CENTER CITY COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
October 4, 2005

Present: Colleen Cox, Nancy Downes, Larry Field, Marshall Field, Ken Lavallee, Ted Lavash, Janet Leggat, Bill Lipchitz, Joe Lipchitz, Jeanne Osborn, Molly Sheehy, Russ Smith, and Steve Syverson.

The meeting opened at 8:35 AM.

Bill opened by suggesting some topics for next week’s agenda of the larger committee and asked for additional ideas. The by-laws are a work in progress and will be discussed. Timely topics include coordinating activities in the downtown during the upcoming holiday season, starting with the parade on the day after Thanksgiving, and the refunding application for Destination World. In addition he raised the issue of increasing participation in downtown events. He noted that when Destination World- Quebec coincided with the welcome for new residents, that attendance was better.

Molly suggested looking at Newburyport as an example of how downtowns celebrate the holidays. They do more on Friday nights rather than Thursdays including stores being open, artisans exhibiting crafts and free refreshments and even a strolling brass band. Ted said the DNA is looking into requesting the closing of Palmer Street at 6PM. They were thinking of trying to start this in April, but maybe it makes sense to do it for Christmas. Discussion ensued on moving some events from Thursday to Friday and coordinating events that would complement one another rather than compete. It was suggested we might look into what other cities do, compile a list and review possibilities.

Ted Lavash said the DNA has three main issues on its agenda: noise problems, recycling, and a playground. He announced that the City will provide an acre of land by the Tsongas Arena to be used as a playground for children of downtown residents. The age group for the playground is 3 to 8 years. There are over 60 families with children in this age group living in the downtown, not counting the families in Riverplace Towers and Northern Canal (both these developments have their own play spaces). Remaining issues that perhaps Center City might be able to help with involve securing equipment such as slides and swings.

The NECN show TV Diner taped a session on Lowell restaurants and this will air at 7 pm on NECN November 12. The Lowell Five will hold a party on that evening from 6 to 8 pm with Billy Costa in attendance.

The November show on LTC Channel 10 called “Inside the LPD”, hosted by Deputy Superintendent Ken Lavallee and Captain Bob DeMoura, will focus on downtown and include a segment with LRTA Administrator Jim Scanlan about the change in bus routes and one with Bill, Ted and Franky Descoteaux on downtown activity.

Jeanne Osborne asked about the winter parking ordinance and if Center City or the Downtown Neighborhood Association might seek a change. It was agreed to ask Mario Madrid the DPD Traffic Enginneer and/ or Anne Barton to the next regular meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 9:30 AM.