Present: Larry Field, Marshall Field, Ted Lavash, Bill Lipchitz, Jamie O’Hearn, Molly Sheehy, and Terry Williams
The meeting opened at 8:35 AM.
The members started the meeting off by discussing new businesses in Lowell and plans by real estate developer John Deangelis to create a series of retail spaces alongside the Eastern canal. In addition, there are plans to create an indoor marketplace with several businesses selling fresh vegetables, fruit, and other items typically found in such places similar to the former Center City Farmers’ Market that had been in the Olde Central Fire House on Palmer Street (now Caffe Paradiso). Molly Sheehy mentioned that a new wine and cheese shop would be opening just past the Sun Press Building along the canal with a storefront on Prescott Street at the beginning of June. It was also noted that the new ice cream shop Monkeys would be opening on Merrimack Street by Memorial Day. The business, located at Moody’s Buried Treasures’ previous location, is a joint venture by the owners of Mambo Grill and Brew’d Awakenings Coffeehaus. Molly noted that there are presently quite a few good restaurants in Lowell and that Blue Taleh, for example, is doing very well.
Ted Lavash updated the Committee on the most recent Downtown Neighborhood Association meeting. The issue of having a bridge built across the canal connecting the downtown area with the Canal District had been discussed. The suggestion was made that a bridge could be built connecting the outdoor parking lot beside the Leo Roy Garage with the parking lot in front of Loft 27. Marshall Field felt the bridge would be superfluous and a discussion ensued about the importance of having any kind of walkway be inviting.
Molly reported on developments concerning the park on Middle Street adopted by Middlesex Community College. Four trees have been taken down to make way for art installations being developed by MCC students. The area will be power washed, and then painted. During evenings and events such as the Lowell Folk Festival the raised area of the park will be used as stage for live performances. Evening lighting will also be installed. The park is scheduled to open sometime in June. Ted added that the Mack Plaza playground is scheduled to be finished by June 2nd.
The members discussed the agenda for next week’s Stakeholder Meeting at MCC. It will include an update on the JAMBRA street festival and a discussion about a potential Center City blog.
Finally, Ted Lavash announced there would be a gathering at Café Paradiso June 8th, from 4:00pm on, to celebrate his 70th birthday!! All are invited to partake!
The meeting adjourned at 9:20AM.
The Next Informal Meeting of the Center City Committee
Will be
Tuesday June 10, 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