Neighborhood and Community Development

Neighborhood and Community Development

• (w/ C. Broderick) Req. City Mgr. explore potential expansion of Lowell Stat Program to analyze public safety, quality of life and economic indicators in the downtown and neighborhood business districts.
• (w/ C. Mendonca) Req. Mgr. report on potential partnership with UML on the Gig. U University Community Next Generation Innovation Project.
• (w/ C. Lorrey) Req. Mgr. develop plan to raise participation of qualified residents in EITC program, including links to website, information at public buildings, etc.
• (w/ C. Kennedy) Req. City Council support a resolution, drafted by the law department, to join the city manager in opposition to the proposed cuts to MBTA service.
• Req. Mgr. offer to host free Complete Streets workshops through the Baystate Roads Program and MassDOT in order to begin discussion toward developing a formal policy.
• Req. Mgr. explore a Bank On Lowell initiative in partnership with local non-profits, banks and credit unions to provide access to low- or no-cost financial services and education for un- or underbanked families.
• Req. Mgr. reconsider network of transit overlay districts with adjusted minimum parking requirements to encourage neighborhood business or affordable housing development with thorough transportation demand management plans.
• Req. Mgr. provide data on variances granted by Zoning Board.
• Req. Mgr. report on potential of community benefit agreements for future large-scale urban renewal or development projects.
• Req. Mgr. provide update on Tanner Street Initiative and plan for public participation.
• Req. Mgr. report on development of public Wi-Fi zones, particularly within the proposed Cultural District.
• Req. Mgr. report on potential of student SmartCards to access public transit, school, recreational and library resources.
• Req. Mgr. explore potential of Lowell as a site for no-cost Connecting Cops with Kids community-oriented police training program.
• Req. Mgr. explore possible collaboration with Habitat for Humanity on a “Rock the Block” neighborhood revitalization project in coordination with Manager’s Impact Initiative.
• Req. Mgr review parks and recreation permitting policies to ensure fairness in their application.
• Req. Mgr. develop proposal for a portion of the Green Communities Grant to fund purchase and distribution of solar trash compactors and recycling kiosks among neighborhood business districts.
• Req. Mgr. develop, with community input, a short-term plan for the old Butler School property.
• Req. Mgr./Law Dept. explore possible remedies to continual railroad violations of regulations restricting excessive engine-idling.
• Req. Mgr. report on potential ordinance changes to require private waste haulers operating in the city also provide recycling services at an affordable, flat rate, and to amend the fee schedule for dumpsters in order to eliminate any existing disincentives.
• Req. Mgr. report on the establishment of a short-term revolving loan fund for business, condo and multi-family apartment buildings to more easily access recycling services and corresponding savings.
• Req. Mgr. review and report on progress towards the goals of the city’s tree ordinance, and submit an application for a MA DCR Urban & Community Challenge Grant to develop an urban forestry plan in compliance with the ordinance.
• Req. Mgr. explore grant application to MassWorks Infrastructure Program for partial support of Speck Plan recommendations and coordinated pilot project for green stormwater infrastructure downtown.
• Req. Mgr. identify alternative grant funding source for Hale’s Brook Greenway Plan to provide improved access and environmental enhancements to the adjacent neighborhoods.
• Req. Mgr. report on need for a Fair Housing Commission and on city's progress in addressing fair housing concerns.
• Req. (with C. Mercier) Mgr. report on the status of funding for municipal pools in FY2012.
• Req. Mgr. provide analysis of MA Housing Development Incentive Program and potential guidelines on its local application.
• Req. Mgr. report on maintenance plans for public facilities, including the Smith Baker Center, to preserve current potential for future uses.
• Req. Mgr./Development Services Dept. draft policy waiving permitting fees to incentivize purchase and redevelopment of blighted/abandoned properties to be owner-occupied in targeted areas.
• Req. Mgr. develop formal Complete Streets policy, possibly with funding through NMCOG’s technical assistance grants.
• Req. Mgr./Law Dept report on potential of residential property tax abatement program for the renovation of abandoned or blighted properties in targeted areas.
• Req. Council consider Home Rule Petition to lower voting age to 17 for municipal elections.
• Req. Mgr. report on short- and long-term plans for supervision of the Lowell Youth Council.
• Req. Mgr./DPD develop formal guidelines with the City Council on the future use of tax increment financing plans, particularly with respect to living wage and environmental standards.
• Req. Mgr. explore potential of a system of bus shelters and bicycle racks with the LRTA and have DPD review corresponding plan for transit-overlay districts surrounding them.
• Req. Mgr. report on progress toward updated Hazard Mitigation Plan.
• Req. Mgr. report on parking plan for Back Central Neighborhood.
• Req. Mgr. have appropriate depts report on event permitting, fee and invoice policies.
• Req. Mgr. have DPD/Law Dept provide analysis of greater restrictions on construction within the flood plain, and possible facilitation of an interim transfer of development rights process.
• Req. Mgr. address issues at Clemente Park.
• Req. Mgr. have DPD provide disaggregated data on Best Retail Practices Program.
• Req. Mgr. develop proposal to secure funding to address flooding under Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
• Req. Mgr. explore establishing Neighborhood Venture Fund and widen outreach efforts for existing grant and loan programs.
• Req. Mgr. report on plans and progress toward a city-wide Sustainability Plan and MA Green Community status.