Lowell, MA - Sustainable Lowell 2025

3 ENCOURAGE RESPONSIBLE HOME OWNERSHIP TO SUPPORT NEIGHBORHOOD STABILITY.◙◙ Support organizations that provide ◙◙ Strengthen property owner associations. first-time home-buyer courses and post- ◙◙ Promote owner-occupancy, particularly ownership workshops. in neighborhoods with traditionally high◙◙ Provide down payment assistance and concentrations of absentee landlords. other incentives for first-time homebuyers ◙◙ Continue to support Two-for-Lowell and to purchase homes in Lowell’s other incentive programs that promote neighborhoods and remain in them for at owner-occupancy in two- and three-family least five years. buildings. Through their training programs, the Merrimack Valley Housing Partnership has assisted nearly 13,000 families as of 2012. Photo: Merrimack Valley Housing PartnershipSUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025 25

4 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.Father Norton Manor Photo: CBA ◙◙ Maintain a distribution of affordable ◙◙ Seek opportunities to replace HOME26 Photo: DPD housing throughout the neighborhoods. funds sustainably, as Congressional action continues to threaten the long- ◙◙ Maintain 10% or more of the city’s term stability of this funding source. housing stock as affordable, in compliance with the requirements of ◙◙ Decrease crime so as to reduce high auto Massachusetts General Law Chapter insurance rates that may be a deterrent 40B. to living in Lowell. ◙◙ Efficiently utilize diminishing HOME ◙◙ Support the establishment and vitality (Housing Opportunity Made Equal) federal of resident-driven community housing block grant program funds in ways that development corporations, as defined reflect and reinforce the City’s established by the HOME program to produce housing priorities. distributed affordable housing in Lowell’s neighborhoods. ◙◙ Focus government housing subsidies, when appropriate, toward projects that meet other established city objectives, including economic development, historic preservation, urban renewal, downtown and neighborhood revitalization, and the reduction of concentrations of poverty, in addition to producing affordable housing units. ◙◙ Promote energy efficiency and weatherization as a means of reducing overall housing costs. SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025

Subsidized Units Subsidized Units 0 0.25 0.5 1 < 50 units Miles 51 - 150 units > 151 units 27 Data Sources: Department of Housing and Community Development’s Subsidized Housing Inventory, 2011SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025

5 PRIORITIZE SUSTAINABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT POLICIES AND PRACTICES.◙◙ Support the development of housing ◙◙ Explore deconstruction instead of that links work, transportation, and demolition so as to re-use building recreational opportunities. materials whenever possible. ◙◙ Continue to support programs that reinforce the concept that historic preservation and sustainable development can be mutually reinforcing rather than conflicting objectives. ◙◙ Encourage developers and property owners to draw upon local talent and expertise in all residential construction efforts. ◙◙ Encourage new residential developments that provide for communal spaces and shared resources. ◙◙ Educate developers and residents about the economic and environmental benefits of sustainable building practices, using visual models when possible. VIA VERDE in the Bronx is affordable, sustainable, and livable. Grimshaw/Dattner, Architects; Phipps Houses/ Jonathan Rose Companies, Developers Photo: Via-Verde-Dattner-Grimshaw28 SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025

◙◙ Partner with local companies to ◙◙ Manage stormwater by incentivizing Photovoltaics, which convert solar radiation into direct- encourage implementation of solar arrays sustainable design approaches such current electricity, and hot water panels on a home in and other sustainable design practices. as xeriscaping (landscaping in ways Lowell Photo: DPD that reduce or eliminate the need for◙◙ Expand on and market existing programs supplemental water from irrigation), rain An “Edible Estate” reduces water consumption by to provide incentives for energy efficiency barrel usage, edible landscaping, and replacing grass with edible fruits and vegetables. improvements that address the unique permeable paving. Photo: DPD needs of Lowell’s housing stock. ◙◙ Require all City-assisted housing◙◙ Continue to provide consistent developments to achieve significant enforcement and compliance with the energy efficiency, including attainment MA Stretch Energy Code, a building code of Energy Star and/or LEED (Leadership established in 2008 requiring greater in Energy and Environmental Design) energy efficiency in buildings than the certification where possible. standard energy code.◙◙ Incentivize passive building design approaches, whereby windows, walls and floors are oriented so as to collect, store and distribute solar energy without the use of mechanical or electrical devices, thereby conserving energy.SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025 29

6 ENSURE THAT ADEQUATE INFRASTRUCTURE EXISTS FOR NEW RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT. ◙◙ Coordinate utility, recreational, ◙◙ Collaborate with the University and other transportation, and infrastructure public and private entities to develop upgrades with areas of anticipated strategies for developing and maintaining housing development. student housing. Population Percent Change (2011-Buildout) ◙◙ Continue to seek funding for the on- and off-site infrastructure associated with the 7.4 [ Hamilton Canal District Master Plan and 3.3 Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) decision. 5.8 9.6 ◙◙ Use the Site Plan Review process to 16.4 8.8 seek private developer assistance in 34.1 10.9 road maintenance or infrastructure improvements so as to mitigate the 25 141.4 impacts of proposed developments. 42.9 7 Image: Icon Architecture SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025 6.4 22.1 31.9 1.5 10.9 3 7.5 4.8 7.9 25.7 Legend 6.9 14.5 9.7 Population Percent Change 0-9 Data Sources: DPD 10-19 20-29 0 0.25 0.5 1 30-39 Miles 40-49 50 and over30

7 ENCOURAGE INSTITUTIONAL GROWTH THAT ENSURES A HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE IN LOWELL’S NEIGHBORHOODS.◙◙ Explore rezoning of areas around the city’s ◙◙ Identify areas with convenient access to major institutions to accommodate the the University and Middlesex Community evolving needs of those neighborhoods, College that would be suitable for the including providing housing that is development of new student housing, appealing to recent graduates, faculty, including off-campus dormitories, which and others affiliated with these will generate tax revenue for the City and institutions that have a long-term, vested offset costs of providing public safety and interest in the city. infrastructure services to students.◙◙ Encourage UMass Lowell and Middlesex ◙◙ Through the reinvigoration of the University Crossing Student Center, opening 2014 Community College to support efforts Homebuyer Incentive Program and other Image: UMass Lowell by private developers to expand housing similar means, incentivize the purchase on or near the campuses that may be of homes in Lowell by students, faculty University Suites Residence Hall, opening fall 2013 attractive to recent graduates, so as and staff of UMass Lowell, Middlesex Image: UMass Lowell to help retain young talent during their Community College, and employees of transition between school and the working other major institutions in the community. world.◙◙ Support the development of denser, higher residential development with retail uses at street level as a means of concentrating student retail and employment opportunities, and encouraging construction of off-campus housing with sufficient parking, thereby reducing the impact on the neighborhood housing market.SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025 31

8 ENSURE THAT ALL RESIDENTS HAVE A SAFE AND SECURE PLACE TO CALL HOME.Photo: DPD ◙◙ Prioritize funds used to address ◙◙ Implement the city’s Partnership homelessness towards programs and for Change: Action Plan to End initiatives aimed at prevention and re- Homelessness. housing. ◙◙ Work to align city priorities and ◙◙ Support and promote programs that policies with federal strategies around rapidly re-house individuals or families homelessness prevention. who are currently homeless. ◙◙ Maintain and strengthen the city’s ◙◙ Prioritize support for programs serving partnerships with non-profit providers homeless and/or at-risk homeless serving homeless and at-risk homeless veterans as well as those programs clients. working to end chronic homelessness.Photo: House of Hope Photo: HUD SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 202532

9 ENSURE THAT ALL RESIDENTS HAVE EQUAL ACCESS TO FAIR HOUSING.◙◙ Address the impediments and ◙◙ Incorporate fair housing into the City’s recommendations identified in the US rental housing inspection and certification Department of Housing and Urban process. Development (HUD) required Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice. ◙◙ Provide translated trainings and translated documentation on housing◙◙ Educate residents, property owners, policies and programs for enhanced landlords and other housing providers on accessibility. the avenues available for reporting acts of housing discrimination. ◙◙ Support the establishment of a Fair Housing Center in Lowell. Founded in 1998 and funded by HUD, the mission of the Fair Housing Center of Greater Boston is to eliminate housing discrimination throughout the region. The center provides a variety of housing services, including case advocacy, training, and community outreach.SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025 33

10 BALANCE OPEN SPACE NEEDS WITH DEVELOPMENT CITYWIDE. Photo: MIT Lower Highland Neighborhood Plan ◙◙ Continue efforts to acquire properties ◙◙ Require developers to incorporateOnce developed, the proposed Pawtucket Canal Walkway which can support the City’s open space landscaping into new projects, and(above) and River Meadow Brook Greenway (below) will goals through tax title foreclosure, maintain public open spaces on theirserve as valuable and unique open spaces in the densely- conservation restrictions, and municipal existing properties.populated areas of the city in which they are located. acquisition as applicable. ◙◙ Continue to collect and analyze land-use Photo: DPD ◙◙ Preserve existing open spaces in sensitive and census data for Lowell and peer environmental areas and those which communities to best assess what types support the City’s recreational objectives. of open space and development needs exist and determine how best to allocate resources. Photo: Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust34 SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025

CIHVIISECRNTNEEETOAFVRSNRFTIOARLGEUIMCOCUNOACARCIOCRUNSNGTCRSRAALAHLIPCFEMHHTLVERLTLRAOEMSEACOAIEBRR-APUE&RRMBPEN&O&EECSEUSNOEAPTSNONEINOTIBCEAANCTIRNODRDENCNLUFETLTFAG&URAUUIGYFIMOLEOCOTPRGILCTCQRMCIC&RI&LNUVCYTSATHUOIAMI&EUAREETSRACEACEMNINRLAIACPNACOOALPO&SDNMTTELJACOIONTNLSRNOTOEIIOTREOIOPNUIINSTEYVNCNNB&HRRUTPPNNPGSSERINVV&NATENCOEOIEE&LTEEESTO&ADLERROTRRRRRVDSSYHIVARSUANEAEPVVATPTTTUAAAPBSCTAAAAUQRMMMMIOTCNRIFRIHTTTTTNUOIILLTEEEEEEOIIIIIIIIIIIIOOOOONNIINDPNNNNTTTTTCONNNNNNGGSSYYYYYETTTTYN HOUSING CHOICE 35 MAINTAIN HIGH-QUALITY, HEALTHY HOMES THROUGHOUT THE CITY FOR RENT AND PURCHASE. BUILD AND MAINTAIN A DIVERSITY OF HOUSING OPTIONS THROUGHOUT THE CITY SO AS TO SUPPORT ECONOMIC VITALITY AND MEET THE EVOLVING NEEDS OF RESIDENTS. ENCOURAGE RESPONSIBLE HOME OWNERSHIP TO SUPPORT NEIGHBORHOOD STABILITY. 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. ENSURE THAT ALL RESIDENTS HAVE A SAFE AND SECURE PLACE TO CALL HOME. ENSURE THAT ALL RESIDENTS HAVE EQUAL ACCESS TO FAIR HOUSING. BALANCE OPEN SPACE NEEDS WITH DEVELOPMENT CITYWIDE.SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025

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MOBILITY AND ACCESS Historic and densely populated cities must strive to employ multi-modal transportation strategies in order to achieve mobility, vitality, and environmental health, as their pre-automotive designs are unable to accommodate significant traffic flow increases. As a result, Lowell will embrace a multi-modal strategy, which prioritizes amenities for pedestrians, bicyclists, public transit- users, and carpooling commuters. This model will also help ensure long-term economic sustainability, as transportation choice is desirable to the diverse population already living within the city, as well as the next generation seeking to relocate to a vibrant urban place.SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025 Photo: Meghan Moore 37

MOVILIDAD Y MOBILIDADE EACCESO ACESSOCiudades históricas y densamente Cidades históricas e densamentepobladas deben buscar usar estrategias povoadas deverão empregar estratégiasde transporte de múltiples modos para de transporte multimodal, a fim delograr la movilidad, la vitalidad, y la alcançar mobilidade, vitalidade e saúdesalud ambiental, ya que sus diseños ambiental, já que a suas vias contruídaspre-automovilísticos no pueden antes do automóvel ser introduzido, sãoacomodar grandes aumentos en el flujo incapazes de acomodar o aumento dodel tráfico. Por ende, Lowell adoptará fluxo significativo de tráfego veicular.una estrategia multi-modal, la cual Como resultado, Lowell vai adoptarpriorizará comodidades para peatones, uma estratégia multimodal, que priorizabicicletistas, usuarios(as) del transporte as faixas para pedestres, ciclistas,público, y personas que viajan a diario usuários de transporte públicos eal trabajo compartiendo carros con usuários de “carpooling”. Este modelootras. Este modelo también ayudará também irá ajudar a garantir aa asegurar la sostenibilidad de largo sustentabilidade económica a longoplazo ya que el poder elegir el modo de prazo, proporcionado várias opçõestransporte es deseable para la población de transporte desejáveis á populaçãodiversa que ya radica en la ciudad, así diversa que reside na cidade, bem comocomo para la siguiente generación que á próxima geração procurando habitarquiera mudarse a un lugar urbano y num centro urbano vibrante.vivo. SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 202538

OBJECTIVES1 Promote bike and pedestrian mobility.2 3 Increase use and efficiency of public transportation.4 5 Improve access to and support a variety of options for sustainable commuting6 practices.7 Support land-use transportation policies that encourage multi-modal mobility.8 9 Where practical, improve traffic flow and the capacity of the City’s existing10 streets.11 Minimize the transportation demand generated by new development and institutional growth. Maximize public safety in all modes of transportation. Ensure efficient freight transportation. Maximize the utility of available parking resources in retail and residential areas. Promote quality urban design in all transportation infrastructure projects. Beautify and enhance gateways and entry points.SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025 39

Photo: Anne Ruthmann1 PROMOTE BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN MOBILITY.◙◙ Develop, implement and identify funding ◙◙ Develop a bike safety education campaignto maintain a citywide Bicycle Plan that for both bicyclists and drivers, continuingcontinues to build upon the existing to organize outreach events and makenetwork of bike lanes, sharrows (shared resources available so as to create ause lanes), storage racks, and signage, culture of biking citywide.in addition to self-service stations, guidesand maps to display bike-friendly routes, ◙◙ Support UMass Lowell’s campus bikeand other relevant amenities for cyclists. share program, installation of bike racks on their shuttle buses, and other related◙◙ Explore the establishment of a Bicycle initiatives.and Pedestrian committee. ◙◙ Support businesses that cater to cyclists.◙◙ Support the establishment of a citywide or regional Bike Share Program. ◙◙ Continue to improve and expand Lowell’s system of canal and river walkways, as well as regional trail networks, for both leisure and transportation purposes, constructing pathways that adequately serve as shared-use paths for pedestrians Bike Stations and bicyclists. provide storage lockers, bike accessories and showers ◙◙ Expand the Safe Routes to School for commuters program and ensure that school zones in many urban are brought into compliance with the centers. Some Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices are independent (MUTCD). structures and others are contained in ◙◙ Ensure timely removal of ice and snow, and pruning of encroaching vegetation on vacant storefronts. Photo: sidewalks. Son of a Bike40 SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025

Hubway Bike Share System in Boston Photo: DPD◙◙ Develop and implement an operational ◙◙ Implement traffic-calming strategies and and maintenance plan for pedestrian streetscape enhancements identified and bicycle facilities and infrastructure, in the 2009 City Building Workshops by including but not limited to sidewalks, residents living in neighborhoods adjacent potholes, rails and lighting. to Downtown.◙◙ Conduct street-sweeping at least twice ◙◙ Implement the public infrastructure Existing Bike Lanes & Sharrows per year on all public streets and more recommendations of the Downtown frequently in heavily travelled pedestrian Evolution Plan. and bicycle areas including Downtown, neighborhood business districts, at major fixed transportation stops, and near the university campuses.◙◙ Ensure that mid-block crossings and primary intersections are in compliance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA) and include functioning pedestrian signal buttons.◙◙ Implement a firm policy in favor of concurrent pedestrian phasing and pedestrian right-of-way at signalized intersections, eliminating exclusive pedestrian phasing wherever feasible.◙◙ Identify areas in need of traffic calming interventions and, wherever possible, prioritize improvements in these locations.SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025 Data Source: DPD 41

2 INCREASE USE AND EFFICIENCY OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION.Wi-Fi has dramatically increased ridership on public ◙◙ In partnership with the Lowell National ◙◙ Prioritize multi-modal and vehiculartransit. Photo: DPD Historical Park, UMass Lowell, and other improvements to the Gallagher Terminal partners, support the expansion of the from nearby neighborhoods and theLowell plans to expand its streetcar system into a public Lowell Streetcar system from a National Downtown. Park visitor amenity to a viable public transit service with connections to the ◙◙ Utilize interactive technologies, publicize Gallagher Terminal, Hamilton Canal scheduling information, and provide free District, and UMass campuses to the Wi-Fi on public transit. extent that it proves financially viable, does not compromise funding and ◙◙ Ensure the accommodation of strollers, support for other transportation priorities, luggage, shopping carts, and bikes on and enjoys the active support of its public buses and trains. primary beneficiaries. ◙◙ Improve LRTA service by extending thetransit service. Photo: Cultural Organization of Lowell hours of operation, making maps and schedules readily available, increasing the number of bus shelters, and exploring greater frequency of service through expanding the usage of smaller buses.Lowell has installed a dozen bus shelters throughout the city. Luggage, packages, strollers, and shopping carts should Photo: DPD be accommodated. Photo: DPD42 SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025

◙◙ Develop a flex bus/van system, and ◙◙ Advocate for the maintenance of existing Flex routes and schedules offer enormous potential to explore a partnership with MassRIDES MBTA services, rates, and schedules that make public transit more accessible and convenient. to meet the changing demands of benefit Lowell residents and employers. passengers. Photo: Rhode Island Public Transit Authority ◙◙ Support the expansion of the MBTA◙◙ Partner with the LRTA and other entities commuter rail north to New Hampshire to identify and develop public art and and improve transit connections from educational initiatives that enhance the North Station to South Station and other quality of the rider experience. locations in Boston so as to enhance the utility of commuter rail service for Lowell-◙◙ Identify and reserve a potential fixed route based riders with destinations outside the transit corridor between the Gallagher City. Terminal and Cross Point Towers. ◙◙ Promote mass transit options along◙◙ Encourage UMass Lowell and Middlesex the Route 3 and I-495 corridors to Community College to enter into rideshare better reflect and support the economic agreements with the LRTA so as to integration of the region. increase institutional ridership and reduce unnecessary duplication of service.SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025 Photo: DPD 43

3 IMPROVE ACCESS TO AND SUPPORT A VARIETY OF OPTIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE COMMUTING PRACTICES.Photo: Mandy Moore ◙◙ Encourage employers to create policies ◙◙ Encourage local employers to offer flexible and regulations that provide incentives for work schedules and the ability to workPhoto: DPD car-pooling, car-sharing, and ride-sharing. from home/telecommute.44 ◙◙ Encourage employers, institutions, and ◙◙ Encourage vehicle sharing providers to commercial property owners to provide expand their Lowell service presence facilities that support bicycle commuting, beyond the UMass campuses. including showers and secure storage areas. ◙◙ Explore the potential for the establishment of local and regional Park ◙◙ Support the extension and connectivity & Rides, and explore partnerships with of regional trail networks and on-street UMass Lowell to expand on existing Park bicycle infrastructure to encourage bike & Ride lots geared towards students. commuting. ◙◙ Ensure that sufficient infrastructure exists HOW LOWELLIANS GET TO WORK to support a network of electric vehicles, including the establishment of electric 79.3 Drove Alone vehicle charging stations, and home- 11.4 Carpooled based charging stations. 2.5 Public Transportation 3.9 Walked ◙◙ Support the establishment of a 1.8 Worked from Home Guaranteed Ride Home program, which 1.1 Other Means provides a free ride during emergency situations to all residents that regularly Data Source: 2010 American Community Survey carpool, bike, walk, or take public transit. % in 2010 Photo: DPD SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025

4 SUPPORT LAND-USE TRANSPORTATION POLICIES THAT ENCOURAGE MULTI-MODAL MOBILITY.◙◙ Utilize public transportation nodes as ◙◙ Using the Edward Early Parking Edward Early garage street facade Photo: DPD catalysts for higher density, transit- Structure’s Middlesex Street façade oriented development. as a model, ensure that new parking structures include ground floor uses and◙◙ Replace minimum parking requirements architectural details that stimulate an with more progressive parking regulations active streetscape and support attractive that reduce the need for new parking pedestrian experiences on adjacent construction in mixed-use districts where sidewalks. alternative transportation options are readily available. ◙◙ Model employee transportation incentive programs through the City of Lowell.◙◙ Through project review and land-use regulations, encourage site designs Photo: Meghan Moore that support walkable neighborhoods and districts and pedestrian/bicycle accessibility to the developments themselves. Cars, bicycles, and pedestrians sharing the street in Barcelona, Spain. Photo: DPDSUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025 45

5 WHERE PRACTICAL, IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW AND THE CAPACITY OF THE CITY’S EXISTING STREETS. Photo: DPD ◙◙ Prioritize infrastructure improvements by ◙◙ Work with the Hamilton Canal District areas of institutional growth, and along developers to secure financing to streets that currently exceed their carrying implement the off-site roadway capacity. improvements identified in the project’s Master Plan and MEPA decision.HIGHEST TRAFFIC CONGESTION ◙◙ Upgrade bottleneck intersections with improved geometry, updated signals, and pavement and landscape markings. Priority intersections include: Westford/ Chelmsford, Broadway/Fletcher, Appleton/ South, Lawrence/Church, Lawrence/ Rogers, Thorndike/Dutton, Middlesex/ Wood, Prescott/Market/Central, Central/ Merrimack, Merrimack/Bridge, Father Morrissette/Cabot, Appleton/Gorham/ Central, University Ave/Riverside, Gorham/Moore, Broadway/Wilder, Chelmsford/Lincoln, Westford/School, School/Pawtucket, Thorndike/YMCA Drive/Lowell Connector Outbound, and bridge crossings. High Congestion Intersections Data Soure: DPD Traffic Task Force Final Report 2012 CONGESTED CORRIDORS SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025 0CON0G.E2S5TED0I.N5TERSECTION1 S Miles46

The Rourke Bridge was constructed nearly 30 years ago as a temporary bridge over the Merrimack River. With funding from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (Mass DOT), the Northern Middlesex Council of Governments (NMCOG) is conducting a study to identify opportunities for future improvements to the bridge and surrounding area. Photo: Ashley Cantrell◙◙ Improve the level of service on primary TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS roadways without negatively impacting pedestrian and bicycle safety and mobility. Richard P. Howe Sr. Bridge Downtown Two Way Conversion◙◙ Implement recommendations from the Downtown Evolution Plan to make many downtown streets two-way.◙◙ Accelerate the process for accepting unaccepted streets to increase available funding through MA Chapter 90 for maintenance.◙◙ Increase annual appropriations for pavement markings citywide.◙◙ Replace the temporary Rourke Bridge and make repairs to other older bridges, as deemed necessary. RECENT IMPROVEMENTS PLANNED IMPROVEMENTS 0 0.25 0.5 1 Jackson Street Extension Miles Intersection/ Signalization Intersection/ Signalization 47 Source: DPD Traffic Task Street Segment/ Bridge Street Segment/ Bridge Final Report 2012 NEAR TERM IMPROVEMENTS RECOMMENDED IMPROVEMENTS Intersection/ Signalization Intersection/ Signalization Street Segment/ Bridge Street Segment/ BridgeSUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025

6 MINIMIZE THE TRANSPORTATION DEMAND GENERATED BY NEW DEVELOPMENT AND INSTITUTIONAL GROWTH.Photo: UMass Lowell ◙◙ Require traffic impact study and ◙◙ Specifically target areas of anticipated transportation demand management student residential growth, such as plans be submitted as part of Site Plan the Upper Merrimack Corridor, East Review for larger projects. Campus, and Downtown for pedestrian improvements and transportation demand ◙◙ The City should lead by example in management strategies. transportation demand management planning, and support UMass Lowell, the ◙◙ Work with Middlesex Community College School Department, and other public and to develop and implement transportation private entities to adopt similar programs. demand management strategies which will result in fewer single-occupancy ◙◙ Work with Lowell General Hospital to vehicle trips to their Lowell campus and ensure that transportation demand reduced parking demand. management is considered in their planning for the consolidation of Lowell’s two hospitals under common ownership. Photo: UMass Lowell SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 202548

7 MAXIMIZE PUBLIC SAFETY IN ALL MODES OF TRANSPORTATION.◙◙ Incorporate Pedestrian Impact Analyses ◙◙ Focus attention on high accident areas, into the design process of transportation particularly near bridge crossings, the projects to protect the comfort and safety VFW Highway, and along the Lowell of pedestrian travel. Connector.◙◙ Increase traffic enforcement, particularly ◙◙ Ensure safe and convenient routes to in regards to speed limits, parking within business districts, schools and other daily 20’ of corners, stop signs, and traffic amenities. lights.Photo: Scott Ableman Photo: Clover_1 Photo: DPDSUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025 49

8 ENSURE EFFICIENT FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION.The Port of Charleston sponsored a Truck Replacement ◙◙ Protect capacity of loading zones through ◙◙ Provide incentives for freightProgram where trucking companies were assisted with identification of appropriate downtown transportation companies that employdown payments to purchase more environmentally-friendly locations and increased enforcement strategies to reduce air pollution, andand energy-efficient trucks. efforts. strengthen enforcement of anti-idling regulations for trains, delivery trucks, Photo: Cascade Sierra Solutions ◙◙ Guarantee that arterials and bridges have buses, and other heavy vehicles. sufficient weight capacity and turning radii for freight transport. ◙◙ Encourage the use of rail for industrial freight where feasible, and identify opportunities to enhance rail infrastructure to that end.Research has shown that left turns and U-Turns canbe both dangerous and time-consuming for deliverycompanies. UPS saved millions by rerouting their trucks sothey could avoid left turns on their routes. Photo: Rudolf Stricker Photo: DPD50 SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025

9 MAXIMIZE THE UTILITY OF AVAILABLE PARKING RESOURCES IN RETAIL AND RESIDENTIAL AREAS.◙◙ Encourage downtown employees and ◙◙ Strengthen enforcement of the residents to utilize public parking garages, unregistered vehicle ordinance. leaving on-street parking available for customers and downtown visitors. ◙◙ Ensure that new developments provide off street parking to meet, but not exceed,◙◙ Improve the appearance of downtown their parking demand. garages and the directional signage to access them. ◙◙ Identify locations that are appropriate for car condos and collaborate with◙◙ Manage parking garage fees to support appropriate entities to ensure they are their maximum utilization. established and managed effectively.◙◙ Expand the parking kiosk system and ◙◙ Expand regulatory support for shared increase public education around its use. and off-site parking to support the redevelopment and occupancy of existing◙◙ Explore market-based pricing strategies buildings. for on-street parking downtown and within neighborhood business districts with an Photo: Joseph Cote objective of maintaining approximately 10% of all on-street parking available at Photos below and right: DPD all times.SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025 51

10 PROMOTE QUALITY URBAN DESIGN IN ALL TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS.Photo: DPD ◙◙ Incorporate thoughtful aesthetics ◙◙ Work to restore connections and break- and landscaping into transportation up larger city blocks into smaller, better improvements. networked, walkable street grids where the historic street patterns have been lost. ◙◙ Respect and support historic preservation and design in the construction and reconstruction of bridges, roadways, and other transportation projects. ◙◙ Encourage urban scale roadway and intersection designs and discourage the application of overly generous suburban standards in these projects.52 SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025

11 BEAUTIFY AND ENHANCE GATEWAYS AND ENTRY POINTS.◙◙ Work with MassDOT toward transforming ◙◙ Beautify major transportation corridors the Lowell Connector into a Boulevard with street trees and other landscaping, north of Plain Street and improve the as well as maintained signs, street lights, traffic flow onto and from Thorndike and other such amenities, where feasible. Street to enhance safety and improve the transition from a highway to the urban ◙◙ Forge partnerships with local entities and street network. institutions to instill community pride and create a shared sense of ownership over◙◙ Conduct a citywide sign inventory and beautification efforts. update signage as needed. ◙◙ Explore the development of unique◙◙ Improve accessibility and coordination signage to define and celebrate Lowell’s of way-finding signage for major points distinct neighborhoods. of interest, such as the local hospitals, institutions of higher education, places ◙◙ Encourage community-driven efforts of historical significance, and cultural to establish murals and public art as a centers, exploring the incorporation of means by which to beautify gateways and multi-lingual signage wherever feasible. entry points, while remaining in keeping with historic guidelines.The Lowell Connector reimagined as a boulevard Photo: Neoscape Photo: DPDSUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025 53

CIHVIISECRNTNEEETOAFVRSNRFTIOARLGEUIMCOCUNOACARCIOCRUNSNGTCRSRAALAHLIPCFEMHHTLVERLTLRAOEMSEACOAIEBRR-APUE&RRMBPEN&O&EECSEUSNOEAPTSNONEINOTIBCEAANCTIRNODRDENCNLUFETLTFAG&URAUUIGYFIMOLEOCOTPRGILCTCQRMCIC&RI&LNUVCYTSATHUOIAMI&EUAREETSRACEACEMNINRLAIACPNACOOALPO&SDNMTTELJACOIONTNLSRNOTOEIIOTREOIOPNUIINSTEYVNCNNB&HRRUTPPNNPGSSERINVV&NATENCOEOIEE&LTEEESTO&ADLERROTRRRRRVDSSYHIVARSUANEAEPVVATPTTTUAAAPBSCTAAAAUQRMMMMIOTCNRIFRIHTTTTTNUOIILLTEEEEEEOIIIIIIIIIIIIOOOOONNIINDPNNNNTTTTTCONNNNNNGGSSYYYYYETTTTYN MOBILITY AND ACCESS SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025 PROMOTE BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN MOBILITY. INCREASE THE USE AND EFFICIENCY OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION. IMPROVE ACCESS TO AND SUPPORT A VARIETY OF OPTIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE COMMUTING PRACTICES. SUPPORT LAND-USE TRANSPORTATION POLICIES THAT ENCOURAGE MULTI-MODAL MOBILITY. WHERE PRACTICAL, IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW AND THE CAPACITY OF THE CITY’S EXISTING STREETS. MINIMIZE THE TRANSPORTATION DEMAND GENERATED BY NEW DEVELOPMENT AND INSTITUTIONAL GROWTH. MAXIMIZE PUBLIC SAFETY IN ALL MODES OF TRANSPORTATION. ENSURE EFFICIENT FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION. MAXIMIZE THE UTILITY OF AVAILABLE PARKING RESOURCES IN RETAIL AND RESIDENTIAL AREAS. PROMOTE QUALITY URBAN DESIGN IN ALL TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS. BEAUTIFY AND ENHANCE GATEWAYS AND ENTRY POINTS.54

VIBRANT & UNIQUE URBAN HUB Lowell will serve as a vibrant urban center that leverages its history, creativity, diversity, and physical environment to provide residents, businesses, visitors, shoppers, and potential investors with a unique, high-quality experience. Through this approach of creative place-making, Lowell will continue offering rich social, cultural and entertainment opportunities to existing residents while attracting newcomers to the city whose innovation and entrepreneurship can further strengthen the local economy. Photo: Higgins & RossSUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025 55

NÚCLEO URBANO CENTRO URBANOVIBRANTE Y VIBRANTE ESINGULAR ÚNICOLowell servirá como un centro urbano Lowell servirá como um centro urbanovibrante que utiliza su historia, vibrante que tira partido da sua ricasu creatividad, su diversidad y su história, criatividade, diversidade eambiente físico para proveer una ambiente físico para fornecer aos seusexperiencia singular y de alta calidad residentes, empresários, visitantes,para los(as) residentes, negocios, consumidores e investidores potenciaisvisitantes, compradores, y potenciales com uma experiência única, de altainversionistas. A través de un qualidade. Através desta abordagem deacercamiento creativo en la creación “lugarização”criativa, Lowell continuarádel sentido de “lugar”, Lowell seguirá a oferecer oportunidades abundantesofreciendo oportunidades ricas en lo a nivel social, cultural, e lazer, parasocial, lo cultural, y entrenamiento a residentes, assim como atraindolos(as) residentes existentes mientras recém-chegados à cidade, cuja inovaçãoatraerá a la ciudad nuevas personas e empreendedorismo irão reforçar ainnovadoras, con espíritu empresarial, economia local.quienes fortalecerán aún más laeconomía local. SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 202556

OBJECTIVES1 Promote Lowell as a welcoming, safe, and attractive 8 Invest in culture where culture happens.2 urban hub that serves the needs of residents, 9 businesses, visitors, and other stakeholders. 10 Enhance enjoyment, appreciation, and stewardship of3 Continue to encourage major regional and national 11 Lowell’s historic and cultural resources.4 retailers, especially those whose products enjoy 12 Increase everyday arts, historical, cultural and5 exemptions from state sales taxes, to locate within 13 recreational encounters of city residents.6 City limits to allow more Lowell residents to make Diversify participation in the arts.7 more of their retail purchases in the City, as opposed to 14 surrounding towns and Southern New Hampshire. Invest in and promote arts, historical, and cultural Support and promote a diversity of high-quality shopping initiatives sustainably. and entertainment opportunities, prioritizing locally- Actively promote the rehabilitation and reuse of owned businesses whose profits are more likely to be remaining vacant mills and upper stories of commercial reinvested within the community. buildings in Downtown Lowell in ways that will reinforce Promote and market Lowell as a college town, and invest Lowell’s downtown as an attractive and authentic urban in the faculty, staff, and student populations as major neighborhood with a robust daytime and evening/ economic drivers. weekend population, and a healthy mix of residential, Promote waterfront access and development downtown. commercial, retail, entertainment, and recreational amenities. Promote Lowell as a regional hub for arts, culture, and Increase accessibility to, from, and within the downtown. history. Support local artists and members of the creative class, and encourage more to live and work in Lowell.SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025 57

1 PROMOTE LOWELL AS A WELCOMING, SAFE, AND ATTRACTIVE URBAN HUB THAT SERVES THE NEEDS OF RESIDENTS, BUSINESSES, VISITORS, AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS. ◙◙ Encourage the continued investment in ◙◙ Prioritize public infrastructure investments and promotion of Lowell as a desirable that promote a safe and comfortable place to live, work, and visit by UMass walking environment while avoiding Lowell, Middlesex Community College, investments that will detract from this and other institutional partners and objective. community groups. ◙◙ Implement the recommendations of the ◙◙ Ensure easy access to Lowell for day trips Downtown Evolution Plan. from Boston and other nearby cities. ◙◙ Ensure continued maintenance of ◙◙ Encourage retail businesses to extend private property and public infrastructure their hours so as to encourage a lively throughout downtown to the standards evening and weekend atmosphere. of the Lowell Historic Board to protect the physical environment that is one ofCanal boat tour Photo: Emily Vidrine ◙◙ Maintain, properly light, and beautify Downtown’s strongest assets. public gateways and entry points into the City to help welcome tourists and regional ◙◙ Better utilize existing indoor and shoppers. outdoor public spaces and support the development of new high quality public ◙◙ Maintain a safe, attractive and welcoming spaces, where appropriate. atmosphere in parking garages.The “Welcome Rainbow” outdoor amphitheatre atNorth Common. “Welcome” is written in over two dozenlanguages across the seats. Photo: Jennifer Myers58 SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025

◙◙ Increase the amount and variety of Photo: Jane Albert outdoor seating in the Downtown, where 59 appropriate, so as to encourage residents and visitors to populate and enliven public spaces.◙◙ Encourage the development of additional hotel rooms downtown.◙◙ Maintain and expand upon the downtown public Wi-Fi district, and ensure that every building has access to high speed telecommunications infrastructure.◙◙ Practice aggressive enforcement of applicable laws and statutes to prevent late night disruptive and criminal behaviors from patrons of establishments that serve alcoholic beverages so as to avoid creating a negative image of the area or impacting other occupants of Downtown.SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025

2 CONTINUE TO ENCOURAGE MAJOR REGIONAL AND NATIONAL RETAILERS, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHOSE PRODUCTS ENJOYMany national chains, such as Best Buy, are opening EXEMPTIONS FROM STATE SALES TAXES, TO LOCATE WITHIN CITY LIMITS TO ALLOW MORE LOWELL RESIDENTS TO MAKE MORE OF THEIR RETAIL PURCHASES IN THE CITY, AS OPPOSED TO SURROUNDING TOWNS AND SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE.outlets in urban settings. Photo: DPD ◙◙ Maintain and improve the physical ◙◙ Document retail spending patterns among appearance of retail corridors. Lowell’s residents. ◙◙ Seek to improve vehicular access and ◙◙ Identify underserved market segments incorporate pedestrian, bicycle, and in the city that align with Lowell’s transit access to and within regional retail demographics and market the city to areas of the city. national retailers as an under-retailed opportunity for growth.Many commercial and regional retail areas dominated by Photo: Meghan Mooreshoppers arriving in motor vehicles would benefit from SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025Access Management strategies that would improve safetyand access for consumers. Such design approaches wouldmanage the number and location of vehicular accesspoints, and in turn, ensure the efficient use of roadway forpedestrians and bicyclists, as well as motor vehicles. Photo: DPD60

3 SUPPORT AND PROMOTE A DIVERSITY OF HIGH-QUALITY SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT OPPORTUNITIES, PRIORITIZING LOCALLY- OWNED BUSINESSES WHOSE PROFITS ARE MORE LIKELY TO BE REINVESTED WITHIN THE COMMUNITY.◙◙ Actively support and promote existing ◙◙ Support retail and restaurant businesses entertainment opportunities, and that cater to ethnic populations who are encourage new types of entertainment well-represented in Lowell, by helping that cater to Lowell’s diverse audiences. them to simultaneously expand their markets beyond their primary niches◙◙ Support the establishment of cultural and brand the City as an international amenities such as a movie theatre within marketplace. the Downtown which will complement existing restaurant and retail offerings. ◙◙ Support a high quality of service at local businesses and entertainment venues◙◙ Increase availability of essential retail as a way to improve the overall patron services, such as grocery and hardware experience. stores, by encouraging the establishment of new stores, or the expansion of existing Photo: DPD markets in underserved neighborhoods of the city. Photo: Anne Ruthmann 61◙◙ Support existing small businesses and attract new independent businesses to locate in the Downtown and neighborhood business districts so as to complement existing shopping options.SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025 Photo: Merrimack Repertory Theatre

4 PROMOTE AND MARKET LOWELL AS A COLLEGE TOWN, AND INVEST IN THE FACULTY, STAFF AND STUDENT POPULATIONS AS MAJOR ECONOMIC DRIVERS.Photo: Dick Howe, Jr. ◙◙ Encourage UMass Lowell and Middlesex ◙◙ Encourage construction of student Community College (MCC) to develop housing within the Downtown, particularly marketing and incentive programs to in vacant upper stories of commercial motivate faculty and staff to purchase buildings, so as to encourage students homes and condominiums in Lowell. to live within close proximity of class, restaurants, and other entertainment ◙◙ Actively promote and support college- opportunities. friendly events that cater to students and residents under the ages of 21. ◙◙ Continue to build upon the University’s Orientation Week programming to ◙◙ Continue to stimulate and strengthen familiarize students and their families partnerships between UMass Lowell, with the city’s history, and train them to MCC, and local businesses to provide become cultural and economic stewards. student discounts, and opportunities for shared dining dollars off campus. ◙◙ Because students benefit from the holistic educational experience supported by ◙◙ Support the University in promoting the proximity to the Lowell National Historical Tsongas Center and its array of concerts Park, UMass Lowell campuses, and and events to students, while also Middlesex Community College, as well encouraging UML to market more events as the diverse cultural environment of to the public at large. downtown, work to retain the High School as an institutional anchor in Downtown ◙◙ Encourage the university to host classes and plan for future facility improvements and special events Downtown while consistent with recommendations of the exploring the relocation of appropriate Downtown Evolution Plan. university departments in this part of the city. Photo: Lisa Anderson-Bisson SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 202562

Photo: Jane Albert◙◙ Using the Downtown Evolution Plan as a guide, strengthen the physical and conceptual linkages between the university campuses and the downtown so as to encourage pedestrian and bicycle connections between these destinations, and the redevelopment of priority sites, such as the Cox Circle area. INSTITUTIONAL EXPANSIONPhoto: UMass LowellLILLEYAV E MEADOW RD CRAAVWOFNOSRTD SUTNIVERSDITRYAACVUTENSDTICOTT ST EMERY AV ISLAND ST ENNELL ST HOMESTEAD HILDRETH ST HART'S AV BODWELL AV AIKEN AV RD ROSS AVCOLUMBIA RD E MEADOW LN MT HOPE ST W SIXTH STVFW HWY BEAUBLOIEIUSVSETRT ST SEVENTH AV CAROLYN ST WRIGHT ST DUNFREOY BSETRTSIXTH AV LAKEVIEW AV VFW HWYSARAH AV AIKEN ST BUNKER HILL AV RICHARDSON AV FIFTH AV ST PHEBE AV HALL PL JEWETT ST ARTHUR WOODCOCK ST HAMPSHIRE ST WHITE ST FERRY LN AV FOURTH AV GARDNEGERRASVHOM AV MT GROVE ST ST INA ST VAUGHN ST STANDISH RIVERWALK WY DELARD FULTON ST COBURN ST PLYMOUTH WEST ST COLONIAL AV ST ST ST THIRD AV LAWRPEENRCKEINDSRST [ LSTSTANLEY RD SECOND HALL ST W BEHARRILL AV MAMMOTH AV W THIRD STALBION ST GENEST AVW FIFTH AV HALL ST WY WOODWARD AV ELLIS AV CLINTON AV RIVERSIDE ST DANE AV SPALDINGJSATMES ST FATHER MORISSETTE BLVD CABOT ST JR ORFORD ST AUSTIN ST KING OXFORSTDASRTBOIRRDCHSATRD ST ST MARTIN LUTHER RIVER PL VARNUM AV ST SDAELECMATSUTRMAVERRIMACK ST SUFFOLK HALL ST E PL PAWTUCKET ST DANE ARLINGTON ST BOWERS ST COMGMAHORIANNNATCVEORCRK AV MOODY ST TREMONT SCHOWOALNSTNALANCIT ST FLREOTCCKHDERALSET AV ARCAND DR FRENCH ST AMOMRYASSTS MT WASHINGTON ST ST PAIGEPAWTUCKET BLVD BOWERS ST HANOVER ST KIRK ST BRIDGE ST W BOWERS STLOMBARD ST COLBURN ST JOHN ST MILLS FENWICK TERR MOODY ST LEE DR SAROGMLEIAVNRETRSPERSHSTGTlxeSaOTicLsnDetnSinTnetgdABBcquuVBuiiAUllCRTddiRNTsOEEiiYSRinnSFtSITiSggEoTLDssnSTs & ConstructionCROSS STMT VERNON ST O'BRIEN TERR LEWIS ST SHATTUCK ST CITY AV ST DUWMORMTEHRESNTST CITY AV KEARNEY SQ MIDDLE ST PRESCOTT ST DAVIDSON ST GAGBEACAHVERLEDAEDRYSATV CORK ST MARKET ST ADAMS ST WILDER ST CLARE ST WILLIE ST SUFFOLK ST SOLOMONT WY LUND AV SHAFFER ST TYNG ST MADONNA Data Source: UMass Lowell BROOKS ST DUBLIN ST DUTTON ST WARREN WALKER FRANKLIN ST ST CIR HURD ST 0 CANAL ST 1,000JACFKeSOeNtST WILLIAM ST ST ROCK ST GREEN ST WIGGIN ST BROADWAY ST BERTHA ST 1,000 500 CENTRAL STCHURCH ST WAUGH ST ELLIOTT ST SOUTH ST TYLER ST CUSHING ST THORNDIKE ST MIDDLSEAPSRPEPINXLGESTTSOTN STMARSTON ST DUTTON AV SUMMER ST W ADAMS ST PAERVLEEYNSET RD KYAN ST DUTTON ST GORHAM ST CHARLES ST COLUMBUS AV SPRING AV SSAPWRITNEGLLAEVPCLRANPEAYSNT E ST WESTERN AV VETERANS WY MARGINAL ST UNION ST NORTH STSUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025 63

Photo: DPD5 PROMOTE WATERFRONT ACCESS AND DEVELOPMENT DOWNTOWN.◙◙ Conduct a comprehensive survey of ◙◙ Enhance visibility of waterways from waterfront property, evaluating assets, neighboring public streets and squares. opportunities, and potential impediments to redevelopment, recognizing that ◙◙ Promote events and displays that appropriate development at certain celebrate the City’s waterways, such as waterfront sites can effectively create sprays, lighting, and environmental art. waterway stewardship and improve their visibility within the city. ◙◙ Support the extension of the Riverwalk and plan for future connections to the◙◙ Establish and promote a regulatory Concord River Greenway and other trail framework that encourages outdoor cafes networks. and retail entrances along riverfront and canalside walkways, where appropriate. ◙◙ Emphasize the importance of good stormwater management practices inRiverwalk Improvements at Bridge Street preserving and enhancing the city’s Image: Carol Johnson waterways.64 SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025

Many cities feature water displays and celebrations along their natural waterfronts to create a sense of excitement. Providence, Rhode Island’s WaterFire Festival draws thousands to its riverfront. Above is the Centennial Fountain on the Chicago River. Photo: Jeremya RIVERSIDE AV BLINKHORN AV SHEDD ST EIGHTH ST WEST ST STANLEY ST W L ST Relaxing by the Western Canal Photo: DPD FULTON ST COBURN ST ALBION ST DOWNTOWNPOLLARD AV L ST SEVENTH STPERKINS LAWRENCE DR BEHARRILL AV JEWETT ST W SIXTH ST SIXTH ST ST W FIFTH ST WATERFRONTDEVLINSALLEY BRIDGE ST CONNECTIONSWFOURTHST FIFTH ST BROUGHTON AV PL FORESTVIEW AV DALTON CLIFTON PL Parcels to be DevelopedVFWHWY W THIRD ST FOURTH ST COURTNEY LN LAKEVIEW AV THIRD ST READ ST SECOND ST TSONGAS RIVERPLACE CENTER TOWERS FIRST ST BLVD PARCEL PARKING LOT [ MASS MILLS BOILER HOUSE Data Source: DPD CARDINAL O'CONNELL PKWY STACKPOLE ST O'BRIEN TERR CONLON TERR DUTTON ST MERRIMACK ST PALMER ST SHATTUCK ST CITY AV CITY AV BARTLETT ST MIDDLE ST KEARNEY SQ E MERRIMACK ST DUMMER ST PRECSECNOTTTRSATL ST HIGH STFAYETTE ST WORTHEN ST BROWN STLEWIS STSUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025 65 MARKET ST

6 PROMOTE LOWELL AS A REGIONAL HUB FOR ARTS, CULTURE, AND HISTORY.Photo: Higgins & Ross ◙◙ Continue to support an array of large ◙◙ Convey the Smith Baker Center to scale festivals, events, and major cultural a private party that will support its institutions as the anchors of the City’s redevelopment as a cultural center cultural ecosystem. or entertainment venue that would complement the offerings of Lowell’s ◙◙ Continue to actively promote and existing venues and institutions. seek expansion of programming at existing cultural establishments, ◙◙ Leverage the establishment of a large galleries, museums, theatres, and other scale production studio in the region entertainment venues, and work to attract and continue to build upon and market new entities that support arts and cultural Lowell’s growing reputation as film development. industry destination for location filming. ◙◙ Support the recently-designated ◙◙ Identify and secure funding for the Lowell Canalway Cultural District and development of Point Park’s large- explore additional locations for cultural scale public art component, the districts elsewhere in the city under maintenance and enhancement of the the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s City’s existing public art collection, and program. the installation of new public art thatPhoto: COOL will enhance resident quality of life, promote community pride, and encourage ◙◙ Draw upon the legacies of Jack continued economic investment. Kerouac and other cultural icons as a way to strengthen the local ◙◙ Aggressively pursue all available creative economy. opportunities to increase public and private grant funding to support the city’s creative and cultural economy. Photo: COOL66 SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025

VFW HWY BRIDGE ST ART, CULTURE, & RIVERSIDE ST ENTERTAINMENT ! Art Galleries !COLONIAL AV ! ! Artist Live/Work ! PAWTUCKET BLVD ! Artist Production RIVERSIDE ST ! ! Cultural & Conference Centers CHELMSFORD ST VARNUM AV ! !!!!!!!! HUNTS FALL BRIDGE FIRST ! Historic Resources ! BLV!D ST Library Museums ! !! ! !!!!!!! !! ! ANDOVER ST ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! Music/Theatre/Performing Arts ! ! ! ! !! ! ! NESMITH ST ! Sports & Entertainment ! !!!! ! National Park District Canalway Cultural District WESTFORD ST ! ! THORNDIKE ST ! Data Source: Cultural Organization of Lowell WESTFORD STPINE ST ! GORHAM ST ! ROGERS ST ROGERS ST◙◙ Encourage opportunities for cross- ◙◙ Promote the Cultural Organization promotion and marketing of events, of Lowell Bus as a unique vehicle for including packaged ticketing, so as to engaging community members in cultural capture the diverse arts programming activities. of UMass Lowell, Middlesex Community College, and other institutions. ◙◙ Measure and monitor the impact of Lowell’s creative economy over time.SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025 67

Photo: COOL7 SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISTS AND MEMBERS OF THE CREATIVE CLASS, AND ENCOURAGE MORE TO LIVE AND WORK IN LOWELL.◙◙ Aggressively market Lowell as a ◙◙ Encourage the continued development of community that welcomes and embraces artist studios and live/work spaces. its resident artists and creative entrepreneurs. ◙◙ Target housing subsidies and affordable housing production in the downtown towards artists and other creative residents. ◙◙ Draw a regional crowd for arts and entrepreneurship training courses. ◙◙ Organize and promote round table discussions and public meetings to identify challenges and opportunities within the arts community. ◙◙ Develop an Artist-in-Residence Program to highlight local, innovative talent. ◙◙ Continue to highlight the work of local artists through the Open Studios event and other similar initiatives. Photo: Higgins & Ross68 SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025

◙◙ Encourage local businesses and ◙◙ Identify ways for artists and creative Photo: The Lowell Plan institutions to purchase, display, and entrepreneurs to share equipment and promote the work of local artists. other resources, so as to reduce their Photo: DPD costs and foster collaboration.◙◙ Support the establishment of a creative products store and publications to ◙◙ Provide access to training opportunities showcase the work of local artists. for creative entrepreneurs.◙◙ Draw upon the talents and abilities of ◙◙ Establish a Lowell-based, artist and local artists by encouraging them to consumer-driven online marketplace and supplement their own incomes through promotional resource for local artists. the teaching of community arts courses.◙◙ Cultivate a population of young professionals and other potential patrons in Lowell who will support arts and cultural investment and encourage a creative atmosphere. Photo: Western Avenue Studios 69SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025

Photo: Lowell Parks &Conservation Trust8 INVEST IN CULTURE WHERE CULTURE HAPPENS.◙◙ Encourage the continued organization of ◙◙ Prioritize outdoor lighting, free public Wi-Fi, community-driven cultural initiatives and and electricity within parks and public spaces ethnic events hosted in the City annually, that are heavily utilized for neighborhood and promoting and supporting these efforts community programs so as to encourage wherever feasible. community-driven cultural activity.◙◙ Identify heavily utilized parks and public ◙◙ Provide a welcoming atmosphere for food spaces, map the types of community- trucks, and encourage them to park in driven cultural activities occurring therein locations with high levels of community activity during different seasons and times of day, by creating a regulatory framework that is and promote these events to the greater efficient and cost-effective. community. ◙◙ Support creative place-making efforts, CambodiaTown infrastructure improvements, and cultural investment around the Cambodia Town District, and explore the establishment of other districts that highlight specific cultures citywide.Cambodia Town banners Photo: Higgins & Ross Photo: COOL70 SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025

9 ENHANCE ENJOYMENT, APPRECIATION, AND STEWARDSHIP OF LOWELL’S HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCES.◙◙ Support organizations and events which ◙◙ Maintain and enhance Lowell Historic highlight Lowell’s rich historical and cultural Board’s neighborhood historic house marker roots. program through neighborhood historic wayside exhibits, and develop a historic◙◙ Ensure consistent, fair, and effective building marker program for downtown and in enforcement of historic district regulations collaboration with property owners, exhibiting and guidelines to preserve the character and panels that detail building histories in public integrity of historic resources in Lowell. lobbies or storefront windows.◙◙ Acknowledge and support efforts to expand ◙◙ Identify funding to digitize the municipal and Lowell’s historic preservation initiatives historic archives currently stored in the City beyond the National Park and mill era to Hall attic, and make these resources available include recognition and stewardship of historic to the community. resources from all eras of Lowell’s past. ◙◙ Maintain cultural and historic venues as safe◙◙ Protect historic cemeteries by cultivating and welcoming gathering spaces. collaborations with neighborhood associations and community groups to act as stewards of these sites.◙◙ Expand historic and architectural walking tour offerings, and explore the use of interactive technologies, such as cinema walking tours, smartphone applications, and other multimedia displays as a means by which to bring history and culture to life.◙◙ Showcase exemplary projects which illustrate Photo: Jane Albert Photo: Ashley Cantrell both sustainable building practices and 71 historic preservation.SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025

10 INCREASE EVERYDAY ARTS, HISTORICAL, CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ENCOUNTERS OF CITY RESIDENTS.“Mill Girl Dresses” along the canal Photo: DPD ◙◙ Support the painting of murals in schools ◙◙ Continue to support and promote a high72 as a means of encouraging creative volume of free, family-friendly events and participation and ensuring capital activities citywide. improvement. ◙◙ Educate residents and property owners about the benefits and value of historic preservation beyond the boundaries of the National Park as a catalyst for neighborhood preservation and revitalization. ◙◙ Explore and implement lower cost public art interventions like creatively repainting bridges and overpasses with bold colors and decorating bus shelters, utility boxes, and bike racks to highlight Lowell’s ongoing transition from its industrial past to its future in the creative economy while ensuring that efforts remain consistent with Lowell Historic Board design standards. ◙◙ Develop a network of vibrant public spaces and performance stages citywide that can be programmed throughout all four seasons. Mural on Middle Street Photo: DPD SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025

◙◙ Support the Lowell National Historical ◙◙ Encourage Lowell residents who are not “The Path” cinema walking tour in Lawrence, MA educates Park’s expanding mission to serve the directly affiliated with the University to residents and visitors about the history of the Pemberton City as a whole, including continued take advantage of cultural and academic Mill collapse. Photo: Dan Koff collaborations with the Lowell Public offerings at UMass Lowell, and promote Schools to ensure that all elementary Lowell events to UMass Lowell and MCC school students have an opportunity affiliates. to learn about their city’s history and heritage. ◙◙ Support expanded partnerships between local artists and Lowell’s elementary and◙◙ Identify locations to install poetry secondary schools. pedestals throughout the City’s neighborhoods and develop a Poetry on Buses program in collaboration with the public schools, LRTA, and other local institutions to promote local writers.◙◙ Seek to expand recreational programming offered by the City to Lowell residents.◙◙ Develop permanent and semi-permanent museums and cultural centers to highlight Lowell’s history, potentially filling under- utilized spaces with artifacts and archives.◙◙ Continue to promote the nascent busker 73 and street performer program to support economic development and cultural visibility in areas with high volumes of foot traffic. Photo: Greater Lowell Boys & Girls ClubSUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025

11 DIVERSIFY PARTICIPATION IN THE ARTS.◙◙ Encourage organic arts and cultural ◙◙ Forge partnerships with ethnic and programming throughout the city’s religious groups and expand promotional schools and neighborhoods. efforts around their festivals and community events.◙◙ Expand the variety of avenues for marketing so as to reach as broad a group ◙◙ Translate marketing materials for arts and of community members as possible. cultural events, and provide interpretation at events themselves, as needed.◙◙ Promote the utilization of the City’s interactive online community calendar to ◙◙ Ensure that festivals and events are centralize information about events, and accessible to people with disabilities. encourage broader engagement. ◙◙ Increase programmatic offerings for◙◙ Expand the use of social media so as to seniors, families and young children. engage a greater number of students and youth in cultural happenings.◙◙ Continue to support efforts that celebrate the unique customs of the city’s cultural groups. Photo: COOL Photo: Lowell National Historical Park74 SUSTAINABLE LOWELL 2025