The Arena’s Ice Issue
Last nights’ Lowell City Council meeting started off with the reciting of the Lord’s Prayer. It is probably the last time that prayer will be recited. Soon the Mayor will lead his colleagues in the recitation of a sectarian prayer.
There were two money issues, which in my opinion, are crucial to the future of the City. A public hearing will be held (I think next week) and then the Council will decide if they we want to increase the bond for the arena’s ice repair from $1 Million to about $1.6 Million.
City Manager Bernie Lynch did report that there is a possibility we can hold off on the ice repair for another year. The real problem is the commitment of U. Mass/Lowell and the Devils to the arena. The minor league hockey team’s contract is up in one year and they are rumblings that the Lowell hockey program will be sacrificed for the Amherst program.
It appears that the CC will not move forward without some kind of formal commitment by both the University and the Devils. There were also rumblings as to what happened with the ice and who is responsible for the failure.
The (Re)-Construction of two Schools
The discussion regarding the (re)construction of the two schools (a new Morey and a new Tsapasaris/Butler) continued last night. I am hoping that School Committeewoman Jackie Doherty will write about this on her blog; she is much more familiar with the details than I am. There was a joint Sub-Committee meeting prior to the full City Council meeting; where the numbers were presented. There were various options presented by CM Lynch and CFO Tom Moses. They had all the figures and facts.
It is unfortunate that we are approaching election season; the two schools need to be built but in this atmosphere of keeping our expenses down, there isn’t the political will to explain to the residents that we need to plan for the future. It is the responsibility of elected leaders to plan for the future not just respond to the present.
The CC will take up the issue shortly. CC Eileen Donoghue, Chair of the Sub-Committee wanted the full CC to have an opportunity to digest all the information before making a decision. CC Kevin Broderick asked CM Lynch to also provide an estimate of how much of the City will have in loans for the coming years. If our debt amount remains steady, let’s build the schools.
The Tennis Controversy Continues
This is why I love Lowell. How long can a City Council talk about renting out 3 tennis courts for about a few hours a day during the summer? Let’s say hours.
On Monday, I posted on the tennis controversy, last night the City Council took up the issue. In addition to the a number of residents who spoke passionately about playing tennis at Shedd Park; the owner of the business that is leasing 3 of the 8 Shedd Park courts for a number of hours a day; and Tom Bellegrade, Commissioner of Park and Recreation addressed the Council.
Bellegrade recalled the days when the City provided mini-camps during the summer months throughout the City. Those camps are gone. The parks’ department recreation program had to reinvent itself; and this tennis camp will expand the recreation opportunities.
The Administration saw this as a way to increase revenue and provide a recreational program at no cost to the City. What they did not expect is the political power, influence and will of those who want to play tennis at Shedd Park.
By the way, the City Solicitor’s office reiterated that it is the Park and Recreation right to issue a permit. The City Council sets policy. So the CC voted requesting the City Manager to ask the Board of Park to review the issuing of the permit. It is too bad because I think this is a good way for the City to provide additional organized recreational activities for kids who basically spend their summer hanging around the streets..
The problem is that the other parks, McPherson, Callery, O’Donnell Parks, etc… tennis courts are not on the same level as Shedd’s. So, let’s take the money we are going to make from this venture and fix the other courts, then it is a win win situation for all.
(Any and all information regarding City and Board Commissions can be found on the City web site, here is the link. There was some misinformation being passed around on the airwaves this morning)
No Dogs Allowed and a Dog Park is Coming to Lowell, Well Maybe
Canine lovers rejoice. There are whispers in the City to give you and your Maxie, Buffie, Abbie; Roxie, Toto, Rin Tin Tin, Lassie a place to go and let your four legged friend do his duty.
Tonight, the City Council passed a motion to ask the Park Department to put up a sign, “No Dogs Allowed”, at the Mary Bagagiloupo Park located in downtown Lowell. Residents are complaining that “men’s best friend” is leaving a calling card and his/her master is not picking up after him/her.
Then the discussion turned to a “dog park.” Apparently, talk has reached City Hall. By the way, CC Jim Millinazzo who works at Mass Bank did mentioned that a homemade sign was put up at the triangle land strip, at the corner of Prescott and Central Streets, that read “unofficial dog park.” That land belongs to the Bank and it is not an official or unofficial dog park. So do not bring your dog there tomorrow morning, keep walking.
This is the second post I have written about dogs, their owners and downtown Lowell. I am now convinced that we need a dog park. The animal who was born to run will have a chance to do that and the dog owner will have the responsibility to keep the park clean.
On a Point of Personal Privilege
I was personally upset that three City Councilors attempted to squash another Councilor (CC K. Broderick) from asking a question regarding a letter, (…a letter from Director Veterans Services to Veterans Council.) written on City stationary by a City employee. CC Broderick’s name was mentioned in that letter. I do not know what the letter said but CC Broderick did not like the content of the letter; he called it “insulting.”
How would those three have liked it if let’s say a high-ranking employee of DPD had written a letter a neighborhood committee and made what they perceived to be unflattering remarks about them?
May 2nd, 2007 at 8:23 am
Cross-posted to Tennis Everyone?
I am listening to the Council discussing this issue right now and the sentiment seems to be that the parks should be for the usage of city residents only and should be 100% free. If this is to become policy than shouldn’t Lowell residents get free admission to Spinner’s games since there are held at a city-owned park?
The Council just finished discussing the ice replacement at Tsongas Arena where not only an out-of-city team plays but it’s an out-of-STATE team as well! and not only that they are making a profit from the advertisements, the concessions and have the SOLE right of deciding whether to renew this contract or not!
What about the city-owned garages? This theory would seem to imply that city residents should be allowed to park free. After all the management company running the garages are making a profit and the city build and maintains them, right?
My brother (from Chelmsford!) pays a fee to play Over-40 baseball which is used to pay for the permit for usage of Lowell parks. Maybe we should disband all these sports leagues that are not exclusively for Lowell residents.
Where have all the complainers been for these charges? Why haven’t they complained that Tsongas Arena or LeLacheur Park is “monopolized” by the Devils and Spinners? I don’t see the Spinners offering free baseball lessons nor do I see the Devils offering free skating/hockey lessons. But Mr LeClair,the organizer of these tennis lessons, has offered free lessons to Lowell youth. Hey, I’ve got it! Why don’t we petition the city to force Lowell Memorial Auditorium and Lowell Repertory Theatre to offer free admission for all events held there! And while we are at it let’s force them to hire only Lowell residents as actors and theatre staff. We certainly wouldn’t want to see any of the revenue from these plays going out of the city!
May 2nd, 2007 at 8:26 am
Great sum up Mimi! I missed the tail end having to do with the letter. This should be interesting..
May 2nd, 2007 at 8:27 am
Mimi, please name the 3 Councilors who attempted to quash CC Broderick. It is rare that George Anthes et al. on Lowell’s favorite right-wing radio program defend Mr. Broderick as they have done this morning. It would be especially interesting if the three had the initials BC, RM and AM and were the staunch defenders of the former CM!
May 2nd, 2007 at 9:26 am
Yes, Paul it was those three. For me, the issue now is not the content of the letter; rather what appeared to be a coordinated effort to try to stop a Councilor from speaking.
May 2nd, 2007 at 9:32 am
What was the content of the letter?
May 2nd, 2007 at 9:39 am
As a parent who frequently enrolls my children in the Parks Dept programs, I’m astonished that there is such a controversy around the summer Tennis lessons, and I’m saddened that many of the City Councilors apparently cave in at the first sign of opposition.
I watched the circus last night on TV. Regarding the residents who spoke in opposition to the program, all I can say is that apparently the issue is a combination of NIMBY-ism and sour grapes.
One common opposition was the “don’t take my courts” argument. They support the idea of tennis lessons, just not on their favorite courts. There are over 2 dozen public courts in Lowell. Shedd Park just happens to have the most, so using 3 won’t impact usability of the other courts.
A second opposing argument was using public space for commercial gain. If they’re going to cancel this program on those grounds, then they need to cancel paid programs at all other city venues, like Little League baseball and soccer leagues, summer concerts at boarding house park, city-owned Tsongas Arena, the Library, after-school programs, etc. There’s no merit in this argument. The spaces are free and public, yes, but the value-added services (like lessons) come at a cost, which is expected and reasonable.
So it just comes down to sour grapes. Those that spoke in opposition mentioned that they are or have been affiliated with similar programs which would compete with or be displaced by this new programs. Well, where have they been? Apparently there’s a schedule and deadline for submitting programs to the City and none of those entities came forward this year. So their just bitter that someone else will be doing their job.
I think the Parks dept is trying to do a great job. I actually have my kids enrolled in this now-endangered tennis program. I’d like them to expand to add other things my kids want to learn, like Lacrosse, rollerblading, skateboarding. If that means discounted programs from commercial entities, then so be it. Just don’t cave in to the NIMBYs.
May 2nd, 2007 at 11:11 am
Paul makes a lot of good points with his irony. It seems the protests are coming from the tennis brats of Belvidere who don’t want their time on court compromised. Both the parks director and the organizer were quite reasonable and willing to compromise, but that didn’t seem to placate the offended users.
It is promising that the CM is looking at alternatives for the Tsongas ice system - $1.6M will not fly! He doesn’t want a 12-month solution, as that would likely put us in the same position next year, but he is open to more moderate corrective actions.
Never really found out the content of the letter, as it was squashed by the controversy. It apparently related to the recent proposal for limiting naming of street corners to veterans with distinguished service.
May 2nd, 2007 at 1:49 pm
I am a tennis brat but I’m not from Belvedere, thank you. The courts at Shedd are among the worst in the city. The Next Champions probably had their eye on six, if not all eight courts and that just wouldn’t fly. The proposal we see now is obviously a compromise and that’s probably not going to fly either. So lets give him 3 courts elsewhere in the city, say…Callery Park in the Highlands and see if The Next Champions can draw Andover and Tewksbury residents into our fair city. Any bets on this one??
May 2nd, 2007 at 2:21 pm
So tell us, Prince: if the Shedd courts are among the worst in the city, why is the Hatem clan so intent on keeping them for themselves? I bring my family over to Shedd to play tennis. When the courts are full, I take a ride over to UMass courts, or South common, or up near the school on 13th St. Can’t this opposing vocal minority do the same? It’s the same issue with regards to use of public access to permitted/leased spaces like baseball & soccer fields, ice rinks, etc.
Locating the program in Shedd is the most logical place if you consider allocation of resources. Taking 3 courts in any other city park or school would be a 100% allocation of that facility. Nobody else could play there. Whereas at Shedd, holding aside 3, 5, or 6 courts for this program still leaves some of the remaining courts free to use.
There’s also the issue of accommodating the participants. Shedd has ample off-street parking for over 100 cars. What other park has that? This summer tennis program already had 40+ enrollees. You’re proposing 40-100 cars will fit around other neighborhood parks?
And so what if Andover and Tewksbury residents come to take tennis lessons in Lowell. Are you a Xenophobe? I take my kids to play at parks and schools in Dracut, Tewksbury, Andover, Salem, Nashua, Waltham, Bedford, Marlboro, Salisbury, and beyond. They’ve been enrolled in summer programs run by Acton, Bedford, Tyngsboro, and others. It’s about time Lowell families could stay in Lowell for these things.
May 2nd, 2007 at 5:18 pm
No, I’m not a Xenophobe, I’m Catholic.
May 2nd, 2007 at 5:25 pm
Seriously LP, my point about Andover and Tewksbury residents was this: Would you rather have your Range Rover safely parked at Shedd Park or say…South Street? Lets bring these folks into our neighborhoods, let them see the diversity for themselves. Maybe drop a little coin in some of our fine shops and eateries. My God, I’m turning into a Liberal.
May 2nd, 2007 at 6:58 pm
Wow, talk about stereotyping and bigotry.
I know plenty of people from Tewks and Andover who are regular hardworking folks who don’t drive Range Rovers. I’ve also seen plenty of Benzes, B-mers, Lexus and Hummers around Lowell.
I don’t know where South Street is, but I think I know what you’re implying. I can tell you that the area around Shedd Park isn’t exactly the Upper East Side. (With the exception of the area from Knapp Ave to Fort Hill) Even at Shedd you need to lock your doors and look over your shoulder.
May 2nd, 2007 at 7:28 pm
LP, lets cut the comedy and start the cartoon. Moe Leclerc knows full well that the people he caters to, his “bread and butter” so to speak are hesitant to bring their kids into Lowell. Wanna talk bigotry? Stereotyping? He catered to the Hoi Polloi at Sky Meadow, Vesper and other places until he was shown the door (gate). I would love nothing more than watching Moe Leclerc and a group of Andoverites giving a free tennis clinic at Clemente Park at 8:00 on a hot Friday night.
LP: in case you havent GoogleEarthed South Street, it’s behind St Peters Church which was torn down before you moved into town.
May 2nd, 2007 at 9:50 pm
What business doesn’t have their preferred clients? For every person he teaches at the clubs you mention, he also teaches kids in Parks & Rec programs in Acton and Billerica. You’re denying that business persons should try to be successful? Prince, are you now or have you ever been a member of the communist party?
Seriously though, its probably his $300 clients that allow him to subsidize $5/hr kids. Some Andover kids wants to pay to play next to my kid who’s there for free, what’s the problem?
Oh, that’s South street. I just know that park as South Common. I’ve played tennis there a few times. What’s the big deal? Other than limited parking and only 2 courts, its got decent accessibility.
BTW, I lived in Lowell when they tore down St Petes. It’s a good start. Only 50,000 more to go.
May 3rd, 2007 at 12:07 am
50,000 more what? are you suggesting we tear down every church? every historic building in lowell? every building near South Street?
May 3rd, 2007 at 7:33 am
Sorry SD (&PD), I went OT. Just being provocative for my own amusement. I was referring to the church. Maybe they should’ve converted it into more luxury condos.
PD is insinuating that there are hoardes of wealthy Andoverites who want to swoop into our city and consume our resources, and that somehow by putting the free childrens lessons in another part of town will “scare them off.” It’s completely off base, as is every other argument raised by those who oppose this program.
Now I’ll generalize. I’d bet that the people to whom he’s referring would be just as leery of going to Shedd as any other park in town. Or Lowell for that matter. Shedd is no victorian watercolor, there’s a rough element there too. And those people he insinuates would be fearful probably wouldn’t want or need to travel into Lowell for free tennis lessons. The people who will avail themselves of this programs are and will be working-class parents who appreciate any break they can get in providing quality experiences for their children. And those people don’t mind travelling to most any neighborhood to do it. Cancelling this program will hurt those folks, and their kids, not the swarming masses of uber-riche.
And simplying implying that moving the program to another park in town to somehow scare people off is rediculous. Before living in Lowell I spent nearly a decade in Boston. And when I say Boston, I mean Roxbury, Mission Hill, and Dorchester. Common backdrops to nightly news stories during the time I lived there. Lowell today, comparatively, is Mayberry. I take my kids to play all over town, South Common, Highlands, Hadley (but not Shedd ’cause we’ve got no playground) and the folks I see there are no different than anywhere else.
PD’s posted opposition to this program was that it somehow caters to those in neighboring communities, which takes our resources away from us. A valid position, fine. But if PD is going to use that to oppose the tennis lessons, then the same criteria must be used, as Paul above has mentioned, on every other public program and city owned venue. This opposing argument, as with all the others, simply does not hold merit. If our City Manager and Parks Board are reasonable, logical persons then they too will come to the same conclusion.
May 17th, 2007 at 6:27 am
Mimi-
I presume you mean that the Mayor will soon lead a “non-sectarian prayer.” Better known as “Rick’s prayer.” Please. I’d prefer a moment of silence.