Left In Lowell

On Friday, when I read on the Globe’s web site that “the University of Massachusetts Lowell is scuttling plans” to build the $90 million science center, because the University’s building authority cannot borrow the necessary $35 million in this bond market, I was both surprised and disappointed. I thought this was a done deal and construction had begun. Little do I know! I should pay attention.

Back in April 2007 when Governor Deval Patrick came to the school to deliver the down payment on the construction of the technical center, Lynne’s post on the visit and press conference reflected the optimism that we all felt:

The new nanotech building will bring together many disciplines, said MA University system president Jack Wilson. Bio and nano manufacturing will be incubated in the new labs. State Senator Panagiotakos spoke to the efforts that brought the University its funding for this project - 4-5 years of putting together the proposals and getting colleagues’ support. …bringing education, economic development, and job creation together for the greater good, not just in Lowell, but statewide, nationally, and even internationally, as the Senator said.

I heard State Senator Steve Panagiatakos on Warren Shaw’s radio show yesterday. He reiterated what he said to Matt Murphy :

’The markets have made it hard to borrow the total amount, but I don’t think it’s enough to walk away from the project at all, and I’m very disappointed in the remarks,’ Panagiotakos said. ‘On our end, we have never given up on this project and we won’t. It’s too important to the region for sustainable economic development.’

The Senator was not pleased with the sequence of events and even cautioned that if the University does not move forward with the construction, they will have to return the $10 Million to the State. I think that is going to be hard to do; Murphy reports that the money was given for design and permits. I would think that in 2 years a lot of that money has been used for its intended purpose.

All this begs the question, how are you going to afford to build a practice rink, fix the Arena and subsidize its operating costs if you cannot build a science center which is essential to your mission. My suggestion would be for the Lowell City Council to begin formulating Plan B for the Tsongas Arena. I still do not see how the University is going to come up with the funds to make this happen.