Left In Lowell

Yesterday, Governor Deval Patrick unveiled a “$1.47 billion bond bill to address the Commonwealth’s immediate capital infrastructure needs.” The money will be used to pay for previously planned projects that have not been able to begin or be completed due to lack of funds.

Most of the provisions of this bill will have no problems passing the Massachusetts legislature; both Senate President Robert Travaglini and House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi were by the governor’s side when he made the announcement during a press conference.

Since all politics are local, I immediately checked to see what was in it for Lowell. Nothing in particular stood out.

But this morning’s Sun brought potential bad news: the funding for the state portion of the U. Mass/Lowell Nanotechnology Center may be delayed. The state was originally scheduled to give $21 M towards the construction costs and bond $14 M. Now the state will bond all $35 M.

In her article, Hilary Chabot reports that both State Senator Steve Panagiotakos and State Rep. Kevin Murphy are concerned about the proposed change that will cause a potential delay.
My concern is not only for the nanotechnology center, but more importantly how this news will impact Lowell’s Jackson/Appleton/Middlesex Urban Revitalization Plan. The location of the nano center has not been finalized but there is a major push to have it located in the Hamilton Canal District, the revitalized area’s new name.

The latest (11/06) report from DPD regarding the Hamilton Canal District states:

The Nanotechnology Center might act as a catalyst
for additional office space and other development in
the Hamilton Canal District. It may also help to
brand the site as a “cutting edge” area.

The City should be making the selection of Master Developer for the Hamilton Canal District shortly. Will the implementation begin without the funding for this cornerstone in place?