[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6338429,"mediaKeyId","2270253-9ea32d254b8bb5d1f5a5f34056c8b54c","parentId",2270253,"title","Council hears wastewater treatment upgrade: $27.8M project wins 14.9% loan forgiveness from Clean Water Trust","audioSeconds",140,"startMs",6867000,"endMs",7007000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2270253-9ea32d254b8bb5d1f5a5f34056c8b54c&start=6867&end=7007","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2270253-9ea32d254b8bb5d1f5a5f34056c8b54c/thumbnail_6867000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6338429/Lowell-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Council-hears-wastewater-treatment-upgrade-278M-project-wins-149-loan-forgiveness-from-Clean-Water-Trust","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6338429-a409d65a56bdc81db0e9b70fe2fe7f76/orig.mp4?Expires=1776045892&Signature=E86l9dDGVwOcu272wX9uJA903L9o0SBvG2oqwG8GfdwlxeUjoFIU3j4NWBqoI1kySk~sPelur8NbOZY~BzyUyZldp7SNcKll~8CKf0OVBMnioxgqdHk0xzr4KLbdEMHsxNLicNxKSsjgeJ1GubvuKA-5F9VfH9Q9tiDoMnd-hkxQKRxwFg9jufqQdrhtncPyPqWrXGMqLqNElXx9zh0rgmfMoVmJHgR7ygaa4wx6M~krNeKuJF~5nG3L90SpsEItUVDhJc3s0HQ6TvMseoGFzJ9K2zEsxYHldb0sL3bZ7HezftRzCOhTqhgjiiCsSQvwOE2SYTruQIpfISMgIRMv6A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lowell City, MA","date","2025-02-11T20:02:02Z","article","City wastewater officials briefed the council on a $27.8 million treatment plant upgrade designed to improve process efficiency, meet anticipated phosphorus limits and rehabilitate critical infrastructure; the project will receive 14.9% loan forgiveness from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (Clean Water Trust) and a subsidized loan at about 1.5% interest.

Commissioner Fox said the funding package includes $4,150,000 in loan forgiveness and is substantially cheaper than municipal bond financing. He said the upgrade will replace rental centrifuge practices (the meeting recorded a rental cost of about $250,000 per month for temporary units) with three permanent centrifuges that should reduce processing time and process upsets.

Why it matters: The upgrade aims to improve regulatory compliance, reduce operational instability and lower long-term operating costs for the wastewater enterprise; the Clean Water Trust subsidy improves project affordability.

Supporting details

- Project scope ($27.8M) includes new centrifuges, chemical delivery upgrades, rehabilitation of aging infrastructure and compliance work for new phosphorus discharge limits.
- Loan forgiveness of 14.9% equates to roughly $4.15M; loan interest noted at about 1.5% versus higher municipal bond rates.
- Staff said additional sewer separation phases and CSO work are planned and that Lowell's status as an environmental justice community helps prioritize Clean Water Trust funding.

Next steps and council requests

Staff will continue design and procurement work; a consultant is preparing a conceptual report on future odor-mitigation projects and staff said that report should be available in the next few months. Councilors asked staff to report back on odor-control options and employee facilities at the plant.

Ending

Councilors praised the wastewater team and asked for regular updates as the project advances through design and SRF financing steps.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lowell City Council - February 11, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Public works staff reported a $27.8 million wastewater treatment plant upgrade to improve efficiency and meet phosphorus limits; the project received 14.9% loan forgiveness from the state's Clean Water Trust and a subsidized 1.5% interest rate.","taxTitle","Lowell City, Middlesex County, Massachusetts","taxId",4223,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6338433,"Council requests traffic control plan for 463'473 Gorman Street after MBTA Communities development raises parking concerns",367,531000,898000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2270253-9ea32d254b8bb5d1f5a5f34056c8b54c&start=531&end=898","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2270253-9ea32d254b8bb5d1f5a5f34056c8b54c/thumbnail_531000.jpg","/articles/6338433/Lowell-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Council-requests-traffic-control-plan-for-463473-Gorman-Street-after-MBTA-Communities-development-raises-parking-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6338433-ec58ba3b4852657720b8c236ffc6483b/orig.mp4?Expires=1776045892&Signature=T~B4UJHs5pGikauJzykoVKq4nOYipnvyOv3Y30a74u1knEGU366aFCLGaL2QaP5Fbfy6zp7YxoEVWXta6IYjYyu1Nf8i~1HMwH8exDlcjXHM5cmNaeSAjxMrF4cxlanFMQlajoToT2WPbw1AUTZ9MzgFzbnJ8gb-OQtlj54Wtt0pGAwfIN1U2f9ZiwxBLPYwCPsCQdUlT42PmoL0fMqRlV1uMms0JK69WpvLGhRYa1gcbumIgv1R0n70WNa-jfEUyHc~qJDNBbT8h3MMqk32ncK~3BPnZQHJskejKUcgguhAFvcdyFLW2lHT9jLMiwQ-zbor3E6cOTy9fBptPwrH6Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Councilors asked the city manager and the property department to produce a traffic-control plan and parking mitigation options for the 463'473 Gorman Street development after multiple members raised concerns that the project, within an MBTA Communities zoning overlay, proposes substantially fewer parking spaces than units.

Councilor Getcha introduced the request and Councilor Scott seconded it. Councilors described the site as a small lot near a busy intersection and said the MBTA Communities overlay and the council's prior zoning changes allowed multifamily construction with reduced parking requirements.

Why it matters: The project was cited as one of the first developments in the MBTA Communities District; councilors said a 39-unit project with 13 parking spots creates neighborhood parking pressure and potential traffic-safety issues at an already congested connector.

What was said at the meeting

- Councilor Getcha questioned the practical meaning of the MBTA overlay text that allows \"parking at a rate of up to 1 space per dwelling unit\" and noted the project lacks accessible ADA-compliant connections described in the overlay.
- Councilor Scott and other members said the listing of 13 parking spaces for 39 units appeared to be \"one third\" of the needed rate and would exacerbate existing neighborhood disputes over on-street parking.
- Some councilors advised caution about commenting while the project proceeds through the planning board and land use channels; others said the ordinance should be revisited going forward to avoid repeated conflicts.
- City solicitor's office staff and other administration representatives said their office would look into legal questions and report back; manager's office staff said they would prepare the requested report.

Supporting details

- Councilors cited the MBTA Communities Act's aim to allow housing but noted the council had adopted overlay zoning that reduced parking requirements on the administration's recommendation.
- Several councilors asked staff for mitigation strategies and a formal report on what the city could do short-term and on future ordinance revisions.

Ending

Staff agreed to prepare a traffic-control and parking mitigation report for the council; members signaled interest in pursuing ordinance amendments if recurring projects produce unintended neighborhood impacts.","Councilors asked the city manager and property department for a traffic-control and parking mitigation plan after councilors and residents flagged a proposed MBTA Communities development that would provide far fewer parking spaces than dwelling units.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6338438,"Council seeks answers after National Grid cancels Lowell geothermal pilot; residents and councilors press for next steps",90,1246000,1336000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2270253-9ea32d254b8bb5d1f5a5f34056c8b54c&start=1246&end=1336","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2270253-9ea32d254b8bb5d1f5a5f34056c8b54c/thumbnail_1246000.jpg","/articles/6338438/Lowell-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Council-seeks-answers-after-National-Grid-cancels-Lowell-geothermal-pilot-residents-and-councilors-press-for-next-steps","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6338438-845f98d0e40c17296a028bfaa0fd2b81/orig.mp4?Expires=1776045892&Signature=ItYNuqdarkmgfPZv7jP3ej7~BwHqFD-OP9eYps1DoMu9H~rUbq6M2vM4MaI9aTXIDEDQ-1Yi5ejKOVhNnnyAS6AXO8scro-QAz0Imkbf4xsW4RTLwV7Z4UyMa0ZETWEw3qmIMK1QpXH4cGTGY3y-6IWBYHcn2eXFhdnHLGoKzOtLHJqVjJjLVVJqb1lce41oxgNa-SSRvsJnNluqudsOLGmNH3FJb4lWH2rpTJr1QVYqg1emz4mUlynJto1rktotaTN7d5lGblgUHssT~dYhNsf2Gy99q4C3wrmVN2nObyH0OyuDw~Qonr4BuPX-GokvQGkEJQ3aHfSBob~k9VDSsQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Councilors voted to ask the city manager to engage UMass Lowell and National Grid to review lessons from a recently canceled geothermal pilot and to explore paths forward or alternate local energy pilots.

Resident Sarah Lapp told the council she was \"really here to speak in support of the motion\" and called the pilot's abrupt cancellation \"disingenuous\" given similar pilots proceeding in Framingham and Boston. \"I do think that the city should really seek answers as to what happened and to why this, isn't gonna continue,\" she said.

Why it matters: Councilors characterized the pilot as a potential tool to reduce energy costs for residents and saw value in re-examining the reasons National Grid gave for cancellation and whether university research funds or other public grants could make a project viable.

What happened at the meeting

- Councilor Jeunesse introduced a motion requesting the city manager engage UMass Lowell and National Grid to review the canceled geothermal pilot and evaluate options or alternative energy pilots. The motion was seconded and approved.
- Several councilors recounted attending a groundbreaking and presentations by National Grid and UMass Lowell; they said homeowners in the proposed service area had expressed interest and disappointment at the cancellation.
- Councilors asked staff to seek answers about whether cost, geology or profitability drove the decision and to determine whether UMass Lowell or state/federal research funds could help restart a pilot.

Supporting details

- Sarah Lapp (200 Market St., Unit 14) said she found it \"disingenuous\" that National Grid cited inflation and geology when Framingham is pursuing a similar project.
- Councilor Austin Young recalled attending the groundbreaking with the manager and UMass Lowell and said homeowners had been excited and should be notified by National Grid.

Ending

Staff will be asked to report back on what was learned by National Grid, what UMass Lowell can contribute (including research funding), and whether alternative energy pilot options are feasible for Lowell.","Council asked the city manager to engage UMass Lowell and National Grid to review the recently canceled geothermal pilot and examine options to proceed or identify alternatives.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6338443,"Council directs staff to revisit Riverwalk winter maintenance after public concerns about snow and ice",5209,1551000,6760000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2270253-9ea32d254b8bb5d1f5a5f34056c8b54c&start=1551&end=6760","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2270253-9ea32d254b8bb5d1f5a5f34056c8b54c/thumbnail_1551000.jpg","/articles/6338443/Lowell-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Council-directs-staff-to-revisit-Riverwalk-winter-maintenance-after-public-concerns-about-snow-and-ice","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6338443-cfb4bd652c26f2f213c221b65d52275d/orig.mp4?Expires=1776045892&Signature=POlEe-h6hyU9M6lrlOQzsKTonIhgynp4XFWHQbciL1FHcaXpqbNfMuh9CgU3MxSINhM2KqRkRNL5uWyvwentPdrukrOrerFfDPybhU9WYUNaX8qLk3xE64PqweeYY5IgGapJvIOaupeimh2~HHgR~C9MMZVnujNsgaV1WXHZLkQ39LHoPhOrVgcvNhIZW33FqTsWWvIMxiU0Ru35yHAqUUJN1mUKNlFYGlyII3xzkhInrxUCe5ewD7kHQKZEbHq6Tdn-jI9UMCeO5HITlZwqcBn-SgE5EBwWvTvHHyvvSMaR8F~C2DrgjEeQ62IdKCVmlIM2FJb349BiUV3E7Dhhnw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Council voted to ask the city manager to revisit winter maintenance policy for the Riverwalk so the city can better address snow and ice removal, after residents and councilors said accumulated snow and ice made a heavily used corridor unsafe.

Public speaker Dr. Steven Oliver told the council, \"The River Walk is such a key asset for the city,\" and described sections where compacted snow and ice are impeding pedestrian movement and accessibility.

Why it matters: The Riverwalk is widely used for commuting, recreation and access across neighborhoods. Councilors said winter maintenance falls into a complex ownership and operations mix that includes the National Park Service, UMass Lowell and municipal departments; several asked for a policy that clarifies responsibilities and a sustainable, repeatable winter plan.

What the council decided and next steps

Councilor Jeunesse moved the request to reconsider the winter maintenance policy for the Riverwalk to include snow and ice removal; the motion was seconded and the council approved it. Assistant City Manager Machado reported on a stakeholder meeting that included the National Park Service and UMass Lowell; staff will meet quarterly and set up CivicPlus intake so residents can log concerns about overgrowth, graffiti and maintenance needs. Machado said snow removal was not resolved at the first meeting and will be added to the agenda for the March stakeholders meeting.

Supporting details

- A resident and several councilors described layers of snow and compacted ice after consecutive storms and noted an earlier period when the Riverwalk received routine clearing.
- Staff said the corridor is managed by multiple entities and that plowing strategies must avoid pushing snow into the river; that constraint complicates simple plow-and-pile approaches.
- Councilors asked staff to pursue short-term mitigation (e.g., localized clearing or equipment deployment) and a durable long-term maintenance policy coordinated among stakeholders.

Ending

Staff committed to report back after the March stakeholder meeting with options for winter maintenance, and councilors asked that the public-facing CivicPlus complaints channel be publicized so residents can flag immediate hazard locations.","Council voted to ask the city manager to reconsider Riverwalk winter maintenance to include snow and ice removal; stakeholders will meet quarterly to coordinate maintenance and a CivicPlus complaint channel was established.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6338448,"City Council certifies free cash, hears manager's State of the City and approves appropriation",2868,2238000,5106000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2270253-9ea32d254b8bb5d1f5a5f34056c8b54c&start=2238&end=5106","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2270253-9ea32d254b8bb5d1f5a5f34056c8b54c/thumbnail_2238000.jpg","/articles/6338448/Lowell-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/City-Council-certifies-free-cash-hears-managers-State-of-the-City-and-approves-appropriation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6338448-6ad8685155a3b32a2b18bc9ebcb211d6/orig.mp4?Expires=1776045892&Signature=apf-6gBPyC~xdkQa7PItEicbimX5Qb58XtSbLIVpv6tAj1Xf1uelpQcaJCWM0O9DcBtYEYi0NKLhPJzX20Ho~d4e8JBf02rzKDW7yRGDmGz733y~jvGvBwLcxOzaNA1yzqUSRPE4Zsql~HLENoh77glH0W64BFoeAmNI6AVXvaTZtLsOwOYupSTdVzaSWnxTMGJsH-6gewVk0wXix9i-YMNdXs0YjOmfKn~NbeViZWaiBZNAz1SuudYkijk486tmrQYDMJatAX0LYVUP1uL6cjvQKmH5-dwqEdBZGAXssaCEshBs1nnpcRpe8GGeROFq7Wq3~5J6fM5p7wxulx8rbA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Manager Golden presented the city's FY2024 review and free cash certification and the City Council voted to appropriate funds at its February 2025 meeting.

The manager told the council that Moody's upgraded Lowell's credit rating in 2024 and that the city's stabilization fund will reach a record $16,900,000 after the appropriation. \"Our free cash that is before you this evening is poised to tackle some of the thorniest issues that has evaded Lowell for decades,\" he said.

Why it matters: The council's action formalizes how unspent prior-year revenues and reserves will be allocated for capital maintenance, ARPA-supported projects and operating priorities; councilors and staff framed the vote as enabling repairs to municipal buildings, school facilities and infrastructure while preserving reserves that support the city's bond rating.

The presentation and discussion covered the city's use of ARPA funds, the new ClearGov budget portal, recent investments in roads and public safety equipment and planned school and park projects. The manager also summarized two large, multi-year economic development initiatives: an $800 million Lowell Innovative Network Corridor (\"LINC\") and the city's designation as a Front Runner City by the Urban Economy Forum.

Votes at a glance

- Free cash appropriation: Councilor Getchia moved and Councilor Mercia seconded a motion recorded in the minutes as: \"That the amount $21,000,019,846 dollars and 0¢ be appropriate.\" The motion was approved by roll-call vote with all councilors present voting yes. (Roll call excerpt in transcript.)

- Grant acceptances (listed for transparency): the council also authorized acceptance and expenditure of a $109,314.02 Burn State Crisis Intervention Program award from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security and a $84,500 Sustainable Materials Recovery Program grant from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (both authorized by recorded roll-call votes during the same meeting).

Supporting details and context

Finance staff and the manager described several revenue and expense drivers: unusually high investment earnings tied to temporary ARPA cash balances and favorable short-term rates; pothole and roadway work; $40 million in ARPA distributions executed before December 2024; and $27.8 million in recent capital work on streets and sidewalks. The finance team said investment earnings in FY2024 totaled roughly $9 million and cautioned councilors not to expect that level to continue.

Councilors emphasized that some enterprise funds still run at deficits despite ARPA offsets and urged continued attention to long-term capital planning for the water, wastewater, parking and school facility accounts. Several councilors and the manager said much of the one-time ARPA money was applied to deferred capital needs, and the manager noted the administration's plan to use free cash for preventative municipal building maintenance and to seed a facilities maintenance program at Lowell High School.

Ending

Councilors praised the administration's presentation and accepted the fiscal reports and ARPA status updates for the record. Staff said more-detailed committee-level briefings on FY2024 results and the FY2026 budget instructions will follow.

","City Manager Golden reviewed FY2024 finances and a free cash certification; council voted to appropriate funds and placed a suite of financial and ARPA reports on file.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council hears wastewater treatment upgrade: $27.8M project wins 14.9% loan forgiveness from Clean Water Trust

Council requests traffic control plan for 463'473 Gorman Street after MBTA Communities development raises parking concerns

Council seeks answers after National Grid cancels Lowell geothermal pilot; residents and councilors press for next steps

Council directs staff to revisit Riverwalk winter maintenance after public concerns about snow and ice

City Council certifies free cash, hears manager's State of the City and approves appropriation