City Council

March 26, 2014 Opening Statement: It’s a great honor to be here. When I arrived in Blackstone there was no economic development plan. Created a program of economic development [he’s reading his statement]. Brought in Northeastern University school of engineering to assist in development of downtown. Has extensive experience in…

The issue of parking in downtown Lowell is getting some attention. It was discussed at last week’s economic development subcommittee and downtown resident Corey Sciuto posted a letter he sent to councilors on the issue on his own blog. This morning I found a lengthy comment from a regular reader…

Special City Council Meeting – March 25, 2014 Interviews with two candidates for City Manager. The first interviewee, Robert Bruner of Michigan, called the HR Department a short time ago and withdrew from his interview (he may have just received employment in Michigan). The second candidate is present and will…

A couple of real estate deals that intersect politics closed on Friday. 22 Olde Canal Drive, the site of the proposed methadone clinic alongside Stedman Street near the Lowell/Chelmsford line was sold for $1,650,000. The buyer was 22 Olde Canal Drive LLC which, according to the Secretary of State’s website…

Suspension of Rules HR Director Mary Callery reports to council on interview arrangements. She’s still waiting to hear from two candidates who are trying to fit their schedules. Four candidates are scheduled. She does say that Robert Bruner, the candidate from Michigan, is scheduled for 6pm on March 25. She’s…

Review of Tanner Street Urban Renewal Plan by DPD. Extends from Plain Street to Gorham Street. Includes modifications to the Lowell Connector to calm traffic, especially near its end at Gorham Street. Most of the development along Tanner Street would be industrial with some retail. One physical change would be…

City Manager Selection Process At noontime on Monday Bernie Lynch walked out of Lowell City Hall and ended his seven plus year tenure as Lowell City Manager. At 12:01 the Michael Geary administration began. The will be short-lived because Geary did not apply for the position on a permanent basis…

The council held a special meeting tonight to set the procedure and dates for interviewing candidates for city manager and auditor. Mayor Elliott opens the meeting by saying that the purpose of the public hearing is to discuss traits and characteristics of next city manager Deb Chause, Executive Director of…

The first meeting of the Michael Geary administration. Citation to Sean Harmon for organizing the restoration of the City Council Chambers. Lowell High Headmaster Brian Martin addresses the city council on efforts to restore the Kirk Street clock. Six LHS students working on the project are present. The clock was…

The week began with a special City Council meeting on Monday to establish the procedure for choosing a city manager and a city auditor now that all the applications are in. For city manager, the councilors had until Friday, March 7 to submit the names of their five “finalists” to…