February 2019 Minutes

LDNA 2/25/19

7 PM, LTC

Present:

Carolyn Alphen

Jack Moynihan

Sam Litvin

Meeting called to order at: 7:01.

Opening greeting

Approval of minutes

Approval of Feb 2019 minutes:  Not posted — Postponed.

Treasurer’s Report

               $850.29 balance in account.  Suggested donation of $10 is welcome.

Police Report

Lt. Nobrega (new Charlie Sector supervisor in evening shift)

• 5 Agg Assaults; 5 arrests.
• 1 robbery and 1 shoplift incidents still under investigation
• 5 disorderlies; 4 which led to arrests.

Update on progress of Athenian Corner Hotel Construction by Ted Panagiotopoulos, and Matt Hammer.

• Very close to starting construction.  Just waiting on some final approvals and financing issues involving the federal government.
• 12-15 months expected construction duration.
• Rooftop bar was not approved by NPS.  But a portion of the new building will have a 6^th floor that will have a large function space for up to 150 people with lots of glass and great views.
• Parking will be provided in a city garage for up to 55 guests.  Possibly using valet parking.
• Restaurant will have to close for some portion of the construction.  Looking to continue operation in temporary quarters elsewhere in the downtown.
• Adjacent sidewalks will be closed for duration of construction.  But no street closures will be required.
• Construction staging and parking is being looked at off-site.

Northern Middlesex Council of Governments (NMCOG)  representatives will present and solicit input for the next Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). (Justin Hoard, Jong Wai Tommee, Chris Curry)

• RTP covers 20 year period.
• Directs up to $264M in federal funding to projects in the region.
• RTP funds over the last 4 years have paid for:
  • GPS tracking of fixed-route LRTA busses.
  • New LRTA vehicles
  • Gallagher Station improvements
  • New University Ave bridge.
• Possible future RTP projects:
  • New Rourke bridge  (baby steps; maybe in ~ 10yrs)
  • Appleton/Gorham/Church intersection improvements
  • Appleton Street corridor “Complete Streets” improvements
• Upcoming open-house style public meeting to take comments on the RTP at Lowell Senior Center on 3/7/2019 from 4:30 – 7:30.

General Information

               Portion of Kirk Street will be closed due to nearby roof construction.

               LDNA is entered in fundraiser Chili competition. St Anne’s 3/1/2019.  6:30 – 9:00pm.

Meeting Adjourns at 7:51.