Mimi Parseghian previews tomorrow night’s Lowell City Council meeting:

Mainly due to the return of weekly meetings, this Tuesday’s City Council agenda is light in items but it will be a significant evening in that a major vote will be taken.  At the conclusion of the scheduled 7:00 p.m. meeting, the Councilors will vote on the loan order for the costs of the property to be taken by eminent domain for the renovation/expansion of the high school.

“To borrow $2,600,000 to pay costs to acquire, by purchase, eminent domain or otherwise, the following property [75 Arcand Drive, Lowell, MA] to serve as the site of the new High School, and for the payment of any other costs incidental and related thereto.”

I expect that representatives of the owners of the building and adjacent land will be in attendance to present their clients’ views.  Perhaps other concerned citizens will also be speaking in favor or against the proposal.

Based on the election campaign and the subsequent results, the vote should be 7 in favor and 2 against.

In addition to this vote, there are two items under the “informational” heading.  They both pertain to the High School issues.   The first is an update on the contract between the City and the Arcand Drive relocation specialist. The second is an update on the Ancillary Costs at Cawley Stadium for LHS Project.”  That figure is $17.42 million.

As for the rest of the agenda, there are two motion responses:
Problematic Areas: Motion (9/27/18) by Councilor V. Nuon/Mayor B. Samaras “Request City Manager to instruct Superintendent of Police and all involved to identify any problematic areas in the City and plans to address the situation.”

The report submitted by Superintendent of Police Kelly Richardson provides a graph and a map detailing the crime analysis from June 1 – August 31^st.  In his opening paragraph Superintendent Richardson writes “After review it was discovered that crime has decreased across all neighborhoods with the only exception being a slight increase in Back Central. Both gun shots fired and gang involved incidents have increased during this time period when compared to last year.”

Perry Street Motion(5/23/17) by  Councilor E. Kennedy “ request City Manager instruct traffic engineer to analyze the feasibility of making Perry Street one-way.” The response submitted by the Department of Planning and Development states “The Transportation Engineer has performed a field investigation to view the parking availability and traffic flow on Perry Street. The motion arose from resident concern about the width of the travel lane if vehicles are parked on both sides of the road in the first block of Perry Street north of the intersection with Rogers Street…Perry Street will be designated as One-Way for the first block of Perry Street from Rogers Street to Sherman Street, but will remain Two-Way for the remainder of the street. The Transportation Engineer recommends a 60-day trial be implemented to determine if this is a suitable change and doesn’t create an undue burden of traffic on Concord Street.”

MOTIONS

There are only 2 Council motions this week.

Councilor J. Leahy Request City Manager have DPW provide a report regarding the repaving, sidewalk repair and curbing on Inland Street.

Councilor R. Mercier Request City Manager find ways and means to increase safety measures for pedestrians crossing in front of City Hall on Merrimack Street.