Left In Lowell

Thinking Out Loud for 1/04/2008

3 Responses to “Thinking Out Loud for 1/04/2008”

1. waittilnextyr Says:
   January 5th, 2008 at 4:53 pm

   The second full Vision Session on the Hamilton Canal District development was held on Jan 5th. Although there were somewhat fewer participants than in the December kick-off session, there was an active group of about 50-60 in attendance.

   In between these two sessions, there was a series of 4 splinter sessions wherein 12-14 people attended each one. From these and other work done by the City and Trinity Financial, some initial concepts of a Master Plan have evolved. These plans contain some features beyond the scope of work that Trinity is performing, but are necessary part of the planning so that the work they do will fit into the larger picture.

   An example of these other features is the proposed extension of the trolley system through the Hamilton Canal district all the way to the Gallagher Terminal. This extension has a lot of pitfalls (like funding) but is considered by all a key feature of the development.

   The session split into working groups (6) to discuss various elements of the proposed plans. There was general agreement between these groups when they reported their findings to the session near the end of the day. Although there were some concerns, I think it was good to have such a consensus arrived at so early in the process.

   The new court complex is separate, but integrated into the plan. There were several concepts presented, but no firm decision made on the building, other than location. It was good to hear that the State has curent FY funding to purchase the property from the City, and they expected to have FY ‘09 funding to prepare the property. The major portion of the funding ($125M) is apparently included in the bond bill that the Governor has just sent to the Legislature.

   One open concern was the lack of a clear pedestrian way from the area of the Roy Garage and Palmer street, as the attendees felt that such a connection to the downtown and alternate parking would be a key item. There are a couple of options that are not exactly direct, and Trinity will explore fitting them into the plan. Another subject of concern was the overall parking, although Adam Baacke gave a good explanation of the time-phasing of parking needs and the plans for public transportation, which alleviated some of the concerns. Trinity will not only address the traffic and parking within the project, but look well outside the boundaries of the project to understand the problems and suggest ways to mitigate them.

   It seemed like a productive meeting with a pretty good consensus of preference for some of the open options. Next full meeting is scheduled for 3/15, although there is information and opportunity to comment on www.hamiltoncanal.com in the meantime.

2. waittilnextyr Says:
   January 6th, 2008 at 2:44 pm

   To follow up on the issue of funding sources for the trolley system proposed, it appears that the federal government, at least under the Bush administration, would be unlikely to provide a grant.

   “Portland (Oregon) wants to expand its streetcar system, and is relying on federal funds to do it. But the Federal Transit Administration says it will give grants to only cost-effective proposals — creating a heavy bias toward buses and away from streetcars.”

   The Jan 5th session was attended by Brian Martin as a representative of Niki Tsongas, but there was no indication that such a grant would be sought.

   And, there were no State or City elected officials present. Although they may be working behind the scenes, it would have been supportive to the many citizens in attendance if they would publically show their interest in the project.

3. joe Says:
   January 6th, 2008 at 11:11 pm

   Anyone else notice the white supremacist letter in Saturday’s Sun?

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