Lowell, MA - Sustainable Lowell 2025

SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025Office of the City Manager375 Merrimack StreetLowell, MA, 01852



TABLE OF CONTENTSI ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS...................................................................................... iiiII INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................... v OVERVIEW.................................................................................................................... v PLANNING PROCESS................................................................................................ vi PLAN FRAMEWORK................................................................................................ viii Vision Goals & Action Areas OutcomesIII COMMUNITY OVERVIEW................................................................................ xviii HISTORY.................................................................................................................. xviii A SNAPSHOT OF LOWELL TODAY.......................................................................... xix A DECADE OF SUSTAINABILITY ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2003 – 2012..............xxivIV GOALS...................................................................................................................1 SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBORHOODS.............................................................................1 HOUSING CHOICE.................................................................................................... 19 MOBILITY & ACCESS............................................................................................... 37 VIBRANT & UNIQUE URBAN HUB........................................................................... 55 HEALTHY & SUSTAINABLE LOCAL ECONOMY...................................................... 83 ENVIRONMENTAL RESILIENCE............................................................................109 EFFECTIVE OPERATIONS, INFRASTRUCTURE & TECHNOLOGY.......................127 SUSTAINED PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT.....................................................................141V PLAN IMPLEMENTATION................................................................................ 151 SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025 Photo: COOL i

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSCITY COUNCIL PLANNING BOARD SPECIAL THANKS TOMayor Patrick Ó. Murphy Thomas Linnehan, ChairmanRodney M. Elliott Richard Lockhart, Vice Chair Sarah Brown, Environmental OfficerEdward J. Kennedy, Jr. Joseph Boyle, Member Suzzanne Cromwell,John J. Leahy Gerard Frechette, Member Cultural Organization of LowellMartin E. Lorrey Stephen Gendron, Member Jennifer Demers, Girls IncorporatedWilliam F. Martin, Jr. Robert Malavich, Member Joe Donovan, GIS ManagerJoseph M. Mendonca Eric Eby, Transportation EngineerRita M. Mercier SUSTAINABILITY PLAN Erin Findlen,Vesna E. Nuon STEERING COMMITTEE Economic Development Assistant Eric Gordon, Emerson CollegeBernard F. Lynch, City Manager Aaron Clausen, Senior Planner Tom Heslin, Better Buildings Program ManagerAdam Baacke, Maria Dickinson, Joe Hungler, Assistant City Manager/DPD Director Economic Development Officer Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell Joe Giniewicz, Assistant Planner Rachel Kisker, Chief Design PlannerPROJECT MANAGER AND Allison Lamey, Ricky Mao, Design Intern PRINCIPAL AUTHOR Community Development Director Donna McIntosh, Craig Thomas, Human Resources Assistant DirectorAllegra Williams, Neighborhood Planner Urban Renewal Project Manager Jennifer Molina, GIS Intern Sandy Swaile, Design Planner Marlon Orozco, United Teen Equality Center Allegra Williams, Neighborhood Planner Theresa Park, Economic Development Director GRAPHIC DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Michelle Ramalho, Sandy Swaile, Design Planner Lowell Senior Center Director Mike Moyle, Graphic Designer Linda Sou, LCHC Teen Coalition Sopheap Theam, Light of Cambodian ChildrenSUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025 Diane Tradd, DPD Deputy Director Nancy Spenard, DPD Executive Secretary Mark Young, LRWWU Director iii

PHOTOGRAPHERS Icon Architecture Meghan MooreJane Albert Dan Koff Minneapolis Mill City MuseumAmeresco Konarka Mill City GrowsRobert Anderson Lianna Kushi Jennifer MyersLisa Anderson-Bisson Lowell Canalwater Cleaners NeoscapeAdrien Bisson Lowell Community Health Center (LCHC) Bob PhilpotBoston Chowder Company Lowell General Hospital Higgins & RossBoys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell Lowell National Historical Park (LNHP) Anne RuthmannAshley Cantrell Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust (LP&CT) Narin SinuonCareer Center of Lowell Lowell Telecommunications Corporation Som of a BikeNorm Caron Massachusetts Institute of Technology Bob StegmaierCoalition for a Better Acre (CBA) Donna McIntosh Sean ThibodeauJoseph Cote Robert McIntosh Trinity FinancialCultural Organization of Lowell (COOL) Merrimack Repertory Theatre UMass LowellMary Cutter Merrimack Valley Housing Partnership United Teen Equality Center (UTEC)Deb Forgione (MVHP) Emily VidrineMarianne Gries Merrimack Valley Sandbox Angela VincentBen Hill Merrimack Valley Small Business Watermark Environmental IncDonald Hogan Assistance Center Western Avenue Studios (WAS)House of Hope XenithDick Howe, Jr.iv SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025

OVERVIEWIn recent years, as cities have begun transportation, economic development, Public Participation Process Photos: DPDaddressing climate change, social equity, and housing, the physical environment, and otherother pressing community concerns more community resources.proactively, the concept of sustainability has The Plan also guides the development andbegun to permeate many long-range planning maintenance of the many facilities anddocuments. In Lowell’s case, the concepts services provided by the City. As such, theof social, economic and environmental Sustainability Plan is one of the primarysustainability have been interwoven into each policy tools utilized by the City Council, thesection of its Comprehensive Master Plan in Planning Board, the Zoning Board of Appeals,an effort to better adapt to changing local, and the City’s Administration, including theregional, and global trends over the next 12 Department of Planning and Development,years. the Department of Public Works, andThe result of this Comprehensive Master Plan other entities. Ultimately, the City hopesupdate process is Lowell’s new Sustainability that this document will be embraced andPlan, an officially adopted public document utilized citywide by both private and publicthat establishes long-term policies and stakeholders, as well as residents in Lowell,a shared vision for smart, responsible as a way to ensure its implementation anddevelopment within the city. Included positive impact on the community as a whole.herein are recommendations regarding INTRODUCTIONSUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025 v

COMPONENTS OF THE PUBLIC PLANNING PROCESS PARTICIPATION PROCESS INCLUDED: The planning process undertaken by Lowell’s Department of Planning and Development • An 800-Household telephone (DPD) in developing this Sustainability Plan was consistent with efforts generally employed in other comprehensive planning processes. This process is further outlined below: survey conducted in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Khmer STEERING COMMITTEE by Research America, Inc., a consultant firm hired by the A Steering Committee comprised of members from the Department of Planning and City. Raw data was provided by Development (DPD) was formed to oversee the planning process between the Winter of 2011 the consultant, and data was and the Fall of 2012. The committee held a series of 10 interdepartmental meetings on topics analyzed and formatted by DPD. relevant to the development of the plan to collect initial input from employees with particular • Hosting of 5 public visioning expertise. The Committee was also involved in the data collection and public participation sessions that were attended by processes to follow. over 160 community members and were conducted in English, DATA COLLECTION & EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT Spanish, Portuguese, Khmer. Visioning topics included: Existing conditions data was compiled into a final report to provide a snapshot of current Housing & Public Services, conditions in Lowell today and to map trends over time. The information collected – comprised Transportation & Mobility, of demographic, land-use, transportation, housing, open space, and economic development Economic Development & data – served as a foundation for the visioning and planning of the city’s direction in the future. Institutional Partnerships, Open Space & Natural Resources, PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS & Community Character, Engagement & Identity. The City believes that a long-range plan has the greatest value when the vision behind it is • The launch of a free, fun, online truly shaped in collaboration with the local community. For this reason, Lowell’s Department of participatory planning tool Planning and Development sought to engage as broad a sample of the population as possible in partnership with Emerson throughout its public planning process. Using a multi-pronged approach, DPD succeeded in College, over 60 young people reaching over 1,000 community members over the Spring and Summer of 2011, all of whom from 6 local youth organizations, offered valuable input on how to make the City more sustainable in the future. During the Fall and Lowell Telecommunications and Winter of 2011, all of this data was analyzed and compiled into Public Opinion and Existing Corporation, who provided their Conditions Reports. Continues on facing page SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025vi

Interdepartmental Telephone Survey computer lab free of chargePlanning Meetings Public Visioning Sessions to those without computers or internet access at home. The Data Collection Online Participatory Planning Tool launch inspired 175 community Sustainability Snapshot Contest members to sign up andFinal Sustainability Plan participate, sharing over 1,000 Sustainability Week comments about how to improve the city during the two weekPublic Feedback Draft Plan Public Opinion and launch. Existing Conditions Reports • Organization of the Sustainability Snapshots Photography ContestDRAFT PLAN to encourage residents to think about aspects of their city thatDrawing upon the existing conditions data, as well as lessons learned through the public they would like to be able to passparticipation process, a draft plan was developed and presented to the Planning Board and on to future generations, and toCity Council in the Winter of 2012 for initial comment. encourage their ownership over and participation in the long-termPUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD planning process. As a result, 113 photographs were submittedFollowing these presentations, the draft plan was made available to the public for their review by the local community forand feedback. incorporation into the Final Plan. • Organization of the City’s 1stFINAL PLAN Annual Lowell Sustainability Week in conjunction with theAfter incorporating feedback from the Planning Board, City Council, and general public, the final public planning process as aplan was presented for adoption and endorsement in the Spring of 2013. way to celebrate and promote Lowell’s accomplishment’s as aSUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025 green community while engaging residents to think about how they might make their city more sustainable in the future. vii

PLAN FRAMEWORK Photo: Norm Caron A Sustainability Plan is a living document, evolving in response to changing community needs. The process of developing and implementing the plan is, therefore, cyclical in nature. The vision statement informs the goals, which inform the objectives and action areas, which ideally result in the achievement of outcomes identified through the community planningviii process. As new community concerns arise, the vision and processes take on new forms. VISION STATEMENT The vision statement – shaped by both public opinion and practical understanding of development trends impacting the City and region – provides a guiding framework for the document as a whole. Photo: Jane Albert GOALS & ACTION AREAS Eight goals have been identified as priorities through the planning process. Each goal chapter contains a series of objectives and corresponding action items. Photo: Mary Cutter OUTCOMES Twenty-one plan outcomes were identified through the public planning process as key areas in which the community would like to see greater emphasis and investment placed. Charts on the last page of each goal chapter identify how the city intends to achieve these outcomes and meet community needs through the implementation of each chapter’s objectives and action items. Photo: Donald Hogan Photo: Deb Forgione SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025

vision goals & action areas LIVABILITY SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBORHOODS PLACE-MAKING HOUSING CHOICE LONGEVITY MOBILITY & ACCESS RESPONSIBILITY VIBRANT & UNIQUE URBAN HUB HEALTHY & SUSTAINABLE outcomes LOCAL ECONOMY HISTORIC CHARACTER & ENVIRONMENTAL RESILIENCE PRESERVATION EFFECTIVE OPERATIONS, HOUSING QUALITY & VARIETY INFRASTRUCTURE, & TECHNOLOGY PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY SUSTAINED PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT SOCIAL EQUITY CIVIC ENGAGEMENT & RESOURCE & ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING COMMUNITY PRIDE INFORMATION SHARING & POLICY RECREATIONAL COLLABORATIVE NATURAL RESOURCE OPPORTUNITY PARTNERSHIPS CONSERVATION MULTI-MODAL CARBON EMISSION TRANSPORTATION EDUCATION & TRAINING REDUCTION LOCAL ECONOMICSUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025 DEVELOPMENT & INNOVATION ENERGY COST REDUCTION EFFECTIVE & EFFICIENT JOB CREATION OPERATIONS TRANSPARENCY & ARTS & CULTURAL ACCOUNTABIITY INVESTMENT INFRASTRUCTURE SHOPPING & INVESTMENT ENTERTAINMENT ix

VISIONLowell’s Sustainability Plan provides a framework for development over the next 10-15 yearsand establishes a comprehensive and shared vision for the future. It is grounded both in publicopinion and practical understanding of development trends impacting Lowell and other GatewayCities.As a city that enjoys an authentic urban character and possesses many unique physical,cultural, and social amenities that are attractive to the populations driving growth anddevelopment trends across the country, Lowell has the potential to continue serving as adesirable place to live and work for years to come. It is therefore incumbent upon the Cityto make choices that will enhance its unique assets and appeal particularly to retiring babyboomers, young members of the Millennial Generation, and immigrants moving to and withinthe country, as these three population cohorts have demonstrated a preference for living inurban as opposed to suburban settings, and will be responsible for nearly all projected growthand migration shifts in America over the coming decade.The Lowell community, whose insights informed this Sustainability Plan, intuitively understandsthese trends, as it is itself a reflection of these population shifts. As a result, the shared visionthat forms the foundation of this plan is based upon the following principles, which if continuallyinvoked will help position Lowell for economic, social, and environmental success: Photo: DPD SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025x

LIVABILITYLowell will offer a high quality of life for residents of all backgrounds and stages of life bybuilding upon the strength of its neighborhoods as diverse, accessible communities whoseestablished character is celebrated and preserved, and whose lifestyle amenities are wellintegrated and readily available.PLACE-MAKINGDrawing upon its rich and authentic natural, cultural, institutional, and historical resources,Lowell will serve as a local and regional hub for innovation and sustainable economicdevelopment with an unmistakable pride of place and a vibrant urban downtown.LONGEVITYBy proactively preparing for and adapting to social, economic, and environmental trends atthe local, regional, and global level, Lowell will maintain an effective and innovative municipalgovernment, foster an engaged community, support a diversified and sustainable economicbase, and preserve its environmental assets, striving to put policies in place that will endurebeyond any given set of leaders.RESPONSIBILITYThrough increased accountability, education, civic engagement, and action Lowell will cultivatea community-wide, shared ethic of sustainability whose implications and merits - for both thepresent and future - are broadly understood. Photo: DPDSUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025 xi

VISIONEl Plan de sostenibilidad de Lowell brinda un marco para el desarrollo durante lospróximos 10-15 años y establece una visión abarcadora e integral para el futuro.Se basa en la opinión pública y en el entendimiento práctico de las tendencias deldesarrollo que impactan a Lowell y las demás Ciudades Portales (“Gateway”).Lowell es una ciudad que disfruta de un carácter urbano auténtico y posee muchasinstalaciones y servicios singulares en lo físico, cultural, y social, características queson atractivas a las poblaciones que están impulsando las tendencias de crecimiento ydesarrollo a lo largo del país. Como tal Lowell tiene el potencial de seguir sirviendo comoun lugar deseable de vivir y trabajar durante los años venideros. Es imperativo entoncesque la Ciudad tome decisiones que enriquezcan estos bienes singulares y el encantode Lowell, particularmente para tres poblaciones cohortes que han demostrado supreferencia de vivir en lugares urbanos en vez de suburbanos: los “baby boomers”(nacidos durante la explosión de natalidad en los años posteriores a la segunda guerramundial) que se jubilan, miembros jóvenes de la Generación Milenio, e inmigrantes queentran al país o se mudan dentro del mismo. Dichas poblaciones serán responsablesde casi todo el crecimiento y los cambios migratorios proyectados en América durante lapróxima década.La comunidad de Lowell, cuyas percepciones informaron este Plan de Sostenibilidad,entiende estas tendencias por intuición y en sí, refleja estos cambios poblacionales.Como resultado, la visión compartida que forma el fundamento de este plan se basaen los siguientes principios. Si se invocan constantemente, los principios ayudarán acolocar a Lowell ante el éxito económico, social y ambiental: Photo: DPD SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025xii

HABITABILIDADLowell ofrecerá una alta calidad de vida para todos(as) los residentes de cualquier lugar yen todas las etapas de la vida, sumando la fortaleza de sus vecindarios como comunidadesdiversas, acogedoras cuyo carácter establecido se celebre y se preserve, y cuyas necesidades ycomodidades diarias se integren bien y sean fácil de accesar.LUGAR ATRACTIVO E INTERESANTEHaciendo uso, acogiendo y enriqueciendo los ricos recursos – naturales, culturales,institucionales, e históricos, Lowell servirá como núcleo local y regional para el desarrolloeconómico innovador y sostenible con un orgullo inconfundible de lugar y un centro urbanodinámico.LONGEVIDADMediante una proactiva preparación para y adaptación a las tendencias sociales, económicas, yambientales a nivel local, regional y global, Lowell mantendrá un gobierno municipal efectivo einnovador, fomentará una comunidad participativa, apoyará una base económica diversificaday sostenible, y preservará sus bienes ambientales, esforzándose en la fijación de políticas queperduren más allá de cualquier conjunto de líderes.RESPONSABILIDADA través de mayor transparencia, educación, participación cívica y acción, Lowell cultivará unaética de sostenibilidad que compartirá toda la comunidad, cuyas implicaciones y méritos –tanto para el presente como el futuro, sean ampliamente comprendidos. Photo: DPDSUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025 xiii

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VISÃOPlano de sustentabilidade de Lowell fornece uma estructura de desenvolvimentonos próximos 10-15 anos e estabelece uma visão global e compartilhada do futurode Lowell. Esta visão baseia-se não só na opinião pública geral mas também nacompreensão práctica das tendências de desenvolvimento em Lowell e outras cidadesconsideradas “Gateways”.Como uma cidade que goza de um autêntico carácter urbano e possui muitasamenidades únicas físicas, culturais e sociais que são desejáveis aos segementosda população em crescimento em todo o país, Lowell tem potencial para continuarservindo como um lugar desejável para viver e trabalhar. Cabe, portanto, á cidade defazer decisões para aperfeiçoar o seu património e atrair em particular as gerações deaposentados: “baby boomers”, os jovens membros da geração milenar, e imigrantesvindos de outros países ou de outras partes do país, como estes três grupos dapopulação demonstram uma preferência para viver nos centros urbanos em oposiçãoás áreas suburbanas, e serão responsáveis pela crescimento populacional projectadoe responsáveis pelas trajetórias migratórias na América na próxima década.A Comunidade de Lowell, cujas ideas informaram este Plano de Sustentabilidade,intuitivamente compreende estas tendências, como ela própria é um reflexo destasalterações populacionais. Como resultado, a visão compartilhada que constitui afundação deste plano baseia-se nos seguintes princípios, que posta em práctica ajudaLowell a posicionar-se para o sucesso económico, social e ambiental: Photo: DPD SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025xvi

HABITABILIDADELowell vai oferecer uma qualidade de vida elevada aos seus residentes de variascircunstâncias familiares e etapas de vida atravês do potencial dos seu quateirõesdiversos, acolhedores, saudáveis e acessíveis onde habitação, transporte, recreação,educação, emprego, como também necessidades diárias e comodidades de váriosestilos de vida são facilmente accessíveis e bem integrados, e onde as característicasdos quarteirões são comemorados e perservados.LUGARIZAÇÃO (“PLACE-MAKING”)Tirando partido, acolhendo, e melhorando os seus ricos recursos naturais, culturais,institucionais e históricos, Lowell servirá como um centro local e regional de inovaçãoe desenvolvimento económico sustentável, com inconfundível senso de orgulho doespaço urbano e centro da cidade vibrante.LONGEVIDADEPor proativamente se preparar e adaptar à evolução social, econômica e ambiental, anível local, regional e global, Lowell vai manter um governo municipal eficaz e inovador,promoverá uma comunidade colaboradora, apoiará uma base económica diversificadae sustentável, e preservará seus recursos ambientais, se esforçando por adoptar umplano que endure futuros líderes politicos.RESPONSABILIDADEAtravés de maior responsabilidade, educação, participação cívica e acção, Lowellcultivará uma ética comunitária, compartilhada e sustentável, cujas implicações eméritos - para o presente e o futuro é amplamente compreendida. Photo: DPDSUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025 xvii

COMMUNITY OVERVIEWHISTORYThroughout its history, Lowell has drawn upon production became widespread and manyits natural and cultural resources to facilitate aging textile mills were forced to move south,its growth and development. The City’s where raw materials and labor were lesslocation at the confluence of the Merrimack expensive. As a result, Lowell’s mills fell intoand Concord Rivers initially attracted settlers disrepair and its economy began to stagnate.to its banks 10,000 years ago. Lowell servedas an ideal place for Native American fishing Since the 1970s, however, Lowell has seencamps, and later on, floodplain farming a remarkable rebirth and revitalization. Theby the English. Incorporated in 1826 as designation of the Lowell National HistoricalAmerica’s first, large-scale planned industrial Park as the first urban National Park, alongcommunity, Lowell became emblematic of with complementary local and state effortsthe country’s transition from a rural agrarian to promote historic preservation, heritageto an industrial society, utilizing its rivers tourism, and economic renewal stimulatedand canals to provide inexpensive, reliable a restoration of the Downtown. The earlywaterpower for the mills, and as a means of 1980s wave of immigration, especially fromtransport to nearby communities for trade. Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America, has enabled Lowell to carry on its proud traditionLowell’s industrialization was among the most of drawing upon the vitality of its immigrantrapid the country ever saw. Its mills helped communities. More recently, through thetransform American life with the rise of the diversification of its local economy, the City’slarge corporation, the growth of an urban job base has broadened beyond its traditionalworking class, and the influx of immigrants manufacturing core. Emerging technology,to an increasingly diversified community. education, healthcare, and creative economyBy 1840, Lowell had become the principal sectors have contributed to Lowell’s recentmanufacturing center of the United States, vibrancy and renewed spirit of innovation.and by the 1860s, the industrial system could As Lowell transitions into the 21st century, itnot keep pace with the very forces it had continues to value its rich natural and culturalgenerated. Shortly after the turn of the 20th treasures, honoring its past while lookingcentury, the use of alternative forms of power ahead towards a more sustainable future. Photo: DPD SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025xviii

A SNAPSHOT OF LOWELL TODAYREGIONAL CONTEXT the convergence of an extensive network of POPULATION waterways. Similarly unique are the City’sLowell’s geography and regional locale are neighborhoods. Each with its own distinct With a 2010 population of 106,519, Lowellunique in a number of ways. The City serves history, character, and evolution, they are is currently the 4th largest city in theas an urban oasis for the largely suburban amongst Lowell’s greatest assets. Commonwealth. Although predominantlycommunities that surround it, including built-out, the City has continued to witnessTewksbury, Chelmsford, Dracut, Billerica, and incremental, but steady, population growthTyngsborough, and is also located at over the past several decades, and is once again nearing the size it was during its Regional Context industrial peak in the 1920s.TYNGSBOROUGH & Neigborhoods DRACUT Centralville [ YEAR POPULATION Pawtucketville 1900 94,969 1910 106,294 Acre Downtown Belvidere 1920 112,759 Lower Belvidere 1930 100,234Neighborhoods 1940 101,389 Acre Back Central 1950 97,249 Back Central Lower Highlands 1960 92,107 Belvidere 1970 94,239 Centralville Highlands 1980 92,418 Downtown 1990 103,439 Highlands Sacred Heart South Lowell 2000 105,167 Lower Belvidere 2010 106,519 Lower Highlands CHELMSFORD TEWKSBURY Data Source: U.S. Census Pawtucketville Sacred Heart Data Source: Mass GIS 0 0.25 0.5 1 xix South Lowell City of Lowell Miles Border Towns BILLERICASUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025

LOWELL’S ETHNIC GROWTH WHITE 1990 1990 ASIAN Density Age 22000000 2000 LATINO BLACK As of 2010, Lowell had a population density While no age group dominates the population OTHER of 12.1 persons per acre, an increase of of Lowell, over the past 20 years, the most 15.3% since 1980. Since 1970, Downtown notable change in the age of the population WWHHITITEE has seen the greatest increase in density, of the City has occurred with those between AASSIAIANN with an increase of 512%. Other areas with the ages of 50-69. While this cohort LLAATTININOO relatively high population densities include represented 14.3% of the population in BBLLAACCKK Back Central (26.6 p/a), the Lower Highlands 1990, it had grown to 19.4% by 2010. Other OOTTHHEERR (25.5 p/a), and portions of the Acre (30 p/a). significant patterns since 1990 include a 10% decrease in the population of persons under WHITE % OF POPULATION TRENDS BY AGE IN LOWELL 2010 the age of 15 and a 15% decrease in the ASIAN 30 2000 population over the age of 70. LATINO 25 1990 BLACK 20 Ethnicity OTHER 15 The most predominant change has occurred with the City’s ethnic population, which has 10 doubled in the span of just two decades. In 1990, Lowell’s ethnic population consisted 5 of 23.5% of the total population, whereas it represented 47.2% in 2010. Although White 0 under 15 15-29 30-49 50-69 +70 residents currently make up the largest population within the City, they are the only AGE GROUP Data Source : US Census group with a declining population. According to the Brookings Institute, this phenomenon is also occurring at the national level. By 2042, the nation will become majority persons of color, and the White population will become the minority. 2010 2010 Data Source: U.S. Censusxx SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025

AFFORDABLE DOWNTOWN RESIDENTIAL GROWTH (2000-2012) MARKET RATELAND-USE With nearly 50% of Lowell’s housing stock 0 300 600 900 1200 1500 having been built before 1940, the City New Housing Units Since 2000Similarly to other gateway cities, the majority recognizes the value of supportingof Lowell’s land has been developed for redevelopment projects, particularly in cases Data Source: DPDresidential use. However, the percentage of where planned improvements result in safer,land dedicated to residential development higher-quality, and more energy efficient SUBSIDIZED HOUSING IN LOWELLin Lowell (63.2%) exceeds the average homes for Lowell residents. AND SURROUNDING TOWNS (2010)percent dedicated by the other communities Lowell remains one of only a handful of(59%). The percentages of land allocated for communities that exceeds the State’s goal LOWELL Data Source: MA Dept. of Housingother types of uses, such as industry and of 10% affordability under MGL Chapter DRACUT & Community Developmentrecreation, are similar as compared with its 40B, thereby providing housing to assist TEWKSBURYpeers. low-income residents in need. According to BILLERICA 369 12 15 the Department of Housing and Community CHELMFORD % SUBSIDIZEDHOUSING Development’s Subsidized Housing Inventory, WESTFORD Lowell subsidizes 12.6% of all its residential TYNGSBOROHousing trends in Lowell have tended to units, a far greater percentage than mostmirror those throughout the Commonwealth. communities, including its neighbors. 0While the City saw a significant housingboom in the early 2000s, with an increase in LOWELL LAWRENCE NEW BEDFORD SPRINGFIELD WORCESTER AVERAGEhome prices and an influx of new residents, ACRES % ACRES % ACRES % ACRES % ACRES % ACRES %the national foreclosure crisis coupled withhigh unemployment rates has significantly RECREATION 318 4.6 103 2.7 422 5.3 643 4.2 954 5.5 530 4.8impacted the housing market in recent years. TRANSPORT 283 4.0 154 3.9 672 8.4 623 4.0 1,133 6.6 646 5.81 .25 1.1In spite of these challenges, the City’s WASTE 17 8.9 0 0 85 10.3 38 .2 29 .2 38 .3Downtown has experienced tremendous INDUSTRIAL 621 10.7 556 14.4 822 10.6 1,187 7.7 12.8 7.4 961 8.6growth since 2000 as a result of significant URBAN PUBLIC 749 8.2 420 10.9 840 9.2 1,715 11.1 2,094 12.2 1,267 11.4redevelopment efforts, with over 1,500 COMMERCIAL 573 63.2 416 10.8 734 55.1 1,608 10.4 1,507 8.8 1,066 9.6market rate and 300 subsidized units RESIDENTIAL 4,410 2,220 57.3 4,380 9,614 62.3 10,188 59.2 6,600 59.4being added to existing housing stock.Other neighborhoods experiencing high TOTAL 6,972 75.1 3,868 81.3 7,955 61.6 15,428 72.9 17,186 69.9 11,109 70.0percentages of new construction include DEVELOPED LANDPawtucketville and the Highlands. Data Source: MassGISSUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025 xxi

LOWELL GENERAL HOSPITAL LEADING LOWELL ECONOMY knowledge based industries, including UMASS LOWELL EMPLOYERS IN 2011 technology, health care, education and Over the course of the past decade, Lowell service sectors. Amongst the City’s leading SAINTS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL 500 1000 1500 2000 and the surrounding Merrimack Valley region employers are local hospitals, institutions of MARKET BASKET have been impacted by shifts in the nation’s higher education, and high tech companies. # of employees economy. In spite of a national recession The growth of UMass Lowell’s student MIDDLESEX COM. COLLEGE which prompted a rise in unemployment population in particular has contributed to a PARALEX rates, however, Lowell has fared well in greater sense of vibrancy throughout the City comparison to other gateway cities, and and to an emerging identity of Lowell as a MOTOROLA has continued to make strides in growing college town.COMMUNITY TEAMWORK INC. a healthy and sustainable local economy. Lowell’s creative economy has also grown Employment in the City has increased and the substantially over the past 10 years with the COBHAM SENSOR SYSTEMS City’s unemployment rate has fallen as the development of hundreds of new artist live/D'YOUVILLE SENIOR CARE CTR. recession has waned. work spaces and the emergence of dozens of creative businesses. Lowell has continued its M/A-COM tradition of welcoming immigrants to the City, JP MORGAN many of whom bring with them a strong spirit LOWELL COM. HEALTH CTR. of entrepreneurship, which has been made visible throughout the City. The City’s diverse 0 cultural community, comprised of dozens of galleries, museums and other creative Data Source: DPD 2011 organizations, has continued to support the presentation of over 200 annual festivals, Brockton attracting over 3 Million visitors to the city each year. All of these factors have helpedFall River IMPACT OF CREATIVE ECONOMY contribute to an annual economic impact ofLawrence IN GATEWAY CITIES (2003) $9.5 Million in Lowell as a result of cultural activity. Lowell SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025 0 2 4 6 8 10 Significant redevelopment has occurred Data Source: Center for IMPACT IN $ MILLIONS Downtown and within the Hamilton Canal Creative Community Development District, bringing% new residents with20 % disposable income U20NEMUPLNOEYMMPELNOTYMRAETNETSRIANTGEASTINEWGAAYTECWITAIEYSCITIES to support the LFAALWL RREIVNELFCRAAELWL RREIVNEgorCRerfEosDwtaoiunwrgnatnnoutwsmnabnedr15 15 SPRINGFISEPLRDINGFIEreLDtail shops. Lowell10 10 BLWOROOWRCECKLETLSOBLTWNOEROROWRCECKLETLSOThmfeNErcaoRaosmnnduoiitfvmasecitrctrsuaibfrdiaienitsdgieointsal 55 0 roots to more 0 2001 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2000 2002 2003 2004 2005 200Y6EA2R007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Data Source: MA O ce of Labor YEAR Data Source: &MAWOorkfcoercoef DLaebvoerlopmentxxii & Workforce Development

150ENVIRONMENT 120 PERMITTED SOLAR PROJECTSIn the past ten years, Lowell has successfullymodeled ways that older, industrial cities 90can integrate historic preservation with Data Source : DPDenvironmentally sustainable development. In2011, the City received accolades from the 60State’s Department of Energy Resources asa ‘Leading by Example’ award recipient, and including installing solar arrays on four public 30continues to serve as a leader in renewable schools and the Lowell Memorial Auditorium.energy and energy efficiency investments, The number of privately funded solar projects 0 2011 2012brownfields redevelopment, and transit- has also grown significantly, leaping from 5 2010oriented development. Improvements to projects in 2010 to over 125 in 2012.water quality and increasing support for Since the City transitioned to a new bin SOLID WASTE REDUCTION (Tons)local food access have also contributed to collection system in 2008, the annualLowell’s emerging identity as a sustainable tonnage of solid waste being collected 2007community. citywide has been reduced from 45,000 to 30,000, and recycling has increased 2008Consistent with its heritage, Lowell continues proportionally.to be a leader in the production of renewable Although Lowell has made great strides 2009 Data Source: DPWenergy, with nearly 30 Megawatts of solar- over the past decade to better preserveand hydropower production capacity. Public and protect its natural environment, further 2010 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000and private investment in solar technologies reduction of greenhouse gas emissions still 0in particular has increased tremendously in remains a high major priority. A Greenhouserecent years. As a component of Lowell’s $21 Gas Analysis conducted in 2008 by the CITYWIDE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONSMillion performance contract, the City has Department of Planning and Developmentmade renewable energy and energy efficiency found that the majority of emissions were 33% 27% RESIDENTIALenhancements in 47 city owned buildings, generated by transportation uses and SOLID WASTE commercial and residential properties. 7% TRANSPORTATION By implementing the goals and objectives 2% INDUSTRIAL laid out in this plan, however, the City is COMMERCIAL confident that Lowell will continue to reduce 31% its emissions and leave its environment in a better condition for future generations. Data Source: DPDSUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025 xxiii

A DECADE OF SUSTAINABILITY ACCOMPLISHMENTS (2003 – 2012)◙◙ 2011 Recipient of the Commonwealth ◙◙ 9 Solar Arrays Installed on Municipal Department of Energy Resources’ Facilities, Producing Enough Electricity to ‘Leading by Example’ Award Power 850 Homes Over the Next 20 Years◙◙ Over 29 MW of Renewable Energy ◙◙ 33% Reduction in Solid Waste Tonnage Generated through New Bin Collection System◙◙ 47 City-owned Buildings have had ◙◙ $9.5 Million Economic Impact of Lowell’s Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Creative Economy with dozens of Creative Enhancements Made through a $21M Businesses and over 200 Artist Work Performance Contract Spaces◙◙ $12.2 Million Invested in Private ◙◙ 75 Acres of Land Investigated for Commercial and Residential Solar Arrays Brownfields redevelopment since 1996◙◙ 500,000 Square Feet Downtown Historic ◙◙ 34 Lane-Miles of Roadway Incorporate Commercial Space Retrofitted for a Bike Lanes and Sharrows Projected Energy Savings of 31% through the Department of Energy’s Better ◙◙ 3rd Largest Transit Authority Fleet in Buildings Program Massachusetts using Clean Air Natural Gas and Hybrid Electric/Diesel Buses◙◙ 33% Energy Reduction at the Lowell Regional Waste Water Utility through ◙◙ 100% Traffic Lights Converted to LED Energy Enhancements ◙◙ One of the first communities in MA to◙◙ Public Electric Vehicle Charging Station Adopt the Stretch Energy Code and Installed Downtown become Certified as a Green Community Photo: Bob Philpot SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025xxiv

SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBORHOODS Lowell will support the development of sustainable neighborhoods, which foster a sense of community cohesion and promote healthy lifestyles by design. Such neighborhoods will be welcoming and well- networked, connecting residents with the natural and built environment, with the city’s rich history, with educational and work opportunities, with convenient transportation access and healthy homes, and with other daily amenities, such as recreational opportunities and local food. They will carefully balance the energizing benefits of new investments with the thoughtful preservation of neighborhood character.SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025 Photo: CBA 1

VECINDARIOS QUATEIRÃOSSOSTENIBLES SUSTENTÁVEISLowell apoyará el desarrollo de Lowell apoiará o desenvolvimentovecindarios sostenibles que fomentan de quateirãos sustentáveis, queun sentido de cohesión comunitaria y promoverão um senso de coesão dapromuevan estilos de vida saludables. Comunidade e estilos de vida saudáveis.Tales vecindarios serán acogedoras Estes quateirãos serão acolhedores ey bien enlazadas para que los(as) acessíveis, conectando residentes comresidentes se conecten con los o ambiente natural e construído, comentornos naturales y construidos, o patromónio cultural rico da cidade,con la rica historia de la ciudad, con com oportunidades de educação eoportunidades laborales y educativas, emprego, com acesso convenientecon acceso conveniente al transporte aos transportes e habitação saudávely viviendas saludables, y con otras e com outras amenidades diárias,comodidades diarias tales como tais como oportunidades de lazer eoportunidades recreativas y comida gastronomia local. Estes elementos irãolocal. Cuidadosamente balancearán cuidadosamente equilibrar os benefícioslos beneficios energizantes de nuevas de energização de novos investimentosinversiones con la preservación com a preservação do caráter do bairro.bien meditado del carácter de losvecindarios. SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 20252

OBJECTIVES1 Preserve the unique quality and character of each of Lowell’s neighborhoods.2 3 Promote safe and welcoming neighborhoods.4 5 Prioritize land-use policies that promote walkable, well-networked6 neighborhoods.7 Support vibrant neighborhood business districts that are easily accessible to all8 residents.9 Cultivate schools as models for community cohesion and self-sufficiency. Foster neighborhood-level camaraderie, advocacy, and resource sharing. Ensure the integration of nature, green space and high quality recreational resources into the urban landscape. Celebrate, improve, and activate waterfront resources. Develop policies and programs that facilitate the production, distribution, and consumption of locally grown food in the greater Lowell region.SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025 3

Suburban 1 PRESERVE THE UNIQUE QUALITY AND CHARACTER OF EACH OF LOWELL’S NEIGHBORHOODS. Traditional ◙◙ Work with community stakeholders to ◙◙ Offer programming and technical identify neighborhood characteristics to assistance to increase appreciation Urban be protected, preserved, and enhanced. of Lowell’s rich historical assets and architecture.NEIGHBORHOOD ◙◙ Encourage the legislature to amend the CHARACTER Community Preservation Act to make ◙◙ Improve the appearance of public local adoption more viable in low- and squares and facilities through community- moderate-income urban communities supported initiatives such as Adopt an like Lowell as a tool for protecting and Island. strengthening neighborhood character. ◙◙ Wherever feasible, develop unique signage, seating, lighting, trash and recycling receptacles, and other public infrastructure for each distinctive neighborhood. ◙◙ Continue to reform zoning codes to align with evolving and emergent community needs, land uses, and types of neighborhood character. Urban Areas [ 1 ◙◙ Provide examples of sustainable design Suburban Areas guidelines for private properties and Traditional Areas 0 0.25 0.5 public spaces that remain in keeping with Miles the historic character of neighborhoods. Data Source: Mass GIS,City of Lowell SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 20254

◙◙ Provide clear, professional and consistent ◙◙ Routinely update, implement and develop support to land-use boards, seeking to new neighborhood plans in collaboration communicate information relative to with the local community. the project proposal’s context so as to ensure that a project’s surroundings are Improvements at Moulton Square Photo: DPD respected and taken into account.◙◙ Monitor and identify trends in variance and waiver grants in order to evaluate the impact of approved projects.◙◙ Maintain existing public streetscape infrastructure and landscaping, partnering with volunteer and community groups wherever possible to reduce costs and leave the neighborhoods in better condition once construction activities are complete.◙◙ Maximize consistent, fair and equitable enforcement of City codes and ordinances.◙◙ Explore creative approaches to lessening the impact of auto-service establishments on residential and mixed- use neighborhoods.SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025 5

2 PROMOTE SAFE AND WELCOMING NEIGHBORHOODS.Several neighborhood groups have participated in the ◙◙ Prioritize community policing strategies ◙◙ Develop a marketing campaign to promote“Lights On, Crime Off” campaign which encourages that increase the visibility and Lowell as a safe place to live and work.residents to leave on their porch lights as a way to deter accessibility of officers and build residentcrime. Photo: Coalition for a Better Acre trust. ◙◙ Continue to occupy vacant storefronts with police sub-stations. ◙◙ Continue to allocate staffing resources based on data-driven practices, such as ◙◙ Ensure that streets are well-lit with energy crime mapping to identify hot spots. efficient lighting that is well-maintained. ◙◙ Identify locations and seek funding for ◙◙ Encourage neighborhood and community new or improved public safety facilities. groups to establish crime watch campaigns.Acre Neighborhood Precinct Station Photo: DPD ◙◙ Develop and prioritize design practices for public and private spaces that provide a sense of safety and discourage criminal activity. ◙◙ Identify creative solutions to prevent illegal dumping. ◙◙ Continue to implement policies and target resources to minimize the negative impact vacant and foreclosed homes have on neighborhoods.6 SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025

3 PRIORITIZE LAND-USE POLICIES THAT PROMOTE WALKABLE, WELL-NETWORKED NEIGHBORHOODS.◙◙ Adopt and implement a Complete Streets ◙◙ Explore the creation of a new commercial Photo: Sharon Pruitt policy to accommodate and encourage zoning district for areas that are not Image: DPD multi-modal transportation use. well-aligned with either Regional Retail or 7 Neighborhood Business.◙◙ Develop and utilize public squares and gathering spaces to foster social ◙◙ Encourage mixed-use development, connections. where it will enhance the viability of neighborhood commercial districts, add◙◙ Enhance the pedestrian environment amenities to neighborhoods, and/or be and encourage walkability by adapting consistent with historic land use patterns landscaping requirements for new that helped shape and define certain development projects. neighborhoods.◙◙ Improve the quality of the pedestrian ◙◙ Develop a more sophisticated approach experience in neighborhoods that are to parking regulation based upon market well-suited for walking by addressing demand and economic principles in existing property maintenance concerns, appropriate locations rather than relying reducing fencing, planting additional on minimum requirements as the sole street trees, increasing the removal of regulatory tool in all areas of the City. snow from sidewalks, preventing parking on sidewalks, and improving the physical ◙◙ Strive to increase connections between condition of sidewalks. various neighborhoods and the downtown, as well as the connections within and◙◙ Revise zoning requirements to support the between each neighborhood. trend towards increased telecommuting and home-based businesses in a manner which preserves the residential character of Lowell’s neighborhoods and prevents the commercialization of established residential areas.SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025

4 SUPPORT VIBRANT NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS DISTRICTS THAT ARE EASILY ACCESSIBLE TO ALL RESIDENTS. ◙◙ Conduct regular neighborhood business ◙◙ Continue to work with economic district inventories and audits to map development partner agencies to assets, monitor vacancy rates, determine maintain existing small business which types of businesses to attract, and assistance and incentive programs, and improve the general vitality of the areas. increase the outreach and marketing of these programs in neighborhood businessBefore and After Views of Delicias Paisas Restaurant ◙◙ Encourage a diversity of retail options districts. Photos: DPD within business districts that will provide local jobs and reinforce the livability of ◙◙ Encourage local businesses, institutional surrounding neighborhoods. partners, and community members to organize and take part in “buy local”Cupples Square Rehabilitation ◙◙ Encourage the development of strong initiatives. neighborhood business associations. ◙◙ Develop design standards that preserve Photos: DPD and enhance neighborhood business districts as vibrant, walkable places, and implement development regulations that are most effective in meeting those standards.8 SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025

◙◙ Improve the appearance of business ◙◙ Fill vacant storefronts with pop-up Highly Visible Business Signage Photo: DPD signage through the update of the existing galleries, satellite libraries and/or public sign code, expanded support of the art. Sign and Façade program citywide, and the strengthening of code enforcement ◙◙ Increase the amount and variety of efforts. outdoor public seating in neighborhood business districts, where appropriate.◙◙ Provide free public Wi-Fi in neighborhood business districts to attract creative entrepreneurs and others that will establish a culture of innovation citywide.Proposed Exterior Renovations for Neighborhood Market Image: DPD Photo: DPDSUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025 9

5 CULTIVATE SCHOOLS AS MODELS FOR COMMUNITY COHESION AND SELF-SUFFICIENCY. Photo: City Sprouts ◙◙ Create a culture of high expectations ◙◙ Utilize school spaces, includingPhoto: Sean Dreilinger and shared ownership for student gymnasiums, auditoriums, cafeterias, achievement by working proactively health clinics, libraries, school yards, to involve families and partnering and classrooms for broader community organizations in the students’ school life. purposes on nights and weekends. ◙◙ Continue to explore changes to the school ◙◙ Maintain existing after school and assignment policies that reduce busing summer programs and expand distances and increase the number of programming where feasible. students assigned to schools they can walk to. ◙◙ Prioritize infrastructure improvements around schools for enhanced pedestrian ◙◙ Support a broad range of education accessibility. options for Lowell families, including charter schools, parochial schools, and ◙◙ Capitalize on schools as learning labs for other private schools, while striving to sustainability, drawing upon renewable also offer the best urban public schools in energy, energy efficiency enhancements, Massachusetts. and school gardens as educational tools which improve public health and ◙◙ Explore the adoption of joint-use operational efficiency. agreements and resource-sharing with community partners to expand available services. With 94 programs spanning 217 Massachusetts school districts, the ever-expanding “Farm to School” program is a cost-effective way to support healthy lifestyles in our schools. Photo: Mass Farm to School10 SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025

6 FOSTER NEIGHBORHOOD-LEVEL CAMARADERIE, ADVOCACY, AND RESOURCE-SHARING.◙◙ Develop asset maps of community ◙◙ Encourage resident participation in and Time Banks are a wonderful way to share resources. resources so as to more effectively foster resident-driven volunteer initiatives. Through such a system, members gain hours of service collaboration and resource-sharing for each hour of service rendered, bartering their skills in citywide. ◙◙ Sponsor and promote friendly exchange for those they lack. neighborhood competitions (garden◙◙ Encourage resource-sharing at a awards, bike-a-thons, etc). Photo: Portland Hour Exchange neighborhood scale (tools, expertise, Wi- Photo: Coalition for a Better Acre Fi, energy, childcare, backyards, gardens, ◙◙ Support and promote neighborhood etc). block parties and other gatherings which strengthen community pride.◙◙ Encourage resource-sharing citywide through the establishment of a Time ◙◙ Support initiatives that bring together Bank, Hour Exchange, or other similar residents of different generations and initiative. backgrounds, particularly those that provide ways for older, retired residents to◙◙ Support active neighborhood and remain engaged in the life of the city. civic organizations, and encourage them to work both in partnership and independently to expand their focus to issues of broad civic impact and benefit.◙◙ Support community-driven neighborhood improvement initiatives, such as the Neighborhood Innovation Grant Program. Some residents are tearing down their backyard fences 11 to create a more communal space for gardens and other shared uses in their neighborhood. This “pocket neighborhood”, Conover Commons Cottages was designed by Ross Chapman Architects and developed by the Cottage Company.SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025

Photo: DPD 7 ENSURE THE INTEGRATION OF NATURE, GREEN SPACE AND HIGH QUALITY RECREATIONAL RESOURCES INTO THE URBAN LANDSCAPE.Proposed improvements to South Common ◙◙ Ensure that every resident is within ◙◙ Identify and employ sustainable walking distance of a public park. funding strategies to ensure long- term maintenance coverage for open ◙◙ Routinely update and implement the City’s space and recreational needs, such as Open Space Plan. engravers and advertising instead of dedications. Image: DPD ◙◙ Conduct regular audits and inventories of parks, playground equipment, and other recreational resources so as to best allocate available resources and meet the needs of the city’s residents, drawing upon volunteers and interns who may benefit from such a learning experience. ◙◙ Ensure the protection of existing and endangered flora and fauna within the City. ◙◙ Expand the network of active and passive recreational spaces and forests throughout the City and region, and improve networks and connections between existing spaces. ◙◙ Identify parcels of land to permanently protect, prioritizing parcels that contain high value natural resource benefits.12 SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025

◙◙ Increase access to recreational resources ◙◙ Diversify participation of active both within and beyond city limits by and passive recreational spaces by ensuring that transit service and parking broadening outreach, expanding the mix amenities are available to residents and of programs and amenities available, and visitors, and that way-finding signage is encouraging use of spaces for events and enhanced. activities by residents of all backgrounds.◙◙ Explore use of under-utilized and non- ◙◙ Support privately organized youth athletic, traditional spaces for open space arts, and other programs available to the development. residents of Lowell’s neighborhoods.◙◙ Creatively utilize recreational amenities ◙◙ Partner with local organizations and throughout all four seasons. institutions to identify solutions for unique recreational needs.◙◙ Improve the utilization and maintenance of existing pocket parks, and identify ◙◙ Consider adjacent buildings and their locations for future sites, particularly in uses as a mechanism for activating public areas of the City that are lacking in green parks and open spaces. space. ◙◙ Identify funding and implement planned◙◙ Properly fund or establish appropriate improvements at South Common. responsibility for maintenance activities and programs offered at current public Lowell’s dog park Photo: Marianne Gries spaces. 13◙◙ Identify funding for interactive and recreational water elements at appropriate places throughout the city to better activate and enliven these spaces.SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025

8 CELEBRATE, IMPROVE, AND ACTIVATE WATERFRONT RESOURCES.Photo: Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust ◙◙ Expand existing trail networks to connect ◙◙ Design and construct a pathway along thePhoto: DPD with the regional and statewide system of River Meadow Brook between Cross Point trails. Towers and the Concord River.14 ◙◙ Increase access to waterways from ◙◙ Establish a Pawtucket Falls Overlook that neighboring streets. is integrated with the City’s existing bike and pedestrian pathway system. ◙◙ Enhance waterfront recreational amenities and expand programming. ◙◙ Explore the feasibility of developing a pathway and series of recreational spaces ◙◙ Define responsibilities for and implement along the old Middlesex Canal. an improved maintenance program for rails, walkways, lighting, benches, ◙◙ Explore the feasibility of extending the landscaping and general cleanliness so as walkway through Sheehy Park along the to provide safe and convenient access to Merrimack River to the Rourke Bridge, the waterfront. and extending the Pawtucket Boulevard walkway beyond the Rourke Bridge to the ◙◙ Identify funding and implement planned boat launch managed by the Department improvements at Riverview Park and of Conservation and Recreation. the accompanying extension of the Riverwalk along the north side of the ◙◙ Coordinate waterfront development with Merrimack River, between University existing and future recreational amenities Avenue and Aiken Street, and plan for and transportation resources. future connections to the Concord River Greenway. ◙◙ Revise the zoning of selected waterfront areas to properly balance ◙◙ Complete the Concord River Greenway. city-wide development objectives with ◙◙ Design and construct a walkway along the neighborhood preservation priorities, including the establishment of a Pawtucket Canal which will connect the Suburban Waterview District along Downtown to the Merrimack River through portions of Pawtucket Boulevard. the Acre Neighborhood. SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025

WATERFRONT & OPEN SPACE RESOURCES RIVERVIEW [ Bay Circuit PARK Trail Data Source: DPD \") (!(! (! POINT PARK !( !( \") (! )\" !( \") SOUTH EAST COMMON POND IMPROVEMENTS RIVER )\" MEADOWWaterfront Pathways BROOK EXISTING RIVERWALK OVERLOOK PROPOSED RIVERWALK EXISTING CONCORD RIVER GREENWAY Bruce Open Space PROPOSED CONCORD RIVER GREENWAY Freeman PROPOSED RIVER MEADOW BROOK GREENWAY Trail (! FARMS & COMMUNITY GARDENS EXISTING CANAL WALKWAYS )\" PLANNED OPEN SPACE PROPOSED PAWTUCKET CANAL WALKWAY POTENTIAL MIDDLESEX CANAL FEATURES EXISTING OPEN SPACESUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025 15

9 DEVELOP POLICIES AND PROGRAMS THAT FACILITATE THE PRODUCTION, DISTRIBUTION, AND CONSUMPTION OF LOCALLY GROWN FOOD IN THE GREATER LOWELL REGION.◙◙ Support the establishment, management, ◙◙ Support the establishment of a year round and maintenance of community gardens farmer’s market as well as the expansion throughout the City. of satellite farmer’s markets to the city’s neighborhoods.◙◙ Amend zoning as required to support agricultural production or distribution as ◙◙ Encourage more Lowell-based community potential uses in appropriate areas of the city. supported agriculture, whereby individual consumers pledge to support local growers◙◙ Encourage the establishment and and share the risks and benefits of local food maintenance of urban farms within Lowell as production. well as production farms in the surrounding region. ◙◙ Support the establishment of a food coop in Lowell. ◙◙ Provide incentives for businesses offering food stamps for healthy produce. ◙◙ Encourage local sourcing of ingredients and food products by restaurants, institutions, and other food establishments in the local and regional marketplace.Photo: KusineUrban farming is part of a growing movement to live moresustainably. Photo: Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust16 SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025

Workshop at Rotary Park Community Garden Photo: Mill City Grows◙◙ Support the establishment of a community ◙◙ Partner with local organizations to promote seed and tool library, which encourages and educate about healthy eating practices. gardeners to save and exchange their seeds for future growing seasons. ◙◙ Where appropriate, implement the recommendations of the Food Security◙◙ Prioritize the planting of public fruit trees, Coalition’s Community Food Assessment, where appropriate, to encourage edible and other initiatives that proactively address landscapes citywide. issues of food access and community health. ◙◙ Support the development of an Urban Food Production Plan in Lowell, and implement it as appropriate.2011 Pounds of Produce Grown in2012 Lowell’s Community Gardens Data Source: Mill City Grows and Lowell Alliance for Families & Neighborhoods 2013 17projected 0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000 12000SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025

CIHVIISECRNTNEEETOAFVRSNRFTIOLARGEUIMCOCUNOACARCIOCRUNSNGTCRSRAALAHLIPCFEMHHTLVERLTLRAOEMSEACOAIEBRR-AEU&RRMBPENP&O&EECSESNOEAPUTSNONOEINTICEAANCTIBRNODRDENNCUFETLTFLAG&URAUUGYFIOMLEOIOTPRCGILCTCQRMCIC&RI&LNUVCYTSATHUOIAMI&EUAREETSRCAEACEMNINRLAIACPNACOOALPO&DSNMTTELJACOIONTNLSRNOTEOIIOTIREOOPNUIINSTEYVNCNNB&HRRUTPPNNPGSSERINVV&NATENCOEOILEE&TEEEOST&ADLERORTRRRRRVDSSYHVIARSUAPNEAEVVATPTTTAUAAPBSCTAAAAUQMRMMMIOTCNRIFRIHTTTTTNUIOILLETEEEOEEIIIIIIIIIIIIOOOOONNIINNDPNNNTTTTTCONNNNNNGGSSTYYYYYETTTYN SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBORHOODS SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025 PRESERVE THE UNIQUE QUALITY AND CHARACTER OF EACH OF LOWELL’S NEIGHBORHOODS. PROMOTE SAFE AND WELCOMING NEIGHBORHOODS. PRIORITIZE LAND-USE POLICIES THAT PROMOTE WALKABLE, WELL-NETWORKED NEIGHBORHOODS. SUPPORT VIBRANT NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS DISTRICTS THAT ARE EASILY ACCESSIBLE TO ALL RESIDENTS. CULTIVATE SCHOOLS AS MODELS FOR COMMUNITY COHESION AND SELF-SUFFICIENCY. FOSTER NEIGHBORHOOD-LEVEL CAMARADERIE, ADVOCACY, AND RESOURCE SHARING. ENSURE THE INTEGRATION OF NATURE, GREEN SPACE AND HIGH QUALITY RECREATIONAL RESOURCES INTO THE URBAN LANDSCAPE. CELEBRATE, IMPROVE, AND ACTIVATE WATERFRONT RESOURCES. DEVELOP POLICIES AND PROGRAMS THAT FACILITATE THE PRODUCTION, DISTRIBUTION, AND CONSUMPTION OF LOCALLY GROWN FOOD IN THE GREATER LOWELL REGION.18

Lowell will seek to provide a range of safe, fair, high- quality, and affordable housing opportunities for residents of all backgrounds in an effort to achieve the level of diversity that will germinate both prosperity and innovation. The city will ensure that residential needs are linked to lifestyle amenities and that sustainable design approaches are employed wherever possible. HOUSING CHOICE Photo: Meghan MooreSUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025 19

OPCIONES EN ESCOLHA DELA VIVIENDA HABITAÇÃOLowell buscará proveer una variedad Lowell procurará fornecer umade oportunidades de vivienda seguras, variedade de habitação segura,justas, costeables y de alta calidad acessível, e de grande qualidade parapara todos y todas los residentes en un residentes de varias circunstânciasesfuerzo de lograr un nivel de diversidad familiares e etapas de vida, num esforçoque germine la prosperidad y la para alcançar o nível de diversidadeinnovación. La ciudad asegurará que las para promover prosperidade e inovação.necesidades residenciales se vinculen A cidade irá garantir que necessidadesa comodidades diarias y que se usen de habitação estão ligadas adiseños sostenibles donde sea posible. comodidades de estilos de vida e que as abordagens á architectura sustentável20 são empregadas sempre que possível. SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025

OBJECTIVES1 Maintain high-quality, healthy homes throughout the city for rent and purchase.2 3 Build and maintain a diversity of housing options throughout the city so as to4 support economic vitality and meet the evolving needs of residents.5 Encourage responsible home ownership to support neighborhood stability.6 7 Maintain an abundance of affordable housing for rent or purchase, and strive to maintain the relative affordability of housing in Lowell compared to other communities in the region. Prioritize sustainable housing development policies and practices. Ensure that adequate infrastructure exists for new residential development. Encourage institutional growth that ensures a high quality of life in Lowell’s neighborhoods.8 Ensure that all residents have a safe and secure place to call home.9 Ensure that all residents have equal access to fair housing.10 Balance open space needs with development citywide.SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025 21

1 MAINTAIN HIGH-QUALITY, HEALTHY HOMES THROUGHOUT THE CITY FOR RENT AND PURCHASE.The Receivership Program provides assistance in ◙◙ Identify and publicly acknowledge the ◙◙ Increase the number of overallstabilizing troubled properties. Abandoned properties are efforts of property owners that set a inspections within the city, inspectingable to be placed back on the market, and tenants avoid positive example for others. all multi-unit properties every 3 yearsdisplacement when their properties are brought up to for minimum maintenance and othercode. The City of Lowell hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony ◙◙ Continue to implement code enforcement potential violations, and improving data-to celebrate the unveiling of its first property rehabilitated based on the broken windows philosophy, tracking of those inspected.through receivership, enabling Lowell to collect $20,000 and other proactive approaches.in unpaid property taxes owed by the prior owner. ◙◙ Maintain fire safe buildings in compliancePhoto: DPD ◙◙ Improve compliance with building with city, state and federal laws. and health codes through increased public education and collaboration with ◙◙ Provide land-use board training and neighborhood groups that can assist in professional staff support to prevent identifying priority improvement areas. projects with code violations or safety hazards from being constructed. ◙◙ Improve coordination with other city departments and agencies, and continue ◙◙ Address vacant/abandoned property to implement routine neighborhood issues through implementation of the inspections with interdepartmental Receivership Program, among other inspection teams. approaches.22 SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025

◙◙ Explore the establishment of a community ◙◙ Explore the establishment of a revolving Photo: CBA design resource center to provide loan fund for emergency sewer repairs. consulting services and educational Photo: Meghan Moore workshops to residents and developers, ◙◙ Encourage property owners to invest 23 or a partnership with an established in upgrades to their homes, prioritizing organization that provides similar energy efficiency improvements and programming in area communities (ie: upgrades that address building code Boston Building Materials Coop). violations.◙◙ Seek funding to provide historic ◙◙ Continue to implement and seek preservation loans and other benefits resources to support remaining housing for the preservation and restoration of development as identified in the Acre historic dwellings located within Lowell’s Urban Revitalization and Development Historic Districts. Plan area.◙◙ Seek resources to support lead safe housing and healthy homes, including educational and preventative opportunities as well as the abatement of documented hazards.SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025

2 BUILD AND MAINTAIN A DIVERSITY OF HOUSING OPTIONS THROUGHOUT THE CITY SO AS TO SUPPORT ECONOMIC VITALITY AND MEET THE EVOLVING NEEDS OF RESIDENTS. Photo: DPD ◙◙ Facilitate additional market rate ◙◙ Explore the development potential for housing production within the housing market-rate multi-unit buildings containing development zone in Downtown Lowell mini-units that are designed to draw upon that has been designated under the larger common areas and kitchen spaces State’s Housing Development Incentive to accommodate individual needs. Program, and explore the establishment of such zones in other parts of the city ◙◙ Encourage the development of market where this tool can help catalyze the rate housing for 55+ aged residents, and development of quality market-rate strive to locate it in close proximity to housing. health care facilities and other services. Photo: Trinity Financial ◙◙ Where appropriate, support models ◙◙ Provide incentives for market rate that combine ground floor retail space housing in areas where disproportionate with housing above so as to encourage amounts of subsidized housing reinforce economic activity. concentrations of poverty. ◙◙ Continue to promote live/work housing ◙◙ Encourage the conversion of vacant models to encourage artists and other schools, fire houses, religious buildings, members of the creative class to remain and other large historic structures located in or relocate in Lowell and support a in residential areas into multi-family culture of vibrancy. residential properties, where appropriate, and preserve these as neighborhoodCo-housing provides shared common facilities and a sense ◙◙ Explore co-housing developments that landmarks.of community amongst neighbors. Above is Hearthstone encourage resource-sharing and a greater sense of community cohesion amongst ◙◙ Increase the percentage of multi-family residents. housing available that will encourage families to move to and remain withinCohousing Community. Photo: Altopower Lowell, thereby creating a sense of stability.24 SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025