March 27, 2014 Greg Balukonis interview Opening Statement: Lives in Shrewsbury. He’s in the business of city manager. Is not a politician; not in the private sector; not an academic; is in local government. That’s his strength but he knows the job is more than sitting behind the desk and…
March 26, 2014 George Ramirez opening statement Begins by reminiscing about his time on the council eight years ago. He applied for several reasons. Lowell is special to him. 40 years ago Lowell welcomed him and his family from Columbia. Went to school, married and has lived here ever since.…
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…
This coming Friday at 2:45 pm, Lowell High School has organized a panel discussion on the crisis in Ukraine, Crimea, and the Russian Federation. The program will take place in the Lowell High Little Theater and will last until until 4 pm. The public is invited to attend. Panelists for…
While On the Road is still the most widely read of Jack Kerouac’s works, Mass Moments reminds us that the highly autobiographical The Town and the City was his first novel. On this day March 23, 1948 he noted in his diary or “writing log” that he had written 2500 words and was…
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…
This past Thursday evening Lowell National Historic Park Deputy Superintendent Peter J. Aucella received the Thomas G. Kelakos Community Spirit Award from the Kiwanis Club of Greater Lowell at Lenzi’s Mill House. While our earlier post concentrated on Peter’s remarks in accepting the award, Lowell National Park Superintendent Celeste Bernardo…
Business picked up after a slow start on Monday (because of St. Patrick’s Day, I wonder?) with some interesting sales on Friday March 17, 2014 – Monday None March 18, 2014 – Tuesday 373 Aiken Ave Unit 11 for $121,500. Prior sale in 2004 for $140,000 14 Bourne St for…