September 2018 Minutes

LDNA 9/24/18

7 PM, LTC

Present:

Carolyn Alphen

Sam Litvin

Meeting called to order at: 7:03.

Opening greeting

Approval of minutes

Approval of June minutes; Motion made and 2^nd from floor; approved.

Police Report

Capt. Barry Golner – A Sector Commander

• 5 Agg assaults; all resulted in arrests or court summons for perpetrator.
• 4 car breaks; all involved unlocked vehicles – LOCK YOUR CARS!
• 8 Disorderlies – many involved fights involving LHS students.

Q&A:

• Issue of homeless sleeping in doorways seems to be increasing.
  • LPD works with shelter, hospital, etc. to try to direct people to services.
  • New Mental Health Court as well as special drug court has been created to help.
• Crime is way down, but calls for service is way up. Mostly “social” issues that police are called on as the only available 24/7 agency.
  • Cuts to social service agencies need to be reversed so services are available.
• Should we be worried about shooting right on Merrimack Street in early evening?
  • It was an isolated incident. The two parties new each other and had a dispute.  Suspect surrendered to police within 24hrs.
• Is organized crime a problem in the city?
  • Not like it used to be. Mainly involves various ethnic groups, e.g., gambling rings, etc.

Treasurer’s Report

$775.00 balance, according to interim treasurer Carolyn.  Everyone is invited to make a voluntary $10 membership contribution.

Special Guest:  Lowell Police Superintendent Raymond “Kelly” Richardson

The Superintendent introduced himself and spoke briefly during the earlier police presentation.

Special Guest:  Claire Ricker of Lowell DPD

• Chief design planner and senior planner for Hamilton canal district master plan area
• 13 acre site.
• Winn Companies has a signed agreement to develop parcels 8 &9.
  • Rental “workforce” Housing (20/80/20 income mix)
  • Air bridge between 2 buildings will have additional housing units.
  • MEPA process dictates environmental standards
• Justice Center with 7 courts and registry of deeds will open in January 2020.
• New parking garage has some innovative and exciting exterior design features.
  • 930 parking spaces
  • It will have electric charging stations and bike storage.
  • Pedestrian access to adjacent canal is anticipated.
  • Construction will begin in spring of 2019.
• City website has a tab with links to info on all construction projects.
• Lord Overpass is at 100% design. 3 year construction with opening in 2022.
  • Construction will overlap with Central Street bridge project for about 1yr.

Q&A:

• Natasha is new transportation engineer.
• Toby Marks is new parking director.

Discussion

• LDNA logo is on storage container at Kerouac Park following donation.
• Future guests?
  • Bring in another update on bridge closings as it gets closer to the time.
  • Fire Dept.
  • New business owners. Maybe get update on Market St. Hotel.
  • Ask for representative from license commission to com speak to us.
  • Steve Stowell form Historic Commission.

Meeting Adjourns at 8:28.