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City Council Faces Urgency to Restore Historic Clock

September 24, 2024 | Lawrence City, Essex County, Massachusetts


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City Council Faces Urgency to Restore Historic Clock
During a recent government meeting, city councilors discussed the urgent need for repairs to a historic clock that has fallen into disrepair. The clock, a longstanding symbol of the neighborhood, has not functioned properly for several months, raising concerns among community members and officials alike.

Council members recounted the clock's history, noting that it had been restored to museum quality in the 1990s through community fundraising and city grants. However, maintenance has since lapsed, leading to its current state of neglect. The clock is not only a local landmark but also listed on the National Historic Register, which adds to the urgency of the situation.

Councilor Santiago highlighted the dangers posed by broken pieces of the clock, particularly for children in the area. Discussions revealed that previous attempts to address the issue, including outreach to the fire department for assistance, have been hampered by logistical challenges, such as high power lines near the clock's location.

The councilors expressed frustration over the lack of a proactive maintenance plan, emphasizing that the clock's condition should not have deteriorated to this point. They debated potential solutions, including sending a formal request to the Department of Public Works (DPW) and the city’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to assess the situation and provide an estimate for repairs.

A motion was made to formally request that the DPW investigate the clock's condition and report back with a plan for restoration, including potential funding sources. The motion received unanimous support from the council, underscoring the collective commitment to preserving this historic structure.

In addition to the clock discussion, the meeting also addressed logistical issues regarding a food truck's grand opening, which had been complicated by another vendor occupying the same space. The council ultimately decided to withdraw the food truck's permit request after the owner expressed a desire to reconsider her options.

The meeting concluded with a call for further action on both the clock repairs and the food truck situation, reflecting the council's ongoing efforts to address community concerns effectively.

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