City Council Economic / Downtown Development Sub Committee

Office of the City Clerk City Hall • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 P: 978.674.4161 • F: 978.970.4007 www.LowellMA.gov Lowell City Council Michael Q. Geary City Clerk Regular Meeting Minutes Date: October 24, 2017 Time: 5:30 PM Location: City Council Chamber 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA Economic Development SC October 24, 2017. PRESENT: Present on Roll Call were Chairman Samaras, C. Leary and C. Milinazzo. Also present were Diane Tradd (DPD), Kevin Coughlin (DPD), Manager Murphy and C. Belanger. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER: Chairman Samaras called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM in the Council Chamber noting attendance and agenda items. ORDER OF BUSINESS: Manager Murphy made a presentation entitled “Economic Development Year in Review 2017”. Manager Murphy noted that the Council’s initiatives have enable success in economic development, commenting on stream lined permit process. Manager Murphy commented on following projects: Hamilton Canal Innovative District; JAM Plan; Judicial Center; Parcels 3 and 4; 110 Canal Place; Parcels 8 and 9; Parcel 5; Mass Works and EDA Grants; multiple new restaurants; boutique hotel; and keeping existing businesses in the City. C. Milinazzo commented on increase of tax revenues and the use of the LDFC loan programs. Manager Murphy commented on those programs and will provide report on same to the Council. C. Samaras noted the City would provide educated workers along with favorable loan programs. C. Leary commented on the operations of the Boston Redevelopment Authority and its comparison with Lowell operations. Manager Murphy outlined the operations. C. Leary commented on partnership with UMass-Lowell in terms of research and development industries. C. Leary commented on proposed infrastructure in the Hamilton Canal. Ms. Tradd outlined time frame for that construction. C. Belanger noted success of the projects and the City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 2 of 2) use of loan programs. C. Leary commented on projects fitting into the Master Plan of the City. Manager Murphy noted it does coincide with the plan especially in terms of walkability in the City. C. Leary questioned the ability to connect Western Avenue to downtown. Ms. Tradd noted they were still exploring options and that it would be an expensive endeavor. C. Samaras noted scenario where startup companies begin in Lowell and continue to grow and settle in the City. C. Samaras noted the need to let visitors know all that is available in the City. Ms. Tradd commented on grants that are going to be used for that purpose. C. Milinazzo commented on environmental approach on projects. Ms. Tradd noted green element in projects; including the use of solar farms. Manager Murphy noted costs savings with solar farms. Manager Murphy commented on ability to keep Boston Chowder in the City. Manager Murphy outlined expansion of MACOM in the City and the efforts to have them remain local through TIF programs. C. Belanger noted the importance of keeping businesses in the City. Manager Murphy introduced the application to be part of the Transformation District Initiative and outlined that program made available through the State. Manager Murphy noted that if selected it would provide a paid experts to assist with economic development. C. Belanger noted the positive effect on City if application is approved. C. Leary noted the importance of having that type of skill set in an employee. Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Milinazzo, seconded by C. Leary. So voted. ADJOURNMENT: Motion by C. Milinazzo, seconded by C. Leary “To Adjourn”. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 6:15 PM. Michael Q. Geary City Clerk City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov