CENTER CITY COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
September 9, 2003

Present: Colleen Cox, Larry Field, Marshall Field, Matt Fitzpatrick, Lieutenant Jay Flaherty, Richard Hyatt, Meghan Kriegel, Ted Lavash, Bill Lipchitz, Molly Sheehy, and Russ Smith.

The Committee welcomed police Lieutenant John “Jay” Flaherty, the new commander of the Downtown sector who is replacing the retired Captain Susan Siopes. Jay is a 25-year veteran of the police department following in his father’s footsteps as the cop on the downtown beat. He talked about the value of the downtown horse patrol, especially as it relates to controlling foot traffic in the afternoons when the high school gets out. He also mentioned that initiative the department is taking to keep on top of the nightlife scene in the downtown now that the college students are back. There will be extra patrols including motorcycle units on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Bill updated the Committee on the preparations for the focus group meeting with downtown residents on Tuesday, September 16 at St. Joseph’s Shrine at 5:30 pm. Unfortunately, Fr. John Cox will not be able to be there but has left his assistant, Kelly DeLuca in charge and the space and refreshments are all set. Fr. Cox also made copies of the flyer announcing the focus group for distribution around his immediate area. The flyer, produced by Russ Smith, will also be distributed to as many residences as possible this week. Ted Lavash volunteered to distribute them at Ayer Lofts and Dutton Street. Bill will arrange through CTI to flyer the senior citizen buildings, and Molly Sheehy will post flyers at Middlesex CC. We will ask Kathy Lantagne to help with other buildings in the downtown.

Larry Field remarked upon the increase in market rate housing units and asked if there were a plan to help market them either now as they are being built or later when some units might turn over. Colleen mentioned the marketing plan now overseen by Kathy Lantagne, while Molly asked if these units were marketed to faculty members at MCC or UML. Ted Lavash said that units in Ayer Lofts were filled when they opened, and that the ones that have turned over have been sold quickly without the need to advertise. Larry’s point is that if there is a downturn in the housing market in a year or so, we should have a plan to help keep the units filled.

Ted reported that an arts supply store will be opening this weekend in the small white cottage next to the Revolving Museum. It will be called “Van Gogh’s Ear” and is run by a local artist and Dutton Street resident.

Open Studios, an event coordinated by COOL will be October 25 and 26. Meaghan Kriegel talked with Molly about the potential use of the MCC shuttle bus for that weekend.

Colleen reported that haus. is doing very well.

The Ribn' Brews festival will be held this year at Lucy Larcom Park this Saturday and Sunday, and the “Red Neck Fest” will be at EVOS.

Richard Hyatt said all was set for Kerouac Weekend October 3, 4, and 5 including two events to be held at the Higher Ground Coffee House.

The meeting adjourned at 9:20 am.

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