September 22 , 2009
|
The next informal meeting of the Center City Committee The next meeting of the Stakeholder Representatives Present: Larry Field, Marshall Field, Capt. Thomas Kennedy, Ted Lavash, Bill Lipchitz, Jamie O’Hearn, Theresa Park, Chris Samaras, Steve Syverson, and Terry Williams The meeting opened at 8:30 AM. The committee started off the meeting discussing late night noise in the downtown area and the ongoing problem of people coming to Lowell for last call at 2am. The issue of amplified street music also came up, in particular CultureFest, Second World’s annual fundraiser that takes place in the Enterprise Bank parking lot off Middle Street. Captain Kennedy confirmed that amplified music is not allowed outside except by special permit. Captain Kennedy mentioned that Lowell’s Police Department received economic recovery money, but that the money went for retention of police officers rather than hiring additional officers. He said there have been quite a few car breaks in Lowell, but most are driven by narcotics. The discussion then went to repairs and renovations the City of Lowell is currently doing. Repairs to the Hunts Falls Bridge has been causing traffic backups throughout the city, however the repairs are badly needed. The cobblestones on Middle Street are being repaired. The intersection of Market and Central will be worked on during the weekend. Large granite slabs will be used for the crosswalks and they will be made more handicapped accessible. Bill brought up the subject of Newcomers’ Night and the need to keep the idea going. Chris said he and LZ Nunn could help out but currently do not have time to take the lead in that. Making a special effort to include UMass students living in the downtown was discussed, and whether there is room to hold it next to the former DoubleTree Hotel as was done last year. People suggested advertising the event with the Downtown Neighborhood Association, downtown blogs, as well as talking to UMass Lowell RAs. Bill mentioned that UMass Lowell was conducting a survey on the impact of students in the downtown and that someone would be attending the Stakeholders Meeting next week to discuss that. Ted and Steve talked about the upcoming Open Studios in Lowell. This year Open Studios will have a much more festive atmosphere. The Parker Foundation awarded a $15,000 grant to Open Studios, which more than tripled their budget. This enabled Open Studios to advertise on WGBH, WBUR, and in various arts magazines. 7,000 brochures have been printed up. To date 142 artists have registered to participate over the weekend. There will be an arts raffle which entitles the winner to a $300 arts purchase voucher. The kickoff for Open Studios will take place on Friday at the Whistler House at 6:30pm. Tickets are $10 each. A block party will also be taking place Market Mills Courtyard. Jamie reported that the Young Professionals event went well. Over 500 people showed up. Theresa said the Developers’ Conference on Wednesday went very well. Over 900 developers came to Lowell. Theresa also mentioned that the Best Retail Practices Program will continue with a seminar for retailers and business owners Tuesday evening. Participants will be able to apply for a $2,500 matching grant. The monthly Stakeholders’ Meeting will be taking place next Tuesday, September 29th. Newcomers’ Night will be discussed. A representative from UMass Lowell will be talking about the survey. The meeting adjourned at 9:30 AM.
|