Left In Lowell

I suppose this was, in effect, inevitable, with the credit crisis…Trinity now says it needs the state to come through with its earmarked (though not completely committed) monies in the bond bill the state passed this year.

It’s another Matt Murphy article and it’s full of meat and lays out the situation clearly and fairly. Go read the whole thing.

Keefe, in a letter to Panagiotakos dated Oct. 15, told the senator he was counting on three key sources of state funding to move forward with construction. The timing of the request and amount of money being sought could prove to be very difficult to secure at a moment when the state is monitoring every penny closely.

Apparently this took the Lowell delegation by surprise, as they were not really ever told (by Trinity presumably) how much exactly Trinity was expecting in help from the state. The Appleton Mill itself is in such bad repair, I’d expect no developer would ever touch it except to demolish it without incentives…though how suddenly now telling us that the funding is urgent helps their case I don’t know.

Presumably (though I am making an assumption here) Trinity thinks or knows its investors are a bit spooked by the markets, but would be encouraged by city and state investment if it comes through quickly. Hopefully by spring the credit crisis is somewhat abated, but it is an extremely difficult atmosphere to develop in, even though the live-work spaces would be in demand (affordable housing rental units always are) and wouldn’t be available for two years, when it’s likely we’ll be in better shape economically.

Still, this isn’t the best news for the project, though rescue of the proposed schedule is still possible. Let’s hope that the Lowell delegation can work their magic and with a progressive and decidedly-pro-growth Governor and staff, I’m still not too worried yet.

I’ve already signed up to appear at the Lowell School Committee Curriculum Subcommittee regarding the replacement of abstinence-only education for our students with the Planned Parenthood’s Get Real program, a sane age-appropriate curriculum. Which, by the way, which would not cost our schools a dime. We really need your support on Wednesday, November 12th at 7pm at the School Department building on 155 Merrimack Street, 2nd floor. If you can come, you can RSVP to Planned Parenthood here.

Our kids will thank you.

Here’s today’s interview with Paul Marion. We talked about Monday’s F. Bradford Morse Distinguished Lecture (open to the public, being held at 7 p.m. at the F. Bradford Morse Federal Building on Merrimack Street).

 Thinking Out Loud - 11/7/08 Interview with Paul Marion [13:43m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

This is what we voted for, folks. (HT: Mr. Lynne)

Update: Sweet. The grownups are in charge again! (HT: BMG)

Just as an aside, the fact that we’re sort of peering into the transition team, it sort of reminds me of the public involvement in the Patrick transition…a very empowering process. Now, let’s see if we can keep that up both here in MA and nationally.

It never looks good when, under any sort of inquiry or investigation, one claims an obscure and rare form of immunity for yourself. It looks really, really bad. Sort of a doth-protest-too-much moment.

Such is DiMasi’s strategy with the State Ethics Commission investigation into payments to his friends received from companies seeking government contracts. He’s claiming “constitutional immunity.” If that sounds really weird to you, it ought to. It was last used here (successfully) in 1808.

And what the hell is DiMasi doing meeting with other lawmakers behind closed doors to explain his side of the story?

What angers me most is that this puts progress in Massachusetts in jeopardy. DiMasi, while not perfect on the issues, is far more progressive than the Reps hungrily lining up to take his place should he fall. Though I could smack DiMasi on tax loophole closing bills, as Speaker he’s been awesome on the environment, gay marriage, and a host of other issues. If he turns out to be hiding wrongdoing, I want his head, on a platter, served up with a side of baked beans. And then if he still won’t resign, primary his ass.

Today on TOL, we’ll be talking to Paul Marion, Executive Director for Outreach at UMass Lowell, about this year’s F. Bradford Morse Distinguished Lecture taking place on Monday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. at the F. Bradford Morse Federal Building on Merrimack Street. The guest lecturer this year is Prof. Padraig O’Malley of UMass Boston, who will talk about his efforts on reconciliation in Iraq and his history working for peace.

The event is open to the public, and is free.

Join us at 10am, either at 91.5FM or streaming online live.