The first phase of infrastructure work for the project will include construction of the limited on and off-site work that is needed to support Phase I, which includes one canal bridge, a small section of roadway within the project site, on-site public utilities, and minor adjustments to the Lord Overpass signals. It also includes design of the full infrastructure package for the project inclusive of the off-site traffic mitigation so construction bid documents can be quickly issued for subsequent phases and the project can present aggressive schedules to prospective commercial tenants.

The trolley project, including the connection to the Gallagher Terminal, will be the subject of a study being conducted by the Lowell Plan and the Lowell National Historical Park.

“Design Funding to City – by November 2008 (Assumption)

City Prepares/Awards Design RFP – 6 months to May 2009

Design – 12 months to May 2010″

Are we on schedule for “Design Funding to City” and preparing the RFPs? Who’s doing the RFPs, the City or Trinity?

Also I assume the trolley and intersection improvements outside of the district are a separate issue for funding and procurement. I’m guessing Trinity isn’t involved with that other than to have made recommendations in the Master Plan? Are these real projects? Are they included in the schedule above?

I also noted that the “Expanded Trolley Connection to Gallagher Transportation Center” in the expanded ENF (Figure 5-11) seems unrealistic. The traffic at the drop-off in front of the building probably couldn’t take shoehorning in a light rail stop. The only way I see that working is if the stop were across the street and there was a pedestrian overpass built to cross the street and connect with the garage. Of course that would probably involve much more ROW impact on South Common.

We are watching the federal stimulus package to see what develops. Certainly the HCD project is one possibility but we also have some other infrastructure projects that are needed. We’l likely have to see what the parameters of such a program look like.

The schedule indicates that phase 1 will start immediately in the planning stage, and should begin initial construction by May 2009. However, the write-up above implies that Trinity will now begin to secure financing, as the Master Plan has been signed by both parties. The “begin” creates a concern, especially in these troubled financial times. Also there is $10.8M under agreement for the sale of properties, but no note of the timing of these payments. Is the State funding the purchase with FY2008 money, and when will that payment be made? Will Trinity purchase properties incrementally to begin each phase of the development?

With consideration for a second Federal stimulus package inplay, will Hamilton Canal transportation infrastructure be a candidate for those funds? It would be an ideal source of funds even though not an interstate project, but maybe it could be worked through an urban or historical grant perspective.

In any case, good luck with the project, the citizens of Lowell will certainly be supportive and will look forward to progress as soon as possible.