Previous Years’ Ideas

Bike Lane Network

Idea:

Too expensive for DIY to handle, but recommend a series of planning meetings to discuss and then create a plan for a network of bicycle paths and lanes to connect the City with the Bay Circuit trail. We produce a map of existing and recommended bike trails.
Benefit:

It would help in 2 ways: 1) create safer routes for bike travel within the City and 2) bring riders on the Bay Circuit trail into the City, and helping businesses within the City add clentele.
Location:

Citywide, OldIdea.

Mobile Community Raised Beds for Gardening

Idea:

Community raised beds or container gardens for flower and herb gardening, placed around the city in neighborhoods for the beautification of the city. They could also be built beds to plant vegetables in the backyard. These container gardens would be mobile, so they could be put in any plaza or empty space in the City [Read more…]

Benefit:

Show people how to build and garden, get everyone around the neighborhood involved. They would produce fresh food for local farmers market and schools!
Location:

Citywide, OldIdea.

Bus Stop Libraries.

Idea:

Provide a medium that is waterproof and sustainable to hold reading materials for people waiting for public transit. Put books, newspapers, coloring books, etc. inside it and make using public transit that more interesting for the community.
Benefit:

Even if it's not just used by public transit users, but by regular members of that community it helps utilize an ugly pole, be it a telephone pole, light pole, or just a pole to hold the bus sign to. It also brings art and sharing to a community with [Read more…]

Location:

Citywide, OldIdea.

Cambodian Cultural Exhibit

Idea:

I propose establishing a Cambodian Cultural Exhibit in Lowell to display Khmer cultural artifacts; conduct lectures about different aspects of Khmer culture, history, traditions, and current events; organize Khmer cultural performances of music, dance, smot, opera, cinema, poetry reading, fashion shows, textile weaving, etc.
Benefit:

Considering that Cambodians constitute a significant portion of Lowell's population, a museum showcasing Khmer culture would have many benefits for the city, including presenting Lowell as a city which recognizes the value of immigrant culture; bringing a sense of pride to the Cambodian community, especially the youth, most of whom [Read more…]

Location:

Downtown / JAM, OldIdea.

Campaign for Vegan Options

Idea:

Encourage local restaurants to have more vegan options on their menu, e.g., vegan/nondairy cheese on pizza. If several restaurants get on board with a signature vegan item or a vegan variation on one of their regular items, we create special promotional materials about the participating restaurants and maybe even dedicate special weekends to go to [Read more…]

Benefit:

It will be a more progressive city, more humane to animals, better for the environment and planet. It will offer more healthy options for people to choose.
Location:

Citywide, OldIdea.