Category Archives: Downtown Lowell

CENTRAL STREET COBBLESTONE WORK

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

LDNA MEETING

MONDAY AUGUST 22ND 7PM

AT LTC, 246 MARKET ST

TRANSFORMERS



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.

Central Street Projects to begin AUGUST

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

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.

Internet Sweepstakes Cafés

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

LIGHTS ON CRIME OFF

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.

Upcoming Construction Informational Meeting – Central Street Bridge Construction

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

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

LHS PHOTOGRAPHY CLASS

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.