CENTER CITY COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
June 24, 2003

Present: Jerry Beck, Larry Field, Marshall Field, Matt Fitzpatrick, Meghan Kriegel, Bill Lipchitz, Kathy Muldoon and Russ Smith.

The meeting opened at 8:35 AM.

Today's meeting was held at The Higher Ground.

There was some discussion about last week’s meeting with Atty. Louis Saab, a major property owner in the downtown. It was agreed to keep in touch with him and get more of his input as the process goes along.

The final focus group of the downtown residents was discussed. As we had two new attendees, the outline of the downtown plan and the reason for the focus groups was explained. Kathy Muldoon also explained the genesis and progress of the Enterprise Community and how the downtown residents connected to that group could be reached for the focus group discussion. Meghan Kriegel offered to investigate using the Smith Baker Center for the focus group with Stephanie McCarthy of COOL. Bill suggested also looking at Middlesex Community College.

It was pointed out that several members of the Committee live in the downtown and could be helpful in spreading the word and encouraging attendance. Current thinking is to hold the meeting on Tuesday evening, July 22nd at 5 or 5:30 PM. Russ Smith volunteered to do a flyer. Larry Field suggested using the voter list to get a mailing list created. Kathy Muldoon will help get a list together.

Larry Field explained that he has recently purchased 114 Merrimack Street which currently houses Marx Running Store. He said he chose Lowell because it has all the ingredients to foster growth and development. Larry is a former lawyer who has been in the real estate business in the Cambridge area for quite some time.

Meghan Kriegel is a photographer who lives in Centralville and currently has a show at Evos Art Institue with Kevin Harkins.

The Committee agreed to meet next week to finalize the plans for the focus group and then will not meet until the 22nd unless it is required. There also will only be one meeting in August, tentatively scheduled for the 19th.

The meeting adjourned at 9:30 AM.

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