LDNA Minutes 20240226

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

LDNA Minutes 20240122

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.

Lowell Downtown Neighborhood Association

November 27, 2023
Minutes of the Meeting

President Jack Moynihan called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM.
Treasurer Greene reported a balance of $2212.29, which reflects no new deposits or
expenditures. Approval of the minutes of the October 23 was postponed.

LPD Sgt. Christy Delaney gave the police report and noted that the data are now being
provided via the LPD servers for the first time since the cyber attack earlier this year. The
statistics indicated a good month overall with no particular spikes in incidents reported. Of
10 car breaks, 8 of the entries were gifted by vehicle owners who left their cars unlocked.
Two of 4 burglaries resulted in arrests and the cases closed. Similarly, 5 of 6 charges of
disorderly conduct resulted in arrests. There were 12 incidents of vandalism though the
events appear to be random. Sgt. Delaney then took questions from some of the members.


Jean Yang, from the CEO of Vinfen, gave a short presentation about the
agency and its mission before introducing Executive Director Daniella Johnson. Daniella
explained that VBH Community Services, currently headquartered at 40 Church Street is in
the process of moving many of its services to a site on Varnum Ave, which will be closer to
Lowell General Hospital and improve articulation of their services. The current Church
Street facility will remain open for the time being.
Daniella outlined that VBHC provides walk-in service for both youth and adults with a
range of services including experiencing mental health or substance abuse emergencies.
The services are rendered in one on one, group or family settings. Along with walk-in or
appointments, VBHC also has a mobile crisis intervention program and maintains
partnerships with both the GLTCHS and Middlesex Community College where they provide
on-site clinicians. Vinfen accepts patients with or without health insurance and derives a
good deal of its funding from state and federal sources.
Before closing, Daniella talked about ways to support Vinfen and also mentioned that, like
many organizations, they struggle to fill positions and are actively engaged in hiring staff at
various levels.


Before adjournment, Jack Moynihan announced that after 10 years as “interim” president
of LDNA, he is planning to step down and continue to participate as member (in pretty
good standing). He spoke hopefully about LDNA’s future and offered to support its next
leader.


With no further business, at 7:48 pm, the motion to adjourn passed unanimously on a
motion and second from Laura L. Anderson and Greg Anderson.​


Respectfully submitted,
Robert Casey,
Secretary

Lowell Downtown Neighborhood Association

October 23, 2023 Minutes of the Meeting

President Jack Moynihan convened the meeting at 7:00PM.
Treasurer Greene reported a balance of $2212.29, which reflects no new deposits or
expenditures.

The minutes of the meetings of August 28 and September 25 were unanimously approved
on motions by Stephen Greene with Laura Lamarre Anderson seconding each.

LPD Captain Marisol Nobrega reported for the months of September and October. There
were 8 aggravated assaults, some involving high school students with LPD and its school
resource officers assisting. There were 4 burglaries, with one perpetrator accounting for 3
of the crimes. As usual, most of the 9 car breaks were due to unlocked cars and the captain
again repeated LPD’s reminder to lock up and keep valuables off the seats and in the trunk.
There were 3 disorderly conduct arrests. Plus, 5 patrons of Trend on Merrimack St were
arrested following a late night incident requiring back up cruisers to the scene. Trend
owners and management have been slated for a disciplinary hearing before the Licensing
Commission. Along with a robbery where the suspected shoplifter was arrested, there were
10 incidents of random vandalism along with 2 tagging (graffiti) incidents. Before taking a
few questions, the Captain announced that the Downtown LPD satellite station housed in
Eastern Bank has been closed.


Next was a Meet-the-candidates for City Council. LDNA invited all the city-wide and district
4 candidates. In attendance were Wayne Jenness (District 4), and at-large candidates Rita
Mercier, Vesna Nuon, Eric Gitchier, Cory Belanger, Bobby Tugbiyele and Virak Uy.
Moderated by Bob Casey, the forum included a 5 minute presentation from each candidate
followed by questions from the audience. Each of the candidates was invited to respond to
questions on issues from homelessness, to housing to reinvigorating the downtown
economy. While there was plenty of back and forth, the candidates were gracious to each
other and responsive to the questions posed from the audience. As the forum concluded
Bob thanked the candidates for participating during a very busy week of stops on the
campaign trail.


At 8:25 pm with no further business, the meeting adjourned on a motion by Sally Coulter
and a second from Stephen Greene.


Respectfully submitted,
Robert Casey,
Secretary

Lowell Downtown Neighborhood Association

Lowell Downtown Neighborhood Association
Minutes of the Meeting of September 28, 2023

Jack Moynihan called the meeting to order at 7:04 PM.


Treasurer Greene reported our balance at $2,212.29 which reflects a $20 deposit against no expenditures.


Approval of the minutes for the August 28 was deferred to the next meeting.


Jack introduced Captain Marisol Nobrega, the newly appointed commander of Charley District which includes downtown. Captain Nobrega has been working on introducing herself to the district and has met with other neighborhood groups and recently held a meeting with downtown business owners. She also has secured an additional officer (despite the department being short 36 officers) and is working toward greater police visibility and presence downtown. The captain reported that there were 70 arrests throughout the entire district over the past 2 months. Downtown incidents ranged from assaults(2); disorderly conduct (6); car break-ins (7); a burglary at Fuse Bistro; a robbery at an ATM at 148 Central Street; vandalism at 70 Merrimack Street. Captain Nobrega briefly discussed the shooting incident at Canal Place on September 22, stressing it was not a random incident and was still under investigation. (Subsequent to this meeting, LPD did make an arrest). Questions about homeless sleeping in doorways, noisy vehicles, and the status of the ICC came up. Captain Nobrega closed by distributing her contact information and urged DTL residents to contact her anytime.


Jack introduced Councilor Corey Robinson to speak about his idea to develop plans to utilize the upper floors of downtown garages. With the current excess of available parking spaces, the councilor spoke about the innovative approach taken in Lawrence where they converted the top floor of a garage into 4 turf fields for youth and adult sports programs. He asked the members for their ideas and received several suggestions and a good deal of support for the concept. Among the suggestions were a dog park and bocce courts.


Councilor Eric Gitchier was also in attendance, and Jack invited him to speak . He mentioned that he was filing a motion to study the possibility of demolition of the Smith Baker Center. He indicated he believes the facility has fallen into severe disrepair.

Treasurer Greene spoke next and suggested that with more than $2,000 in our account, it may be time to think about either funding a project or planning a social event in the near future. Discussion to be continued

.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned, following a motion and second by Stephen Greene andLaura Lamarre-Anderson at 8:20 PM.


Respectfully submitted
Robert Casey,
Secretary

Lowell Downtown Neighborhood Association

Minutes of the June 26, 2023 Meeting

Jack Moynihan called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM.

The minutes of the June 26 meeting were approved on a motion by Sally Coulter and Judy Huber.

LPD Captain Dan Desmarais began the police report by reminding residents that the best way to curtail car break-ins is to lock their vehicles. Additional activity in the downtown district included a few juveniles with BB guns apprehended following the Folk Festival; random downtown sweeps for nuisance wheelies, bikes and scooters; stepped up traffic stops for speeding; and increased surveillance in the Appleton Street/South Common area. With schools opening, LPD has assigned an additional officer to the district resulting in increased coverage through 9pm.

Jack introduced our fellow DTL resident, State Representative Vanna Howard who represents 46,000 residents in DTL, Back Central, Belvidere, and a portion of Tewksbury. Rep Vanna highlighted the 2024 budget which included increases for education, transportation, early childhood, mental health, family housing and workforce development. She also reported Lowell will receive 1.9 million in CH 90 funds, and 21.4 million in federal funds for bridge repair/replacement on Broadway St, Market St, Lawrence St and Swamp Lock at the Hamilton Canal District. Her office continues to work closely with MADOT on brush removal, clean ups and infrastructure projects. With respect to Public Health measures, Rep Howard indicated the state is tracking increases in tick bites and COVID. She strongly supported the implementation of 988, the state’s new suicide prevention hotline.

Treasurer Stephen Greene reported reported a balance of $2,192.29 with no deposits or expenditures.

Prior to adjourning, Jack mentioned some of the upcoming events that make for a lively period in DTL, including: International Overdose Prevention Day (8/31); the annual Kinetic Race (9/16); the opening of One Lowell, the NPS interactive exhibit (9/23); and the Bay State Marathon (10/15).

The motion and second to adjourn by Sally Coulter and Stephen Greene passed unanimously at 8:16 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert Casey,
Secretary

Lowell Downtown Neighborhood Association June 26, 2023 Minutes of the Meeting

President Jack Moynihan called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM.

The minutes for the May 22 meeting were unanimously approved on a motion and second by Sally Coulter and Judy Huber.

LPD Captain Matthew Penrose reported on police activity in the DTL area. On account of the cyber attack earlier this year, the statistical analysis was not available. The Captain commented that there was typical activity for the first part of summer with a slight uptick in nuisance related disturbances and cars break-ins. LPD continues to plead with the public to lock their cars. There were a few calls to the local bars with a limited number of arrests. LPD accordingly has stepped up weekend patrols. There were 2 burglaries, one at the Life Alive restaurant on Middle St with the cash register stolen. LPD continues to monitor nuisance bike and motor scooter activity in the downtown areas through video surveillance and coordination with school resource officers.

Captain Penrose also mentioned that LPD, in coordination with other agencies, had removed homeless encampments near downtown and described efforts to assist the displaced with transportation vouchers and shelter suggestions.

Treasurer Greene reported a balance of $2,122, which reflects $40 in deposits and no funds expended.

Joann Marcos from the National Park Service spoke next regarding the upcoming 2023 Lowell Folk Festival and other Park Service programs this summer:

Folk Festival : Four stages again: Boarding House Park, Arcand Drive, St. Anne’s and Market Street. The Marketplace, “Experience Lowell” will be moved to the Enterprise Bank parking lot on Middle St.; Volunteers still needed including an assistant transportation coordinator.

NPS news : A new interactive exhibit “Once City, Many Cultures” opens September 23; canal boat tours, trolley service and walking tours are operating two days/week with schedules available on NPS website.

Jack welcomed Allison Carter, Economic Development Director, and Elizabeth Oltman , City Transportation Director, to discuss Lowell’s forthcoming Open Streets pilot program for Fall, 2023. The program would involve creating a car free pedestrian zone on parts of Palmer, Shattuck and Middle Streets. Ali and Liz took several questions and suggestions from the membership to incorporate in their planning.​

After a few announcements including news of a forthcoming grant for bridge replacements and repairs, the meeting adjourned following a vote on a motion to adjourn by Stephen Greene and Sally Coulter at 8:17PM

Respectfully submitted,
Robert Casey,
Secretary

Lowell Downtown Neighborhood Association April 24, 2023 7:00 PM. LTC Meeting room Minutes of the Meeting

Jack Moynihan called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm. Featured guests: Assistant City Manager Yovani
Baez-Rose and District City Councilor Wayne Jenness.


The minutes of the February meeting were approved on a unanimous vote, following a motion & second
from Stephen Greene and Judy Huber.


Treasurer Greene reported our current balance is $2,242.29 , which reflects $190 in recent deposits
against zero expenditures.


With the city’s computer systems down due to a cyber “event,” LPD Captain Matt Penrose adapted his
monthly report to an overview of police activity in the downtown district. He touched upon the ongoing
investigation into the grafitti/tagging situation in downtown and other parts of the city. He also reported
that with the warmer weather, the traffic disrupting bicyclists are being seen; he reiterated LPD policy of
restraint on pursuit for safety concerns. The Department does utilize surveillance to identify youthful
riders and engages with schools and parents to address concerns.


Captain Pemrose also reported that downtown bars are busier but that disruption and conflict have thus
far been minimal. He cited the Department’s proactive approach working with the business owners and
guests. Captain Pemrose also talked about the city’s effort and frustrations in dealing with loitering
issues. He finally reiterated that the overwhelming number of automobile break-ins are due to owners
leaving their vehicles unlocked. He provided an interesting description of how would be perpetrators
sweep through a street to find unlocked cars.


We received word that Ms Baez-Rose would be unable to join the meeting as scheduled for a discussion
about the status of the Hamilton Canal Innovation District.
Councilor Jenness updated the meeting on two items on the 4/25 City Council agenda: one to establish
sister city agreements with two cites in Cambodia; another, a proposed loitering ordinance. Mr. Jenness
reported that the city is ready to start installing new parking kiosks. He is actively supporting
amendments to the Chapter 90 funding formula along with an updated road maintenance plan. Another
initiative he is supporting is a petition to the Mass School Building Authority (MSBA) requesting formula
changes to support greener energy practices. Finally, he announced that the City has received funding
for the Complete Streets program. On a question about projected parking garage rate increases,
Councilor Jenness is hopeful that increases will be within the normal range.


Announcements: The Points of Light Celebration at Ecumenical Place is April 29, 6-10 PM. Volunteers
needed!
The Town and Country Music Festival, April 28-29


With no further business, the motion and second to adjourn by S. Greene and W. Jenness, was
unanimously approved at 8:27 pm.​


Respectfully submitted,
Robert Casey,
Secretary

Lowell Downtown Neighborhood Association March 27, 2023 7:00 PM – LTC Meeting room

Minutes of the Meeting

Jack Moynihan called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm. Featured guest: Jessica Wilson (DPD) and City
Councilor Wayne Jenness.
The minutes of the February 27 meeting were approved on a unanimous vote, following a motion & second
from Laura Lamarre Anderson and Wayne Jenness.
Treasurer Greene reported our current balance is $1,862.29, which reflects $289 in recent deposits
against zero expenditures.
LPD Captain Matt Penrose, newly assigned to the Downtown Area District, introduced himself and
presented an overview of 2 months of data for the Downtown district. There were 3,377 calls for
service logged in as follows:
524 Medical, EMT etc.
925 Proactive (calls for information, walk ins and reach outs)
369 Motor vehicle related (accidents, tickets, assistance)
206 Disturbances (loud music, fights, trespass)
30 Reportable crimes (burglaries, car breaks, vandalism, graffiti)
6 car breaks (all unlocked vehicles!)
6+ arrests including 1 for graffiti!!!
Overall, Captain Penrose reported the aggregate data presented are consistent with traditional monthly
report levels and indicative of low crime and consistent law enforcement presence in the Downtown
District.
Jessica Wilson from the Department of Planning and Development representing Lowell Forward (the
agency coordinating the Master Plan update) addressed the group and conducted an information and
data gathering session for the Master Plan update. Jessica suggested that future planning relies on
collecting citizen input from Lowell’s various neighborhoods to identify Strengths, Weaknesses,
Opportunities and Threats. Jessica then turned the session over to the attendees to provide input and
prioritize their ideas and concerns. The collected input will be shared to Lowell Forward; the projected
date for completion of the Master Plan is late 2024.
In other business Stephen Greene discussed the challenges and confusion pertaining to new textile
disposal rules and procedures. He stated there is a textile bin at the DPW facility on Middlesex Street;
and others at some of the elementary schools. The closest to downtown is the Rogers School on
Highland Street. More information is available at the Solid Waste and Recycling website –
https://www.lowellma.gov/195/Solid-Waste-Recycling .
Councilor Jenness announced the upcoming City Council Subcommittee on Neighborhoods was meeting
on April 3, at 7PM. He also reported the city has stepped up graffiti clean-ups, and he is working with
Canal St neighbors and the Traffic Department on issues involving speeding and cut through traffic.​
Prior to the call for adjournment, Jack Moynihan congratulated outgoing co-chair Carolyn Alphen and
her husband Paul on the recent birth of baby Charlotte.
Finally, on a motion and second from Sally Coulter and Wayne Jenness, the meeting adjourned on a
unanimous vote at 8:27 pm.


Respectfully submitted,
Robert Casey,
Secretary

LDNA Minutes – February 27, 2023 LTC Gallery Meeting Area

The meeting was called to order at 7:01 PM by Jack Moynihan

Jack Moynihan introduced himself as chair and noted that our past co chair Carolyn Alphen delivered baby Charlotte a few weeks early. Both are doing well. Secretary Bob Casey is away and treasurer Stephen Greene will take notes. Also present were Representative Vanna Howard, Councilor Wayne Jenness, Lowell Public School Superintendent Joel Boyd, Phil Sisson, President of Middelsex Community College (MCC)

  1. Approval of minutes
    The January minutes were approved.
  2. Treasurer’s Report
    LDNA has $1,573.29 in its bank account. The treasurer as per usual reminded the meeting that he would be glad to collect voluntary membership donations after the meeting.
  3. Police Report 
    Police Report Sargent Tracey Kelly of the Lowell Police Department introduced herself. She is a Lowell resident and has been on the LPD for 24 years. Since she is a last minute stand in, she was not prepared to report on downtown crime. She did take questions and comments regarding on ongoing issues. These included: Bar closing issues, including Uber pick up areas; pan handlers; late night drinking in the Roy Garage; numerous overdose responses; graffiti. There is a new tagger. There was a suggestion for a Spring Graffiti clean up and a reminder to call in graffiti to get it on the list for response. The River Walk and Lelacheur Stadium were noted for graffiti; kids on bikes and dirt bikes in the streets were discussed again.
    Resident were reminded of the Snow Parking Ban for that night.
  4. Annual Election
    Having no nominations form the floor, the existing officers:
    • Jack Moynihan, Chair
    • Robert Casey, Secretary
    • Stephen Greene, Treasurer
    • were nominated, moved and voted to serve a new term for 2023.
  5. Guest Speakers
    Representatives from the Downtown Lowell Partnership spoke, Superintendent Joel Boyd led the introduction of the Downtown Lowell Partnership which also includes Representative Vana Howard, Phil Sisson, MCC and the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce (not present). Lowell High is the 2 nd largest high school in Massachusetts and located in the downtown. With 4,000 high school students and ~3,500 Middlesex Community College students, there this a lot of activity, both positive (business activity and $$ spent) and potentially negative (anxiety over crowds and rowdy kids) for downtown. The high school is not an open campus so students should be in school from 7:40 to about 2:40 The objective of the Downtown Lowell Partnership is to foster a safe environment, enhance education and help the downtown to thrive. The Partnership is looking for a few downtown residents to represent the neighborhood at the table for a few hours each month. The objective is improved communications and mutual respect for students, downtown businesses and residents for the benefit of all. Sort of like the “neighborhood of the past” where everyone knew each other and ​ looked out for each other and the neighborhood. The Partnership is just starting and looking for a few interested folks.
  6. General Information
    • Councilor Jenness began with information about a plan for a small open space park on Jackson Street on what is currently a small vacant City lot.
    • Notify Me, https://www.lowellma.gov/list.aspx , on the City web site is available for get notification from City Hall on many departments, the City Council, etc.
    • There has been no further activity on the proposed increase in Parking Fees – fee increases are part of the overall city fees structure which needs review.
    • Nothing to report on the Municipal Election vote for an elected mayor.
    • Hamilton Canal Development should consider mixed use. Commercial development has been languishing since Covid. The dirt pile on Parcel 15 (side of NPS parking lot) will be moved Textile donation and disposal will be reported at our next meeting. Textiles are banned from trash. Looking for guidance on how to best manage.
    • Downtown trash barrels have been overflowing. Should be picked up twice a week, but some staff and weather problems. Comment that there has been business and residential misuse of these thrash barrels.
    • Stephen Greene asked attendees to encourage support of the MA Labeling of Flushable Wipes bills – SD 1211 and HD 2639. Wipes have created serious sewer clogs for municipalities as well as buildings, leading to environmental release of sewage and building damage/expense. The snow parking ban announcement this evening included a message of no parking within 20 feet of an intersection. Vehicles parking too close to an intersection can block plows, fire trucks and rubbish trucks.
    • Some of the snowbanks at downtown intersections blocked access to the pedestrian walk buttons.
    • Traffic flow from Middlesex on to Thorndike going south at the Lord Overpass is a dangerous and needs attention during this phase of the construction.
  7. Adjourn Meeting
    adjourned at ~ 8:35
    Next Meeting will be in person at Lowell Telecommunications, Monday, March 27 at 7 PM
    Submitted by Stephen Greene, secretary pro tem