Riverwalk Extensions: Another base hit for Lowell National Historical Park

According to today's Lowell Sun, the Lowell National Historical Park (LNHP) has received a $1 million grant to extend the Riverwalk. (see http://www.lowellsun.com/local/ci_18706221).

Having attended some of the recent Master Plan update sessions, one of the areas of discussion involved connecting the neighborhoods with downtown and vice versa via bike routes and walking paths, and generally improving access across the City. The "Sustainability" theme addresses "walkability" as a critical goal and the City is to be commended for its foresight in this area.

So, once again we're seeing the partnership between the City and the LNHP in action as the Riverwalk extension will continue the "walk" from Boott Mills under the Cox (Bridge St.) Bridge along the mills to the Concord River inlet into the Merrimack River (see photo). Plans for the extension to MCC and the Lowell Memorial Auditorium are also in progress, with a total of $2.3 million needed to complete the package. My hope is that a pedestrian access point is planned at the Bridge Street Bridge.

Furthermore, the LNHP also has plans to extend the Riverwalk along Pawtucket Blvd. from the Esplanade to the School Street Bridge, and, to create a park at the Spaulding House grounds with a short extension to the Middlesex Canal area. Work along the downtown "canal walks" also continues. So the LNHP is well ahead of the funding with the planning. Thank you to grantwriter Christina Briggs for keeping an eye out for all available grants, and, to the City and LNHP in general for their foresight and perseverance.

Cross Posts:
City Manager's Blog
Canal and Riverwalk Map

The ComeToLowell.com Blog Returns

The blog will pick up where it left off with discussions about "Lowell's Revitalization" and other subjects. Contributors for the site are now being considered, and we now announce that ComeToLowell.com associate "Wireless" Mike Flynn of 980WCAP is a resident blogger.

All posts are subject to approval prior to release on the Blog.

Tune in to 980WCAP on Tuesday's at 10:30am for "The Lowell Connection"; and Friday's for the ComeToLowell.com segment of "Livin' for the Weekend!" with Jack Baldwin. And of course, visit ComeToLowell.com for info about all things Lowell.

“Lowell's Revitalization”

Revitalize - to give new life or vigor to. Webster's Dictionary

The Tully, Dukakis, Tsongas connection was huge in Lowell’s revival back in the day … and the vision has evolved. Except for one thing … Paul was quarterback on a team focused on bringing major businesses to the Lowell area.

Besides the additional apartments, condos, retail, etc. that the Hamilton Canal Distric development promises, the City needs a central business district. The area along and around Father Morrisette Blvd. offers prime commercial real estate opportunities to fuel the economy of the Downtown with its expanded resources. UML's vision of bringing modern day research, development and manufacturing opportunities to the City can flourish by a literal connection to the Downtown. The corridor is largely underutilized, with some incredible amenities built in.

The effectiveness of the Lowell Plan, Center City Committee and Lowell Financial Development Corp. has waned. Note the political “communities” now developing in Lowell's neighborhoods. If this new brand of leadership continues to organize, and, can work collectively by engaging in consensus building efforts; Lowell can be the regional, national and international economic development leader that Adam Baacke often speaks about. But to achieve this, Lowell needs fresh "new" visionaries who are capable and willing to run point while working in a political environment.

Consensus building requires community leaders and competent facilitators who can organize with stakeholders willing to collaborate with the general public in defining, embracing and progressing the concept of Citywide revitalization.