CENTER CITY COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
May 20, 2003

Present: Marshall Field, Kathy Lantagne, Joe Lipchitz, Bill Lipchitz, Kathy Muldoon, and Molly Sheehy.

The meeting opened at 8:35 AM.

Bill began the meeting reminding the group that the next meeting on June 3 will be with the Cultural organizations and restaurants.

Marshall reported that Louis Saab has agreed to attend the June 10 meeting to discuss building owner and usage issues. Marshal noted that the Mulhern Bldg. has been sold and the developer plans to create market rate condominiums and retail space.

Kathy Lantagne reported that the mailings and marketing attempts by DPD have brought three likely responses from Yankee Candle, Staples and a bookstore/news operation. Also, the Planet Aid building is being renovated for better use.

Further discussion of recent and upcoming developments led to the observation of how "walkable" Lowell is.

The Lowell Heritage Partnership (LHP) is interested in supporting efforts by the Ayer Loft residents and others to attempt the restoration rather than the paving over of Middle Street's cobblestones. At one time Shattuck Street had a similar issue and the work was done to restore it. This entailed taking up the cobblestones and laying a base of concrete before replacing the stones. The cost for such a full restoration of Middle Street seems to be prohibitive at this time. It is hoped that at least repair work could be done to maintain the ambiance reflecting Middle Street's resurgence. Marshall Field has talked to both Councilor Howe and Historic Board staff Steve Stowell about the issue and they are both supportive of saving the cobblestones.

Bill mentioned that he has, with permission of the Lowell Sun, copied articles to the CCC website on the new business developments downtown. Some of these were opened with the assistance of the Venture Fund, but others are listed as well. They can be found on either the News Page or the Issues Page.

Kathy Lantagne noted a problem in getting flyers out that the City has printed up about goings on in Lowell. She has some 5000 of these, but needs assistance in getting them delivered to establishments where they can be displayed and disseminated. Molly thought that perhaps the College could help out in some way with work-study students. Ideas will be explored to help get these flyers distributed.

No meeting next week due to the Memorial Day holiday.

The meeting adjourned at 9:35 AM.

View a discussion of various issues on the Issues Page and see what's new on the News Page.