Author Archive

RFP for Smith Baker Center

Any ideas for the reuse of the Smith Baker Center?  You have until January 29 to submit your proposal. CITY OF LOWELL – PROPERTY FOR SALE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS 412 MERRIMACK STREET The City of Lowell will receive sealed Proposals for the sale and disposition of a certain property located…

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City Council Meeting: January 13, 2015

Mayor Elliott and Councilor Mercier are not present (they are visiting Cambodia). Council discussing report on vacancy rates in downtown.  Acknowledge that there are challenges beyond the control of the city.  For example, the city found a tenant for a large retail space that is vacant but the building owner…

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Lowell Week in Review: January 11, 2015

Boston 2024 Will the Summer Olympics come to Boston nine years from now?  I certainly hope so.  When I first heard of the possibility many months ago I was skeptical but then I spoke with State Senator Eileen Donoghue who convincingly made the case for all the benefits that would…

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Social Network Analysis of Lowell

Social network analysis looks at how people and organizations are connected and interact.  People who are active in their community, political or otherwise, engage in a type of informal social network analysis without thinking about it much. I’ve long been interested in how Lowell “works” and from time to time…

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Lowell City Council Meeting: January 6, 2015

Mayor Elliott opens the meeting by introducing UMass Lowell students from a Community Psychology class and has their instructor tell the council about the class. Motion Responses by City Manager Councilor Leahy questions the detour that uses Pevey Street to bypass the bridge repairs on Broadway; suggests Middlesex St be…

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“Whistler’s Father” by Julie Mofford

Here’s another fascinating story from Lowell’s history by Julie Mofford, a former staffer at the Lowell Historic Preservation Commission, who currently lives in midcoast Maine where she writes and works as a museum and historical society consultant. When I stayed with my grandparents in Zanesville, Ohio, my bed faced the…

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Looking Ahead: What will 2015 bring?

Day-to-day political events took a break during the holidays so here’s a look at what 2015 might bring in Lowell politics.  With a full work week and a council meeting on Tuesday night, the Week in Review will return next Sunday.  For now, here are some possibilities for the coming…

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