Lowell Center City Committee, Inc.
Stakeholder's Representatives Meeting
May 29, 2007

MEETING MINUTES

The meeting opened at 8:35 AM.

The Stakeholder groups were represented by the following members:
Artists, Steve Syverson;
Building Owners, Marshall Field;
Business/Community Banking, Matt Fitzpatrick;
City of Lowell/DPD, Chris Samaras;
City of Lowell/Police Dept., Ken Lavallee;
Education/Middlesex CC, Molly Sheehy;
General Population/LRTA, Jim Scanlan;
General Population/NMCOG, Bob Flynn;
Non-Profit Corporations/CTI, Bill Lipchitz;
Residents/Lowell DNA, Ted Lavash;
Visitors/Lowell Festival Foundation; Janet Leggat;
Visitors/Lowell National Park; Mehmed Ali.

Absent:
Business/Chamber of Commerce, Jeanne Osborn;
Business/Lowell Plan, Jim Cook;
Business/Restaurants, Franky Descoteaux;
Business/Retailers, Vacant
Cultural Organizations, L.Z. Nunn;
Education/Lowell High School, Bill Samaras;
Education/UMass Lowell, Dr. Joseph Lipchitz;
Youth/UTEC, Juan Carlos Rivera;
Visitors/CVB, Debbie Belanger.

Also present were Alternates Larry Field (Building Owners), Theresa Park (City of Lowell / DPD) and Captain Kevin Stavely (City of Lowell / Police Department); and Special Guest Jeff Gomes, City of Lowell Traffic Engineer.

On a motion by Janet Leggat, seconded by Molly Sheehy, it was voted: to accept the minutes of April 24, 2007.

Matt Fitzpatrick gave the Treasurer’s Report, noting that the balance on hand is $2,498.00. On a motion by Bill Lipchitz, seconded by Bob Flynn, it was voted: to accept the report.

Work Plan Discussion

President Mehmed Ali introduced Jeff Gomes, the City’s Traffic Engineer, who gave a presentation on the findings of the consultants who have been hired to survey the physical structure of the downtown. He had a visual aid consisting of a map of downtown on which were indicated the sidewalks, crosswalks, benches, trees, and building vaults that are basement spaces of various buildings that extend out under the sidewalks in some areas. The plans call for repairing certain cobblestone streets, adding lights, perhaps some more trees and benches, and signage both at the garages and on certain street locations. They discuss the idea of reserving first floor parking spaces in the garages for shoppers, and better coordination of traffic lights (with updated equipment) to better control the flow of cars through the downtown. The plan also calls for more use of the French Street Extension to reduce cut through traffic on Merrimack Street. The vaults are an issue in regard to making the sidewalks ADA compliant because they may have to be filled in to accommodate construction for the ramps. The ballpark figure for the total cost is $7M, and would probably have to be spread out over several years. The total plan for downtown will be presented at the next session of the Downtown Summit on Thursday, June 21st at the Doubletree Hotel.

The proposed work plan was reviewed and the following comments were received:

In regard to Goal 1, developing a more pedestrian friendly environment, Jeff Gomes said he had received the information regarding crosswalks from the CCC subcommittee and much of it has been incorporated into the plan.

In regard to Goal 2, Helping to integrate new residents into downtown, Steve Syverson asked if River Place Apartments and 305 Dutton Street will be included in the efforts to bring residents into the downtown. It was agreed they should be, and that there was no distinction between condo owners and renters as far as membership in the DNA. Steve volunteered to be on the subcommittee to help reach out to River Place, as there a several members of ALL living there who are participating in the downtown in other ways. Ali said he would ask Register of Deeds Dick Howe, Jr. and CVB Director Deb Belanger to sit on the subcommittee as well.

In regard to Goal 3, Long Range Planning, the subcommittee needs to be reconstituted. On a motion by Molly Sheehy, seconded by Steve Syverson, it was voted: to approve the Work Plan for the 2007-2008 year.

The Fund Development Committee’s Calendar Project was discussed. Affirmative sponsorship responses have been received from the Chamber of Commerce, CVB, National Park, MCC, UML, Lowell Five, Enterprise Bank. Expected sponsors include SMMC, LGH, while the Spinners and the Devils need some follow-up. Information regarding specific dates for events need to be sent to Ali by June 30th to be included in the calendar, which is planned for a late summer production.

Announcements

Chris Samaras reiterated that the Downtown Summit will be on June 21st, with City Manager Lynch presenting the report. Theresa Park added that there will be an action plan as part of the presentation. Chris also said there were two new businesses about to open downtown, Under Impact Bar and Lounge on Merrimack Street, corner of Palmer, and the Bamboo Restaurant which, in spite of its name, is a Latino themed eatery at 5 Kearney Square.

Captain Stavely reported that things were relatively quiet downtown in regard to police issues. A suspect in several breakins in Lowell and Chelmsford was arrested by Chelmsford police but was released on $500 bail by the judge. Captain Stavely also noted that building occupants should check their buildings carefully at the end of the day because someone may be hiding in rest rooms or closets, waiting for the building to empty so they can steal things.

Marshall Field reported that he and Larry Field have been meeting with some other building owners to talk about common issues, but he does not know at this point if it can progress to the formation of a Building Owners Organization.

The next Stakeholder’s Meeting will be Tuesday, June 26, 2007. ne 26 On a motion by Marshall Field, seconded by Steve Syverson, it was voted: to adjourn the meeting at 9:35 AM.