Left In Lowell

Commenter waittilnextyr has issued his ongoing quarterly report on whether or not the City Councilors are living up to their campaign promises. Prospects on some fronts have seen measured improvement. Others still need some work.

One person’s opinion on how our city government is performing on the list established for this council’s term in office: (quarterly update)

Quarterly Update 9/30/06

1. Control Property Taxes
( from 6/30: pessimistic, based on Budget proposed with added jobs and excess raises, and very little reduction in initial city council budget session
Now: the pessimism of 6/30 is materializing, although there is recent action by the CM to reduce the impact. Let’s hope the CC supports him in these efforts)
2. Expand Commercial Tax Base
(some improvement with the energy plant back on the tax rolls, and possibly some effect from Lowe’s)
3. Put 180 Units of Affordable Housing on-line at Julian Steele
(optimistic, phase 1 nearing completion)
4. Close an Acceptable Deal for Hamilton Canal Properties
(optimistic, land-taking completed, development plan should follow)
5. Put 900-car Parking Garage on-line on Middlesex St.
(pessimistic, going forward way over budget with no good plan to reconcile – needs attention)
6. Initiate Private Development in accordance with the JAM plan
(delayed, but should be selecting prime developer soon)
7. Initiate Private Development at the Hamilton Canal Properties
(delayed, waiting for prime developer to be selected)
8. Close Loopholes in Zoning Code to Avoid Neighborhood Exploitation
(second small step with rejection of faulty in-law plan)
9. Eliminate “Appearance” of Conflict of Interest on Local Boards
(televised meetings help, and significant changeover in board make-up in process)
10. Facilitate the Private Development of Next Phase of Mass Mills
(no apparent action, needs attention)
11. Create Significant Development Opportunity on Post Office Site
(no good proposals, but at least city didn’t jump at a bad deal. Needs action)
12. Get Courthouse project underway, without taking liability for another parking garage (looks like State will go forward with Davidson St. location, but that leaves questions relative to flooding and parking)
13. Maintain Full Funding for School System
(It looks like that has been accomplished with added State funds)
14. Establish Enforceable Contracts for New School Construction Projects
(Independent review of Stoklosa issues will be initiated soon)
15. Create Plan for Mixed Rate Affordable Housing
(pessimistic, no plan proposed)
16. Support UTECs efforts to Find New Home
(Will move to Hurd St. location shortly)
17. Improve Traffic Flow and Eliminate Bottlenecks and Safety Hazards Citywide
(still no progress, and a couple of bridges have now been put on restrictive weight notice)
18. Bring jobs to the city
(positive action with Motorola agreement at Cross Point. Also working with UMASS Lowell relative to nanotech center and possible spin-off companies.)
19. Make connection between educational institutions and new jobs
(pessimistic, no obvious effort to date. Where are you on this Councilor Ramirez?))
20. Provide more opportunities for the city’s youth
(pessimistic, no obvious effort to date)
21. Reduce crime, particularly gang activity
(crime still a major problem, although Lowell police have made some arrests and appear to be trying preventative measures)