May 18, 2010
|
The next informal
meeting of the will be June
1, 2010 8:30 AM at The
Coffee Mill The next meeting of the Stakeholder
Representatives will be Tuesday May 25, 8:30 AM The |
Present: Suzz Cromwell, George
DeLuca, Marshall Field, Ted Lavash,
Bill Lipchitz, Jamie O’Hearn, Chris Samaras, and
Steve Syverson.
The meeting
opened at 8:30 AM.
Jamie O’Hearn said he is ready to do a walk-around downtown and
take some pictures of areas that need attention. He will work with the
sub-committee to look at each area and determine a course of action. Some of
the sites mentioned as needing to be looked at include the parking lot at
Central and Warren Streets, along the Eastern Canal near Central Street, and
the triangle at Central and Prescott Streets where the bell exhibit is.
Specifically, for that area, whether the bell could be lit up at night.
The next
Stakeholders’ Meeting of the CCC will be held May 25th. The Committee will use that meeting to formalize
work plans recommended earlier – those of welcoming students and new residents
to the downtown; assisting the city in initiating long-term developments in the
downtown; and helping to make improvements in the general appearance and
cleanliness of the downtown. In addition, Councillor Franky Descoteaux will be asked
to discuss her ideas for a meeting of retailers with other stakeholders to talk
about improving marketing and cooperation among downtown businesses.
Ted Lavash reported on last night’s meeting of the LDNA with
the police and bar owners. Some data from the police department showed that of
39 arrests made in the downtown since January 1st, 31 were related
to assaults (basically bar patron disputes) and mostly occurred between 10 PM
and 2 AM. 45% of the arrests were alcohol related. Ted said the meeting went
well and that only a few bars are the problem.
George DeLuca reported that his website, www.Cometolowell.com is establishing a
business section where stores can be showcased and video will be added.
Chris
Samaras reminded members about next week’s National Small Business Week
celebration at the UMass Lowell Inn and
The meeting
adjourned at 9:15 AM.