Fireworks Moved to Sunday, July 5th, 2009

Due to the possibility of rain on Friday, the Fireworks and 4th of July Celebration at the Sampas Pavillion has been moved to Sunday, July 5, 2009.

Where: Sampas Pavilion, Vandenberg Esplanade, Lowell
When: RESCHEDULED for Sunday, July 5TH from 4-9:30pm (due to weather)

Schedule of Events:
4-7pm – Music, entertainment, festive food and family fun
7-9pm – Lowell High School Alumni Band
9pm – Fireworks along the Merrimack River

Parking will be a $3 donation to support the Lowell High School Honor Society.

For more information, call 978.446.7162.

Fireworks are Back in Lowell! July 3, 2009

This office has been inundated for weeks with calls from media outlets as far reaching as the Wall Street Journal and ABC News in Washington DC regarding whether or not Lowell would be hosting fireworks this year.  Who knew Lowell’s celebration was that central to the 4th of July holiday?  Obviously, the real story behind all of this interest is the question of whether a community can afford to support  such celebrations on strained municipal budgets.  In the case of Lowell, with the reality of budget cuts and layoffs, the answer was a resounding “no”.  Unfortunately, there was no way that the city could afford the $45,000 to fund such a celebration in the face of such dire fiscal times. 

However, the other reality in the City of Lowell is when there is a need, those in our business community answer.    The Lowell Co-operative Bank was the first to step up with a donation of $5,000.  Greater Lowell Community Foundation came forward and facilitated a very successful fundraising campaign bringing in area businesses, particularly our local banks, to raise the necessary resources to fund a great 4th of July celebration including not only fireworks but a concert.

The skies over the Merrimack River at the Sampas Pavillion will light up on Friday, July 3rd in honor of Independence Day.  In addition to the fireworks, a concert performance by the Lowell High School “Pops” will be held at Sampas Pavillion at 7 pm.  Activities for the kids will take place between 4 and 7 pm.   Refreshments will be sold to benefit a fundraiser to purchase new uniforms for the band.

We are so appreciative of this tremendous show of community spirit exhibited by the business community,John Thibault and the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, Lowell High School, the Mayor , and the city employees in coming together to put on this special evening for the families of Lowell and the surrounding communities.

City of Lowell: Open for BioTech Business

I’m very pleased to report that Lowell has now joined forty-four Massachusetts communities who are BioReady according to a rating system developed by the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council (MBC) and the Massachusetts Alliance for Economic Development (MAED). This new system ranks biotech communities under certain criteria and assigns them as bronze, silver, gold or platinum. Ultimately the new ranking system demonstrates site readiness by communities to support biotechnology companies. This week the city of Lowell was recognized with highest honors as Platinum ranking under the system.

 MBC Massachusetts BioReady Community Ratings takes into account municipalities’ zoning practices and infrastructure capacities. The ratings are there to help biotechnology companies find locations that best fit their criteria and showcases communities’ readiness to accept biotechnology industries. Lowell acquired Platinum rating by meeting all of the standards of Bronze, Silver, and Gold, and having buildings and shovel-ready pre-permitted land sites that are already permitted for biotech uses. 

The Platinum designation speaks well of Lowell’s ability to adapt and work with the changing needs of businesses. We embrace the growth of the biotech sector and are working diligently to foster a playing field that will allow businesses to expeditiously meet all regulatory requirements and begin their operation.  There has been a tremendous amount of collaboration over the last few years in creating the best possible atmosphere for the biotechnology industry, and this rating fully illustrates the unique opportunities available in Lowell.

Lowell also boasts an educated workforce with UMass Lowell and Middlesex Community College located within the city.  The city is also easily accessible from major highways and  transit lines.

Alongside a team of regional economic development organizations from Massachusetts and MAED the MBC put together the BioReady Communities Campaign in 2008. The campaign developed standards to guide communities in their growth of biotech facilities and also rate them for BioReadiness so they may use that as a tool to attract biotech companies.

Second Round of “City Building Workshops” Scheduled

As discussions continue with residents and other stakeholders in the neighborhoods surrounding the Hamilton Canal District, the City of Lowell in partnership with Goody Clancy and Associates will be holding its second round of public vision sessions, or “City Building Workshops,” in the Downtown/JAM area, Acre, Lower Highlands, and Back Central Neighborhoods.

Following is the schedule and location for each session.

• Back Central Neighborhood: Tuesday, May 26. 6:00PM – 8:00PM Massachusetts Alliance for Portuguese Speakers, 11 Mill Street

 • Lower Highlands Neighborhood: Wednesday, May 27. 6:00PM – 8:00PM Lowell Boy’s & Girl’s Club; 657 Middlesex Street

• Downtown/ JAM Neighborhood: Thursday, May 28. 6:30PM – 8:30PM Pollard Library; Community Meeting Room, 401 Merrimack Street

• The Acre Neighborhood: Tuesday, June 2. 6:00PM – 8:00PM Lowell Senior Center; 276 Broadway

During the first round of workshops, held last month, residents discussed and identified opportunities for neighborhood enhancement that will build off the development of the Hamilton Canal District.

General themes covered during these sessions included Business Development, Housing, Arts/Culture, and Accessibility. More specifically, this first round clearly demonstrated an interest by residents in enhancing connections – cultural, institutional, and physical — between the target neighborhoods and the Hamilton Canal District as well as improving connections among the neighborhoods themselves. During the second round of Workshops residents will have the opportunity to identify and prioritize specific enhancements designed to achieve improved connections, both physical and programmatic.

The City expects the initiative will bring together residents, the City, and other neighborhood stakeholders to work collaboratively in order to realize a vision for each neighborhood, not only to benefit from the development of the Hamilton Canal District, but create improved physical, economic, and social linkages between the target neighborhoods as well as the District. It is expected the outcome of the workshops will provide a roadmap to guide the Hamilton Canal District beyond its significant role as a place-making initiative to become a catalytic force in recombining neighborhoods, and thereby provide a major opportunity to facilitate “city making.”

For more information on regarding the workshops please contact Aaron Clausen at 978-446-7200. CONTACT: Aaron Clausen Lowell, Division of Planning and Development p. 978-446-7200 aclausen@lowellma.gov

Be an Insider – “Doors Open Lowell”

Lowell celebrates National Preservation Month with a weekend long event celebrating Lowell’s history, magnificent architecture and talent for urban reinvention with Doors Open Lowell.  Over 30 buildings will be open to the public from Friday May 15-Sunday, May 17th.  Click here to download a schedule and map.

The weekend kicks off with a Progressive Jazz Dinner downtown on Thursday, May 14th.  Take an evening stroll around the downtown and enjoy music and special menus from appetizers to desserts at our local restaurants.  Along the way hear brief talks by area historians and architects.  Click here for a menu and program.

Good News from the Solid Waste/Recycling Program

One comment we hear over and over again from the public is how much they like the look of the new solid waste program with its neat rows of cranberry containers.  I’m pleased to report that the positive effect of the program is not just aesthetic.  Two  months into the new solid waste program and the outlook is very positive.  Trends in tonnage reflect definite movement towards the desired effect of reducing overall solid waste tonnage and increasing recycling.  

The year-to-year comparison for March and April indicates that tonnage has been reduced by approximately 1900 tons.  At the city’s current tipping rate of $71.50 per ton over $136,000 has been saved since the new program began.  Extending this trend out over the course of the year produces a reduction of 10,000 tons or over $700,000.  While firm data on recycling is not in yet, preliminary estimates put the rate at 15% or double where it was last year at this time.

In addition the contract with Wheelabrator, the solid waste disposal site, has  been renegotiated.  The new fee, going into effect on July 1,  has been reduced to where average annual savings will approach $300,000.  Together the new program and the new contract will save the City approximately $1 million.

Third Quarter Budget Report

09.05.11_Third Quarter Budget Report

The May 12th City Council Meeting information packet includes the 3rd Quarter Budget Report for FY09 submitted by Tom Moses, Chief Financial Officer. In an effort to keep the public informed of the current budget situation the complete report can be accessed by clicking the link above. 

Rite of Spring – Street Sweeper Schedule

SWEEPER SCHEDULE FOR MAY – AUGUST 2009

 

AREA	MAY	JUNE	JULY	AUGUST
PAWTUCKETVILLE	14-15	18-19		3-4
BELVIDERE	18-19	22-23		6-7
UPPER HIGHLANDS	21-22		7-8	10-11
LOWER HIGHLANDS	26-27		9-10	13-14
ACRE/DOWNTOWN		4-5	13-14	17-18
SO.LOWELL		8-9	16-17	20-21
BACK CENT/GROVE	4-6	11-12	20-21	24-25
CENTRALVILLE	11-13	15-16	23-24	27-28
OPEN  DAYS	1,7,8,20, 25,28-9	1-3,10,17, 24-6	6-7,15,22	5,12,19, 26,31
HOLIDAYS	MEMORIAL DAY 25TH		INDEPENDENCE DAY OFF-3TH

•  ODD # CALENDAR DAY SWEEPS ON ODD SIDE OF STREET
• EVEN # CALENDAR DAYS SWEEPS ON EVEN SIDE OF STREET  

●        For the purpose of implementing a street sweeping program for the City of Lowell, the city is divided into 8 sections and utilizes an alternating odd and even street side system.

●        TIP:  For the best possible results have all vehicles off street on scheduled sweep days

●        In an effort to reduce costs the above schedule has been developed utilizing 3 City Sweepers and 2 City Dump Trucks as opposed to 4 sweeper, 2-3 trucks by a 6-7 man crew as has been past practice

 ●        Beginning in the month of April the Department of Public Works will commence street sweeping operations starting with main streets, arteries and secondary streets, weather permitting.

●        Lowell Schools were addressed during the April vacation.

●        After an initial spring sweeping in each neighborhood (3-days), the Department of Public Works sweepers will work neighborhoods in 2-day periods to facilitate daily maintenance and on basis. Traditional ‘high’ maintenance areas, such as Downtown and heavy traveled roads will be visited on a more frequent and ‘as-needed’ basis.

●        Several days per month have been built into the above schedule to account for inclement weather, equipment breakdown, vacation periods and unscheduled needs.

Small Business Week in Lowell

Since 1963 the President of United States has proclaimed National Small Business Week to recognize the contributions of small businesses to the strength and economic well-being of America. This year the City of Lowell will recognize the small business community by highlighting its achievements and delivering timely, beneficial programming to this important sector. During the week of May 18, 2009, Lowell will celebrate National Small Business Week in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Merrimack Valley Venture Forum, Lowell Small Business Assistance Center, Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce and the Massachusetts Medical Device Development (M2D2) Center at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell.

 ”Small businesses are economic development engines which are responsible for more than 90% of new jobs created in the United States.  Whether they are a family owned corner store or a newly emergent industry leader with nearly 500 employees, these diverse small businesses create outstanding local jobs that stay in the community,” said Congresswoman Niki Tsongas. “Their continued success and ability to flourish is essential to our country’s economic recovery and long-term growth.  I encourage Lowell area residents and small business owners to take advantage of the resources available to them during National Small Business Week.  This unique opportunity will focus on nurturing small businesses in our area and helping entrepreneurs grow their enterprise despite these challenging economic times.”

Monday, May 18, 2009

• Lowell Small Business Week Kick-Off Event
  Mayor’s Reception Room
  City Hall
  375 Merrimack Street
  10:00AM
• Renewal Community Showcase Featuring Lowell & Lawrence
  Featuring Lowell & Lawrence
  Edward J. Early Garage
  135 Middlesex Street
  11:30AM – 1:00PM

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

• Lowell Brand Launch Breakfast
  8:00AM – 9:00AM
  The Revolving Museum
  22 Shattuck Street
• Lowell One-Stop Business Resource Fair
  Presented by the City of Lowell
  10:00AM – 3:00PM
  Edward J. Early Garage
  135 Middlesex Street
• Tactics for Survival Panel Discussion
  12:00PM – 1:30PM
  Edward J. Early Garage
  135 Middlesex Street
• HUBZone & Procurement Opportunities Workshop
  2:00PM – 3:30PM
  Edward J. Early Garage
  135 Middlesex Street

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

• Massachusetts Data Security Breach Seminar
  Presented by Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce
  Morse Federal Building
  50 Merrimack Street
  7:30AM – 9:00AM
• On the Money Trail – Financing Is Still Available For Good Companies
  Presented by Merrimack Valley Ventures Forum
  Wannalancit Mill Building
  600 Suffolfk Street
  5:00PM – 8:00PM

Thursday, May 21, 2009

• The Economic Stimulus Bill and Other Government Opportunities
  http://www.lowellsmallbusiness.org
  Mayor’s Reception Room
  City Hall
  375 Merrimack Street
  8:30AM – 10:30AM
• UMass-Lowell M2D2 Business Presentations & Cocktail Reception
  http://www.uml.edu/m2d2
  Wannalancit Mill Building
  600 Suffolfk Street
  3:30PM – 8:00PM

Small businesses will lead us out of this recession and the City of Lowell, a good friend to the SBA, is dedicated to helping this community thrive as is evident by the efforts they, along with many other partner organizations, have put forth in celebrating Small Business Week,” said Robert H. Nelson, Massachusetts SBA District Director.

All events are open to the public. There is a small fee associated with the Wednesday and Thursday evening events.  A full listing of events is located on www.lowellma.gov.  For more information, please contact the Lowell Economic Development Office at (978) 446-7200 or email businessweek@lowellma.gov.

National Women’s Health Week

In honor of Mother’s Day and in recognition of the contributions of women everywhere the City of Lowell marks the 10th annual National Women’s Health Week with a reminder for women to put themselves first for health. 

National Women’s Health Week is a weeklong health observance coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health (OWH). National Women’s Health Week empowers women to make their health a top priority.  Women are often the caregivers in the family and forget to focus on themselves.  Research has shown that in households where women put an emphasis on their own health the overall health of the family improves.

The Office on Women’s Health (OWH) has a few simple recommendations for a longer, healthier life.

• Getting at least 2 ½ hours of moderate physical activity, 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous physical activity, or a combination of both each week
• Eating a nutritious diet.
• Visiting a health care professional for regular checkups and preventive screenings.
• Avoiding risky behaviors, like smoking and not wearing a seatbelt.
• Paying attention to mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress.

Check out the Dept of Public Health, Lowell Community Health Center, Lowell General Hospital and Saints Medical Center for more ways to benefit your health.

Happy Mother’s Day!