CENTER CITY COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
April 1, 2003

Present: Colleen Cox, Fr. John Cox, Marshall Field, Bob Flynn, Ken Lavallee, Janet Leggat, Bill Lipchitz, and Molly Sheehy.

The meeting opened at 8:35 AM.

The committee reviewed last week's meeting with the Retail and Service Providers Focus Group. It was the consensus that the meeting was well attended and that a lot of useful input was received from the participants. Some members of the Committee talked about the concern some retailers had about allowing direct competition from chain stores into the downtown. Although it is not likely to happen, there is a point of view that such competition is not necessarily bad for local business if it attracts more shoppers.

A general discussion of the economy and unemployment in Lowell followed, with the feeling that it was affecting the state of business adversely. However, it was noted that many restaurants are doing well in the evenings and weekends.

Fr. Cox brought up a problem with trash disposal in the alley between Merrimack Street and Lee Street as well as a parking problem there. Ken Lavallee advised him where to get some assistance. Fr. Cox also reported that the slate roof on the Retired Priests Residence was being replaced due to some cracks that developed from the previous installation.

Bill reported that CTI's Carnival fundraiser was a success as all 300 tickets were sold and over $20,000 was raised after paying out the $10,000 prize to the elderly parents of a CTI staffer. The winning number was the last one left in a reverse drawing with door prizes going to every tenth ticket drawn throughout the evening. Sponsors contributed over $10,000 to defray the costs of the event and allow the bulk of funds raised to be used for CTI's Advocacy Program. This program helps clients who do not fit into the established funded programs with emergency assistance.

Next Tuesday, the CCC will attend the Downtown Neighborhood Watch meeting in lieu of its regular meeting that morning. The meeting will be at 8:30 AM at Fortunato's. Ken Lavallee will talk about the role of the police and Jen Droste will discuss neighborhood activities.

At the April 15th meeting, the Committee will begin planning the next focus group session in relation to the Downtown Plan. This session will be with restaurants and cultural groups and COOL Director Stephanie McCarthy will be invited to help with the planning.

The meeting adjourned at 9:35 AM.

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