[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",5988305,"mediaKeyId","5772022-1c1cbb74c8d5da3a586b1f5ecff0cfc0","parentId",5772022,"title","Council asks staff to study adding integrated pest‑management steps to development projects after resident concerns","audioSeconds",954,"startMs",5401000,"endMs",6355000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5772022-1c1cbb74c8d5da3a586b1f5ecff0cfc0&start=5401&end=6355","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5772022-1c1cbb74c8d5da3a586b1f5ecff0cfc0/thumbnail_5401000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/5988305/Lowell-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Council-asks-staff-to-study-adding-integrated-pestmanagement-steps-to-development-projects-after-resident-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5988305-4889ca90c2c5daab7174a19468f37ed8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771205778&Signature=FiF2UCe9pfbPVGpxglHuwPOURdFs8-38s8ptXn4yXd6TGBTCuYI31BUJ619~Uwo~pBdFJ06GFMdccVLUSxoWL-u-z85UTWtOlz~QbgsVAU~pzYoo2EKgYqdp8QRUSVt~YLyxR61ojU6f6skTCffLrYSNoj3WEry7bhsnBojI6b5ow8raGqz0PQ~ob5M-5kGAhV5TKMfAbb5V2bHpKAjDdRKkXOENmRdPSBjByngp7hG2fRjwJwIzULNr0P80fT4TnJcj0JLOotMrX1i-qw4I0NPOONSzGXj-DoKpL7Eij-SE24jBrHRvkL-hfrSBxwMeEUY5uttx7tWb-y7iCJYgaA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","LTCLowellMA","date","2025-09-12T00:00:00Z","article","The City Council on Tuesday approved a request from Councilor Robinson for the city manager to explore requiring integrated pest‑management (IPM) measures as part of development projects, after residents raised concerns about disturbed rodent burrows linked to construction.

Councilor Robinson said residents in the Sunnyvale area and near the Apple Orchard reported increased rodent activity and conveyed findings from a specialist who recommended site inspections, burrow detection and targeted eradication where burrows are found. \"Rats almost always burrow underneath or against an existing structure to provide shelter and security,\" Robinson said, relaying the specialist's guidance.

The specialist recommendations, as recounted to the council, included a three‑month visual inspection regime for large projects, inspection for burrow systems and droppings, and use of a carbon‑monoxide gas product (described in testimony as \"Burrow X\") to eradicate rodents when large burrow systems are found. Speakers also noted a preference for non‑coagulant rodenticides and treating chemical rodenticides as last‑resort measures.

The council voted to ask the manager and appropriate departments to adopt options that would incorporate IPM steps into development project processes and permitting. The motion passed by the council requires staff to examine potential procedural changes (preconstruction inspection requirements, monitoring during excavation, and specifications for mitigation), and to report back with options.

Ending: City departments will prepare guidance for how IPM measures could be integrated into project review and permitting; no mandatory regulatory language was adopted Tuesday.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lowell City Council - September 9, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Councilor Robinson asked the city manager to explore requiring IPM (integrated pest management) measures on construction projects after residents reported rodent concerns; the council approved the request and asked staff to examine pre‑construction inspections and mitigation steps described by specialists.","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},5988309,"Council approves feasibility study for expanding senior center into vacant Walgreens space",185,961000,1146000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5772022-1c1cbb74c8d5da3a586b1f5ecff0cfc0&start=961&end=1146","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5772022-1c1cbb74c8d5da3a586b1f5ecff0cfc0/thumbnail_961000.jpg","/articles/5988309/Lowell-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Council-approves-feasibility-study-for-expanding-senior-center-into-vacant-Walgreens-space","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5988309-87d889c3b7461036486e54bbc6040207/orig.mp4?Expires=1771205778&Signature=PM3987aQyyEoWK02mNRfjJLxFo699K4SkHVYx8x9Pw4TWwv7vTDMaUnaG0mLMp8~S5YkIjQERM03FtXJVtkDsyh0yalLU0BgOpGUhYVMx5WY2H3caE5XD7mIXK5MLhKqsG25QfrErNMsRQTu6vb9kvd0bg9ie0u46~5pLK9fXdRJWPRsmgczAdOZdGxPFpS7LoPXHOax5~dlIV65vxJa17Fgg5FILudhm6fSj4t~-XLumyB4oAfLnABk6dU4qj3wZ4qY5mxj9~Rk1HylwU47CetYLd97QfHHWaePTt2ty9oFw5AR7xk2Ymgo8Vw6~wZNow8j45dq3YFgvgfi3iCZMg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lowell City Council on Tuesday approved a motion asking the city manager to explore the feasibility of expanding the senior center into all or part of the vacant Walgreens building and to report on potential costs and funding sources.

Speakers from the senior community and allied organizations urged the council to move quickly. \"We have completely outgrown the senior center,\" said Maxine Farkas, co‑chair of the Council on Aging Advisory Board. \"We need more than just sitting around in the great room. We want classes. We want yoga.\" Paul Gardett, president of the Merrimack Valley Project's Lowell chapter, called the opportunity a \"golden opportunity\" to expand services that include meals programs, polling, warming and cooling center functions and health education.

Councilors described rising demand: Farkas noted local residents aged 60 and older numbered about 14,300 when the facility was built and will grow to about 26,000 by 2025, figures she cited from U.S. Census calculations. Councilor Gichia and others supported a motion that specifically asked the manager to study the feasibility and report potential funding sources, including grants and partnerships with nonprofit organizations.

Councilor Getchia raised a separate concern about property‑ownership history related to the senior center site and asked the auditor to review lease payments to a private owner dating to October 2021; Getchia said the city previously expected the property to revert to municipal ownership after 20 years but that accounting of payments and property status must be clarified before further leasing discussions.

The council approved the study request by roll call vote. The motion does not commit the city to a lease or purchase; it directs staff to investigate space options, estimate costs, and identify potential funding sources including grants and partnerships.

Ending: City staff will return with a feasibility report and possible funding paths; several speakers indicated petitions and community support are already being organized.","The City Council voted to ask the city manager to explore using part or all of a vacant Walgreens building for an expanded senior center and report potential costs and funding sources after multiple residents, advocacy groups and councilors described the center as over capacity.",{"_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},5988313,"Parents and council push for sidewalks and safe‑routes funding around Bailey and Daley schools",733,1763000,2496000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5772022-1c1cbb74c8d5da3a586b1f5ecff0cfc0&start=1763&end=2496","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5772022-1c1cbb74c8d5da3a586b1f5ecff0cfc0/thumbnail_1763000.jpg","/articles/5988313/Lowell-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Parents-and-council-push-for-sidewalks-and-saferoutes-funding-around-Bailey-and-Daley-schools","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5988313-6568d260db709a589d02c24bbcab6ead/orig.mp4?Expires=1771205778&Signature=jaiU~omxx6DclCYc942~F2astBhkqQ~RkiDTqIZrY6uMakg9mDAu9-MRqMRZDEgAr4MWqHX~ml79GgE~nB1~Pv0ainlRd5jPXMoJM5NMXh2omMwunCoeusgXsQCOj3H08vOecPtv9LuuGufnfBcbVZcPj9yb6IeTjlK~oOoD7DsRQ3sOYFCl1WPvVD30bSaXimgHEGXDax3APa9TbE5aHbTRbcguWYKYTp-Lqu3Nj9KCbYfzl0z-x-HISO6nNLkLh0-yf2k7MjQmpOZW970YhYzhmGHItBgYQsuN3H-uVzCLZKl6JbgH~M9sIi2MIyRqTo4~5qSWX4QkraejOftbGw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Residents and councilors urged the Lowell City Council on Tuesday to prioritize sidewalks and traffic changes around the Bailey and Daley schools after a temporary pilot sidewalk was removed amid neighborhood complaints.

Catherine \"Cathy\" Dylan, a parent and neighborhood resident, told the council she has repeatedly raised the issue over three years. \"The school zone starts at the front door and encompasses the campus and as many blocks possible that surround the school and have a high concentration of school generated traffic,\" she said, and added that some streets that carry students to the two schools lack crosswalks and sidewalks.

Councilors described an uneven sidewalk network near the schools and said state Safe Routes to School grants are available. Councilor Getchia noted the manual of uniform traffic control devices and MassDOT guidelines can limit where the city may place school‑zone signs, but Mayor Roark and Assistant City Manager Machado said engineering staff are evaluating options, including changing school entrances to create a safer circulation loop.

\"We have our engineers looking at possibly changing the entrance of the Bailey and doing some kind of loop,\" Assistant City Manager Machado said. He also told the meeting the city's engineering page lists sidewalk projects and that eligibility for construction lists is based on ratings and road conditions.

Several councilors urged applying for state Safe Routes grants and requested the manager provide the council with the exact locations of any designated school zones around the Bailey and Daley campuses. Councilor Getchia also asked the auditor to review past lease payments related to the senior center property while expressing support for long‑term sidewalk improvements.

Action: the council voted to ask the city manager to provide any areas designated as school zones around the Bailey and Daley schools, including exact locations of the designations, and directed staff to put the project on future sidewalk lists if feasible. The council and speakers repeatedly urged pursuing Safe Routes to School funding.

Ending: Engineers will return with information; the city manager said staff will study possible entrance and circulation changes for the Bailey campus and provide project‑list timing.","Residents described crowded walking routes and removed temporary sidewalks near Bailey and Daley schools and urged the council to prioritize sidewalks and Safe Routes to School grant applications; the council asked the city manager for maps of designated school zones and to add the area to future sidewalk project lists.",{"_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},5988318,"City council asks solicitor to draft ordinance limiting on‑street syringe distribution near schools and parks",216,2726000,2942000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5772022-1c1cbb74c8d5da3a586b1f5ecff0cfc0&start=2726&end=2942","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5772022-1c1cbb74c8d5da3a586b1f5ecff0cfc0/thumbnail_2726000.jpg","/articles/5988318/Lowell-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/City-council-asks-solicitor-to-draft-ordinance-limiting-onstreet-syringe-distribution-near-schools-and-parks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5988318-287e43f30110ea9e36b9e82665db33be/orig.mp4?Expires=1771205778&Signature=lr-GDJ96sjjS18CIw5fpVToYijmyvoIOHgaUg5~Oow82knf~g5aOGka9X0KIcZ4j2aDVKOcxIlf4SzdOgFtI60eiAXHVsXzBy-BGdci8eWv17bspAXnViQFyjTu~-N8GeJb6uyZBkSnzwQBR1NgHUJAnqTq6AD8srrlgML-ItrTD~k5h3jr7Srt9Tpf9iW18~WQxV477rHTL9PZO6stGX3n8dUU46QXd5upgEQBQBzTjragEuq6SK7Ht7RaI6kNbE0xH-WExTL8Gz1xIpChR9eK2FnSKieSUq5-oCSJ5H5U~gQ2OfbcOCqWX3L-rIDREJUtCSnt3dTbz22rMm9lYAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lowell City Council on Tuesday voted to direct the city solicitor to draft an ordinance prohibiting on‑street syringe distribution within 1,000 feet of schools and near city parks, after members and residents described repeated finds of discarded syringes in public places.

Councilors raised the issue during a lengthy public discussion that included data and comments from public‑health staff and neighborhood leaders. Councilor Mesha Mercia, who said she and Councilor Dakota co‑authored the motion, told the council the intent was to keep syringe distribution away from playgrounds and schools.

\"I think that at some point, we're just leaving these needles in playgrounds and areas that just are so close to where people can just hand them out,\" Councilor Gichia said during debate. \"We're picking up a lot of needles in those areas,\" she added.

Miss Golden, the Board of Health official who addressed the council, said programs that operate in Lowell must report to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and provide an annual report to the Board of Health. \"Any needle exchange program in the city of Lowell has to report to the Board of Health within a year,\" she said, and confirmed there are two registered programs currently operating part time in the city and that they submit usage data to the state.

Councilors and staff discussed concerns raised in public testimony and by business owners, including an account of 100 needles found on a roof that required private remediation. Some councilors pressed for stronger penalties for unpermitted distribution and for requiring more frequent reporting from programs. Councilor Robinson urged that the city consider whether distribution of syringes should occur indoors rather than on streets or in parks.

The council voted to refer the motion to the city solicitor to prepare an ordinance. Councilors also discussed forwarding the draft to the city's substance abuse subcommittee for further review and possible additional language; the council requested that the solicitor prepare a stringent draft for consideration.

No ordinance text was adopted Tuesday; the action was a direction to the solicitor to prepare language and return it for council consideration.

Ending: The council's motion sends the issue to the solicitor's office for drafting; councilors said they expect a return to committee and further debate before any ordinance would take effect.","After councilors and public speakers described hundreds of discarded syringes in several neighborhoods, the City Council voted to ask the city solicitor to draft an ordinance banning on‑site syringe distribution within 1,000 feet of schools (and near parks) and to return with a draft for committee review.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council asks staff to study adding integrated pest‑management steps to development projects after resident concerns

Council approves feasibility study for expanding senior center into vacant Walgreens space

Parents and council push for sidewalks and safe‑routes funding around Bailey and Daley schools

City council asks solicitor to draft ordinance limiting on‑street syringe distribution near schools and parks