephen Greene, secretary pro tem

Lowell Downtown Neighborhood Association

Minutes of the Meeting 10/28/2024

Treasurer Stephen Greene convened the meeting at 7:02 PM. 

A motion from Steve Cerand to approve the minutes of the September 23 meeting was seconded and passed unanimously. 

Treasurer Greene reported our bank balance unchanged at $2,342.29 

LPD Captain Daniel Desmarais reported about an incident from earlier in the day at Market and Central Streets where LPD received a call of a suspicious package left on the ground. Out of an abundance of caution, the department called for assistance from the state police who determined nothing nefarious in the package. LPD then reopened the streets and sidewalks. 

Crime stats for the district remained low overall. There were some sporadic fights involving a small group of high school students. The majority of the 11 car breaks were facilitated by owners failing to lock their vehicles. Complaints were issued on 4 suspects accused of assault; another arrest was made for a non life threatening stabbing whose victim left a trail of blood from South Street to Shattuck Street. 

A question about “porch pirates” came up, and the Captain indicated that the department is actively monitoring these activities; he reminded residents the best deterrent is always to have secure arrangements in place for their deliveries. 

Canal liaison Steve Cerand provided another update on the status of the long moribund Eastern Canal. He reported that a series of repairs are planned this month which will be followed by testing to determine if the years-long wait for a fix has been achieved. 

Councilor Wayne Jenness, with Councilor Vesna Nuon, invited members to attend the council’s economic development subcommittee meeting on November 12 at 5:30 PM where a review of the current parking ordinance will be discussed. Among the topics are proposals to expand the parking zones and also to increase meter parking from 2 to 4 hours.

City Engineer Ting Chang presented an overview of an ambitious plan in 2 phases to reconfigure and calm traffic on the mile long stretch of French St/Father Morissette Bvd from Bridge St to Aiken St. The street width would be reduced in places from 68’ to 36’ with bike lanes, drop off lanes and a raised crosswalk at Lucy Larcom Park. The intersection at Arcand Drive (site of LHS) would become a roundabout. 

Peter Aucella, representing the Lowell Summer Music Series, 

posed a few questions and urged the city project management team to work with his organization to minimize disruption to the iconic summer program. Another member urged city capitalize on opportunities to connect this new project with existing access points to The Riverwalk. 

Jack Moynihan was elected to represent LDNA on the Lowell Waterways Initiative committee on a motion from Wayne Jenness. 

Following a few questions and announcements, Treasurer Greene called for a motion to adjourn which quickly passed on a motion by Bob Casey at 8:08pm. 

Respectfully submitted,

Robert Casey,

Secretary

AGENDA – November 25, 7pm at LTC

• Approval of the minutes as written by Bob Casey, Secretary
• Budget update from Treasurer Stephen Greene
• Police Report from Lt. Dawn Beauchesne 
• Introduction from Chris Wyett of the Edge Building, an apartment complex, off Father Morissette Blvd
• Information from Christine Wilkins of Lowell Loves Wildlife about alternatives to rat poisons  
• Updates from Downtown City Councilor Wayne Jeness

Upcoming Events:

City of Lights festival – Saturday, November 30, including the DIY Yuletide Market in JFK Plaza – will result in some street closures

See the LikeLowell or the Mosaic Lowell calendars for all events

NEXT MEETING is Monday, January 27 2025, 7pm at LTC

There will be NO MEETING in December – Happy Holidays

President Laura Lamarre Anderson called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM. 

The minutes of the March 25 meeting were approved with a correction changing Honda to Hyundai (on a motion and second from Wayne Jenness and Stephen Greene).

Treasurer Greene reported our bank balance unchanged from March, at $2,312.29. 

LPD Lt . Dawn Beauchense reported crime activity at the typical low levels downtown. Most of the cases were cleared with suspects and arrests taken. Some of the illicit deeds involved 3 aggravated assaults and and burglaries along with 5 charges of disorderly conduct. There were 2 Tic Tok inspired car breaks, and the lieutenant again advised Kia and Hyundai owners to install steering wheel locks for added deterrence. The 6 vandalism cases varied from barbecue sauce smeared on a door to rocks hurled through windows. 

A few comments followed, including a note of gratitude for LPD’s response to addressing piles of trash behind the Saab Building and continued monitoring of conditions at 103 Central Street. 

Re: a question about LPD staffing levels, Lt Beauchense indicated a new class with 16 recruits is slated and that the Citizens Academy has started with a new group. 

Francesca Cigliana from the city’s Planning Dept gave an overview of Lowell Forward, the city’s updated 10 year planning document. Her power point presentation covered the history of the project and a summary of the key tenets that will guide the next decade of planning and development in Lowell. With respect to growing our downtown neighborhood: mixed use development, mid rise buildings, and improved pedestrian and transit infrastructures are priorities. 

Upon approval of the Planning Board and City Council, Lowell Forward will be implemented. 

District Councilor Wayne Jenness spoke next with a brief history of Hamilton Canal Innovation District plans and an update of the currently stalled downtown project. The city sold 5 parcels to developer Sal Lupoli in 2020 with the understanding certain parcels would be developed in compliance with a form based plan. To date, only a 6 story garage has been built, leaving 4 lots untouched. The councilor explained that Lupoli is asking for substantial changes to the plans which have left the City Council contemplating whether to agree to the requests or consider terminating the agreement. Wayne asked for input, and the consensus of the meeting was that the city should not yield in its commitment to the original HCID master plan. 

Member Steve Cerand, who is active with the Canal Cleaners and acts as liaison to the owners of the canal system spoke next. He mentioned that the Pawtucket Canal ( which runs behind Jackson and Prescott Streets) has been empty for most of the past year for maintenance and unexpected repairs. His latest info is that repairs should be completed by May 17 with the canal to be filled shortly after. 

Prior to adjournment, former President Jack Moynihan noted 2 important events for downtown: The Town and City Festival (April 26-7); and The Points of Lights celebration at Ecumenical Plaza on May 11. Member Ken Michienzi invited members to check out ProjectMerrimack.org to learn more about water quality, sewer overflow and untreated waste water levels of our mighty river. 

Laura stated there would be no May meeting (due to Memorial Day) and adjourned the meeting at 8:20 on a motion and second from Bob Casey and Steve Cerand. 

Respectfully submitted,

Robert Casey,

Recording Secretary

Meeting to be held at LTC on Market Street, June 24, 2024, 7pm – all are welcome

1. Approval of the minutes as written by Bob Casey, Secretary
2. Budget update from Treasurer Stephen Greene
3. Police Report from Lt. Dawn Beauchesne 
4. Ranger JoAnn Marcos will bring us up to date on summer offerings for LNHP and Folk Festival.  
5. An overview of the proposed Business Improvement District with Ali Carter, Director of Economic Development and Liam Skinner, Downtown/Business Coordinator
   • Focus group questions for downtown Lowell residents that will inform the Downtown Lowell Business Improvement District Steering Committee. Some questions to start thinking about in downtown Lowell:
   • What’s great about downtown Lowell that we want to enhance?
   • What’s not working?
   • What actions would benefit your students and visitors?
6. Some options for spending our money for our neighborhood
   • Clean up and planting in conjunction with the Lowell Litter Crew (with volunteers to adopt the spaces to water and weed through the season)
   • Clean up followed by a Block Party in conjunction with the Lowell Litter Crew
   • LDNA support of the National Park’s Fall Cleanup, and contribute to their cookout afterwards
   • An evening Downtown Business Stroll with a passport to punch and/or refreshments/treats at each participating location funded by LDNA
   • An outdoor social gathering (would require checking on permits and such to see if we could do refreshments, a tent, music, etc)
   • Other ideas?

• Upcoming events in the downtown
  • Lowell Summer Music Series has already begun
  • Free Fun for Kids series at Boarding House Park starts July 11(mostly on Wednesday & Thursday mornings)
  • July 4th – can’t yet find any information on city festivities – please share if you know!
  • July 26-28 – Folk Festival

March 25, 2024
Minutes of the Meeting

President Laura Lamarre Anderson convened the meeting at 7:02 PM.

Treasurer Greene reported a balance of $2,312.29, which reflects no deposits or
expenditures.
The minutes of the February 26 meeting were unanimously approved on a motion and
second from Ginny Burnham and Stephen Greene.

LPD Lt. Dawn Beauchesne provided the police report which showed 5 aggravated assaults
all of which were cleared. There was a “smash and grab” at 121 Church Street, and 3
breaking and entering incidents with suspects arrested. There was a slight uptick in car
breaks due to a TikTok challenge focused on Kia and Honda vehicles. Nonetheless, per
usual, 4 of the other 5 were involved unlocked cars. Rounding out the report was a
disorderly conduct at River Place (3 juveniles arrested), an attempted carjack at 79
Merrimack St. and a pair of vandalisms (egged cars).
The lieutenant took questions regarding trash/sanitation issues behind the Saab Building,
as well as concerns about police and health inspectors frequently calls to 103 Central St.

Parking Director Terry Ryan, the featured speaker, stated his focus is on improving
lighting, staffing, security and improved accessibility in all the garages. He outlined several
of the maintenance and facility upgrades at the downtown garages including:
 Roy Garage: new steel doors; re-striping, roof repairs; 24 new cameras and a 65” monitor in the office
 John Street Garage and Ayotte Garage: 5 million dollar renovation starting summer ’24; drainage repairs; new EV charging stations and additional security.
Mr. Ryan indicated that the city requested a complete review of all the city’s parking fees to
address revenue shortfalls. Some of the increases under consideration by the City Council
include increases in meter rates and an extending meter to 8pm. Garage rates for
downtown residents would increase from $78 to $93 per month and from $43 to $46.50 for
seniors/ disabled. Discussion and questions followed.

District Councilor Wayne Jenness reported that the Economic Development Sub-committee
would be meeting to receive a presentation on UML’s development plans for the East
Campus. He also spoke about the apparently stalled situation at the Hamilton Canal District.
And with regard to the new parking fee proposal, he was receptive to the suggestion that
any changes take effect July 1 to provide residents and HOAs time to adjust their budgets
etc. ​

At 8:20 pm, the meeting adjourned upon a motion by Greg Lamarre Anderson and Bob
Casey.

Respectfully submitted,
Robert Casey, Secretary

Our newly elected president, Laura Lamarre Anderson, started the meeting
at 7:00 PM. She introduced the treasurer, Stephen Greene, who took the
minutes. Bob Casey, the secretary, was away.

The January meeting minutes were approved.
The treasurer reported that there is $2,312.29 our account. This included a
previously reported $30 deposit and recent $70 deposit. There were no
disbursements.

The police report was given by Lieutenant Dawn Beauchesne, Shift
Supervisor. Lt. Beauchesne is part of the new organizational structure
announced at our January meeting by Captain Daniel Desmarais. Lt.
Beauchesne has been here in Lowell for 29 years and recently promoted to
Lt.
Though February crime statistics were not available, Lt. Beauchesne reported
on both earlier and current issues. Previously reported problems with high
school students in the Victorian Park was followed up. A male from Market
Mills was selling alcohol to the students. On other issues, 2 assaults
occurred between people known to each other. The Hundai / Kia TickTok car
theft challenge has been attempted in town. The police have stepped up
patrols of the garages after concerns were raised about lax security.
The Lowell Police Department is still recovering from the earlier cyber attack.
Local crime mapping that we received in the past is in the process of being
fixed. Other neighborhood concerns were electric scooters on sidewalks. Lt.
Beauchesne reported that a City wide speed limit of 25 mph will start to be
rolled out in June.

Guest speaker, Julie Galonska, Lowell National Historical Park Superintendent
was introduced followed by Kevin Kavanagh, Division Chief, LNHP law
enforcement. Chief Kavanagh explained what his department oversees in
our neighborhood. Kevin talked about the National Park System, including
showing some beautiful slides. He discussed the various collaborative roles
the Lowell National Historic Park plays in the City. These include security and
public safety. Because there are Federal, State, Department of Conservation
and Recreation, City and private interests in the National Park area,
significant cooperative activity takes place. His department will work with the
Lowell Police Department or other City agencies as the need dictates. ​
Dealing with some homeless situations have required working with multiple
groups to come to a humane resolution of the incident.

General information. Downtown, the Town and City Festival is coming in
April. Winter Fest was great in it’s new Palmer, Middle Street, St Anne’s
location.

Laura has created a colorful poster with a QR code for general meeting
notification. Stephen reported he is looking into hybrid meetings with the
objective to get more people involved in the neighborhood meetings. A
resident (condo trustee) asked about forming a downtown condo association
group. Ken Michienzi briefly reported that combined sewer overflow
notification reports to the Merrimack are available online, but each town has
its own confusing system. He has a system that reports for the river. His
contact information is Ken Michienzi, The MerrimacK Company,
Ken@merrimacKco.com, 508-633-3239.

Looking for ideas for investing our
voluntary dues in our neighborhood including Spring/Summer neighborhood
activities.
Spread the word about our meetings and invite your neighbors. All downtown
residents are welcome!

Stephen Greene, Secretary pro tem

President Jack Moynihan began the meeting at 7:00 PM. He introduced the Treasure, Stephen Greene
and noted that the secretary, Robert Casey, was away.
The minutes for the October and November meetings were approved with no changes. The was no
meeting in December.
Stephen Greene gave the treasure’s report. LDNA has $2,212.29 in its account at Enterprise Bank. This
reflected a $30.00 deposit and no disbursements.

Captain Dan Desmarais presented the Police Report. He began with the restructuring of the Department
on January 8 th with one captain over the whole city rather than 3 sectors. This reorganization provides
better coordination and allocation of resources. This includes improvement in day shift outreach and
sharing information among shifts. He also reported on crime statistics for November, December and the
first 3 weeks of January. Car breaks were the major category. Residents are reminded that most car
breaks were to unlocked vehicles. He minded folks to lock their cars and not leave any items of value
visible. There were 6 disorderlies and 7 vandalisms. The Captain will be meeting with Garage Security
with the objective of reducing car breaks in the garages.

Captain Desmarais reported that several “gypsy thefts” occurred in the Lowell area. A car with a driver
and passenger drive up to potential victim on the street and talk them in to trying a piece of jewelry
similar to what the potential victim is wearing. The plan is to switch a good piece of jewelry with a flashy
piece of junk before they speed off. Another item of interest he reported was the Tic Tok Kia/Hyundai car
theft challenge, to break into these cars and steal them.
Captain Desmarais has reached out to the Inn and Conference Center’s security team. There is no longer a
sector office at Eastern Bank. Neighbors have reported kids at the Victorian Park and suspected drug
activity. Security in the Hamilton Garage has been absent. Garage management has been poor overall
and it is hoped that a new garage manager will improve the situation. The Captain received praise for his
past work in Back Central.

Newly Elected Mayor Danny Rourke was introduced by Jack. Mayor Rourke presented a brief update of
work currently going on in the City or which is in process. A few items include the Downtown
Wayfinding – new signs and kiosks for downtown including garages which will be installed this Spring.
Jackson Street Park which Councilor Jenness reported last year. A number of development projects on
Market, Merrimack and Middlesex St. A new Sushi restaurant on Merrimack. Plans for an Economic
Development Coordinator for the Downtown and Neighborhoods by this Spring. During Questions,
Mayor Rourke took questions on downtown snow removal particularly at corners, cross walks and bus
stops which is a challenge for pedestrians. Persistent potholes on major streets was also mentioned.

Elections were held. Jack Moynihan has stepped down after 10 years as co-president and president. His
service is greatly appreciated. Laura Lamarre Anderson has stepped into the breach as the nominee for
president. The slate for elections: Laura Lamarre Anderson, president: Robert Casey, Secretary; Stephen
Greene, Treasurer. The slate was elected/reelected. Thank you, Laura.​

Leticia Marques from City Hall announced that there are about 5 Board or Commission openings in the
City. If you are interested, contact City Hall, boards@lowellma.gov for more information. You can also
check the City Website.

Winter Fest is February 16-17 and in a new downtown location – Middle and Palmer Streets, Enterprise
Bank Parking lot and St Anne’s.

Wayne Jenness thanked his constituents for reelecting him. He also reported that a new Women’s
National Hockey League is playing at the Tsongas. He said they are playing excellent hockey and support
will help keep them playing in Lowell.

Stephen will share the LDNA web site with Market Mills management to encourage wide participation in
the Lowell Downtown Neighborhood Association meetings.

Stephen Greene, Secretary pro tem.