CENTER CITY COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
September 10, 2002

Present: Marshall Field, Richard Hyatt, Janet Leggett, Ken Lavallee, Bill Lipchitz, and Russ Smith.

Bill announced that the Center City Committee would be honoring Jim Canavan as part of a Reception being held for him by the Non-Profit Alliance of Greater Lowell on Wednesday, September 18, 2002 at Riccardo's Restaurant at 5:30 PM. Jim will be leaving the position of Executive Director of Community Teamwork, Inc. sometime in October and has already relocated to North Adams, Massachusetts where his wife, Mary Grant, has been installed as the President of the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. The Non-Profit Alliance has invited members of the CCC to join them and make a short presentation to Jim. Any member who wishes to say a few words may do so.

At our meeting of July 16th Colin McNiece indicated that the Downtown Master Plan should be completed by September 1st. Since Colin is on leave due to the birth of his child, it is hoped that the plan will be available when he returns later this month.

Several new businesses are either opening or about to open in downtown soon. However, we are sorry to see the closing of the Vintage Company Antiques on Shattuck Street. The owner, Brian Baraby, was an active member of this Committee and his business will be missed downtown. The new businesses include Gary's Ice Cream on Merrimack Street, the Higher Ground Coffee House on Middle Street, and Capo's Restaurant in the Evos Art Institute Building, also on Middle Street. The first two should be open in October, while Capo's, a folk music venue, is opening this Friday. Ralph Santosuosso, Capo's owner, is planning to have well known folk talent on weekends and is using the booking agent associated with Passim's in Cambridge to obtain them.

Russ Smith reported on a meeting of restaurant owners called by Kathy Lantagne at the Auditorium last week. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the recent publicity about restaurants not being open on Sundays, and to work on a cross marketing effort with restaurants and cultural venues like the Repertory theater, the Auditorium, and museums. Russ indicated that the Small Business Assistance Center would be involved in the cross marketing effort.

Marshall Field reported that not only has the Little Avon Boutique relocated in his building at 9 Central Street where LOCA used to have a storefront on Merrimack Street, but also, a new boutique selling clothes as well as providing fitting and tailoring will be opening in the space formerly used by Miracle Ear at 70 Merrimack Street. It was also noted that a Bridal Shop has opened on Central Street at the corner of Jackson Street.

Russ Smith said that the Community Renewal committee will be holding a meeting on September 30 at the Wyndam Hotel in Andover where the benefits of the program will be explained. The meeting will be held from 7:30 to 11:30 AM and will cost $25.00 payable at the door.

Ken Lavallee reported that a ceremony marking the sacrifices made by police, fire and other organizations on September 11, 2001 would be held at JFK Plaza tomorrow at 9:30 AM. There will also by another ceremony at 6:00 PM at JFK put on by the City.

Dick Hyatt reminded the committee that the Kerouac Weekend schedule is set for October 4, 5, & 6.

Janet Leggett said the annual Monster Bash sponsored by the Kiwanis Club and benefiting Community Teamwork, Inc. Children's Programs will be held Thursday, October 24th from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Tsongas Arena. The cost will be $3.00 for each adult or child entering to celebrate Halloween.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 AM.

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