The council voted to authorize the city manager to work with relevant departments to install concrete rather than asphalt sidewalks on Douglas Road, a heavily used pedestrian connector to Colley Stadium and the Riley School playground. Councilors and neighbors argued concrete will have higher upfront costs—councilors estimated 10–15% higher—but lower long‑term maintenance and reduced heat absorption compared with black asphalt.
Councilor Blanchard introduced the motion with a petition of nearly 50 Douglas Road residents asking for concrete. Multiple councilors praised the environmental rationale, citing a UMass Lowell report on heat islands and the city’s interest in tree preservation. The manager said he was not opposed to concrete where feasible but noted budget constraints and suggested a pragmatic approach of using concrete “when we can,” balancing cost and citywide fairness. The measure passed on roll call.
Council discussion referenced the adjacent Riley School playground investment and predicted heavy pedestrian use in the corridor; the manager said the city should pursue concrete “where we can” and consider consistent citywide standards for future sidewalk replacements. The action instructs the administration to move forward with concrete for the Douglas Road project and to consider broader policy implications for other sidewalk work.
The vote does not create an automatic citywide mandate to use concrete on every sidewalk but signals council preference and directs the manager to implement concrete when economically and operationally appropriate.