Present: Larry Field, Marshall Field, Ken Lavallee, Ted Lavash, Bill Lipchitz, Theresa Park, Chris Samaras, Steve Syverson, and Terry Williams
The meeting opened at 8:35 AM.
Police Superintendent Ken Lavallee informed the Committee that officer training for the police force will begin May 12th in Lowell. He expects about 100 cadets to attend classes in space provided by MCC and physical training through the Tsongas Arena. After 24 weeks, graduation for the officers will take place October 23rd at Lowell Memorial Auditorium. Community members are invited. Ken explained that there are about 5 academies operating in the state, mostly in the larger cities, and that the Lowell Academy, run by Tom Fleming, attracts cadets slated to work in many of the surrounding towns in the Merrimack Valley. Ken also reported that the previous evening the Lowell Police Department ran an event to recognize neighborhood groups, individuals who have volunteered time for the police department, and sheriff departments. Turnout for the event was exceptional.
Bill stated he had spoken to Paul Marion of UMass Lowell about the university becoming more of a part of downtown Lowell. Bill suggested getting someone from Paul Marion’s group to participate on one of CCC’s subcommittees. There is still space for people to participate on each of the four subcommittees.
Discussion continued on ways to ensure that the downtown area is well connected to the Hamilton Canal district under Trinity’s development plans. Ted Lavash said he had talked to the manager at Loft 27 about a walkway through their parking lot but would need to discuss it at a higher management level. Bill mentioned that the State Park system has air rights over the canal and would be a hurdle to deal with if a bridge were to be constructed behind the Market Mills area. Theresa responded that the City would have to take initiative on building a walkway over the canal, and that discussions were in progress with Trinity on ways to enliven the area connecting the downtown and the Hamilton Canal District to attract pedestrians.
A discussion about the movie “This Side of the Truth” being filmed in downtown Lowell resulted in the consensus that in spite of the traffic and congestion that was generated, it was well worth it to be the backdrop of the film.
In reference to a recent problems in a building near where he lives on Dutton Street, Steve Syverson asked if anything could be done about people parking outside the building with their engines running, presumably to buy drugs. Ken responded that the police force investigates community complaints and is constantly making drug arrests. Nevertheless, the culprits often get light sentences and are out and dealing again.
He stated that crime is down 5% this year compared to last year, and violent crime is down 25%.
Chris Samaras reported that Franky Descouteaux of Mambo Grill and Andy Jacobson of Brew’d Awakening will be opening an ice cream shop on Merrimack Street, where Moody’s Buried Treasure was located. It will be called “Monkey”. A wine and cheese shop will also be opening in the former Friends Fabric Art space on Mother’s Day, to be called “C’est”.
Ken Lavallee and Bill Samaras will be making a video to be shown on LTC regarding jaywalking and its hazards. It will feature Lowell High Students.
Steve also noted that the Mack Plaza is much cleaner since the “Please Don’t Feed the Pigeons” signs went up.
Due to scheduling issues, it was decided to set the next informal CCC meeting for May 20th.
The meeting adjourned at 9:25 pm.
The Next Informal Meeting of the Center City Committee
Will be
Tuesday May 20, 2008
8:30 AM
Olive That & More
167 MarketStreet
The Next Meeting of the Stakeholder Representatives
Will be
Tuesday May 27, 2008
8:00 AM
The MCC Morse Federal Building
East Merrimack Street