Author Archives: ldna

Folk Festival

Posted on August 4, 2011 | 1 comment

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

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Posted in Bars, Community Issues, Downtown, Downtown Economy, Folk Festival, Lowell

Posted on August 2, 2011 | 1 comment

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Central Street Projects to begin AUGUST

Posted on August 2, 2011 | Leave a comment

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.

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Posted in Cobblestones, Downtown, Downtown Lowell, Street Construction, Traffic

Lowell Folk Festival

Posted on July 27, 2011 | 1 comment

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.

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Posted in Childrens Events, Downtown Lowell, Events, Folk Festival, Food, Live Music, National Park Service

Posted on July 24, 2011 | Leave a comment

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Posted on July 16, 2011 | Leave a comment

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).

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Man with history of offenses allegedly attacked woman jogging on Riverwalk

Posted on July 12, 2011 | 1 comment

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)

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Internet Sweepstakes Cafés

Posted on July 11, 2011 | 1 comment

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

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Posted in Community Issues, Downtown Lowell, gambling

Lowell police probing Riverwalk sex assault

Posted on July 9, 2011 | Leave a comment

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

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Posted in Community Problems, Crime, Downtown, Lowell Police Department

LIGHTS ON CRIME OFF

Posted on June 26, 2011 | Leave a comment

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.

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Posted in Community Issues, Crime, Downtown Lowell, Lowell, Lowell Police Department, Neighborhood Organizations