Left In Lowell

Thinking Out Loud for 6/29/06

2 Responses to “Thinking Out Loud for 6/29/06”

1. waittilnextyr Says:
   June 29th, 2007 at 9:29 am

   Local politics, quarterly report on city council progress, part 1.

   Quarterly Update 6/30/07

   1. Control Property Taxes (B-)
   Last year it was 5.4% above inflation (property value increase). For FY’08 it is targeted at 2.5% period. This is the first budget proposed by CM Lynch and it was frugal, transparent and complete. However, the CC did request some increases to the budget, and subsequent agreements to the arena contracts add further risk to holding the line at 2.5%. More likely the increase will be in the order of 3.5-4.0% come November.

   2. Expand Commercial Tax Base (D)
   Some improvement with L’Energia back on the tax rolls. However, Hamilton Canal Master Plan is weak on encouraging commercial development, and there has apparently been a delay in awarding the Master Developer contract. Additional tax base could be available if the Legislature adopts the Governor’s Telecom Tax proposal; however, the council has not actively supported this legislation.

   3. Put 180 Units of Affordable Housing on-line at Julian Steele (B)
   First phase complete, second phase under construction. Third phase appears to be late in its planned April start.

   4. Close an Acceptable Deal for Hamilton Canal Properties (B)
   Property was taken by Eminent Domain, as negotiations failed. The final cost may be tied up in litigation.

   5. Put 900-car Parking Garage on-line on Middlesex St (D).
   Construction is going ahead, apparently on schedule, and within the increased budget. However, the budget disconnect has not been solved, and the interest expense will bump up significantly this coming year. The commercial space should be leased soon after completion of the garage, but no information has been released as yet.

   6. Initiate Private Development in accordance with the JAM plan (D)
   RFP out to select Master Developer, however it doesn’t prioritize commercial development. There has apparently been a delay in awarding a contract to the Master Developer, but no reason has been publicized. Apparently the State will consume about 20% of the land area with non-taxable enterprises, the new courthouse and maybe the nanotechnology center for UML. If these become the focal points for related commercial development, this would be a good strategy. Much remains to be seen before we could improve the grade here.

   7. Initiate Private Development at the Hamilton Canal Properties. (I)
   As with the JAM plan, progress is delayed. The council has voted to make this a priority area for zoning, so that may be the next step in development.

   8. Close Loopholes in Zoning Code to Avoid Neighborhood Exploitation (C)
   Some progress being made, but still too much left to ZBA judgment.

   9. Eliminate “Appearance” of Conflict of Interest on Local Boards (A)
   Much improved with new appointments and televised meetings.

   10. Facilitate the Private Development of Next Phase of Mass Mills (D)
   No definitive action, but a revised plan may be in the works.

2. waittilnextyr Says:
   June 29th, 2007 at 9:31 am

   Part 2 of Quarterly report on city council progress.

   11. Create Significant Development Opportunity on Post Office Site. (D)
   No good proposals received, bad one rejected. No recent progress.

   12. Get Courthouse project underway, without taking liability for another parking garage. (I)
   Still uncertain, but it may be in JAM area. There would be a parking garage there, so maybe the City could strike a deal with the State to mitigate the City investment.

   13. Maintain Full Funding for School System. (A-)
   They have managed to settle the school budget while signing the union contracts. However, the balancing of the budget now requires approval of the Telecom Tax proposal by the Legislature.

   14. Establish Enforceable Contracts for New School Construction Projects. (B)
   The city has approved only one new school (Morey) and they plan to have professional “clerk of the works” manage the building process. The old Butler school has been left off the table for now, but initial request for State funding has been made to replace the remaining very old schools.

   15. Create Plan for Mixed Rate Affordable Housing. (F)
   No plan available.

   16. Support UTECs efforts to Find New Home. (B)
   UTEC has moved, although it is not clear the City Council participated in the solution to the problem.

   17. Improve Traffic Flow and Eliminate Bottlenecks and Safety Hazards Citywide. (F)
   No real progress. Supposedly Chelmsford/Plain/Parker/Powell intersection is to be re-done soon. However, there are many bottlenecks to be addressed.

   18. Bring jobs to the city. (C)
   Motorola agreement signed. Lowe’s may go ahead soon. However, biggest opportunity made be in JAM area, and that is still an open question.

   19. Make connection between educational institutions and new jobs. (D)
   Councilor Ramirez re-filed the request, but no obvious results as yet.

   20. Provide more opportunities for the city’s youth. (C)
   There has been a major effort by the city to open up public and private job opportunities for the city youth, although the actual hiring is apparently behind the goals. The city has also opened up one additional pool for recreation, and is considering a downtown playground for inner city residents.

   21. Reduce crime, particularly gang activity. (B)
   Some improvement, but violence continues. It appears new police chief will follow the approach initiated by Chief Davis. He is making additional efforts in controlling gangs (added 2 officers at least) and stepped up traffic enforcement.

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