Storytelling Circle / English as a Second Language Class

Idea:

Organize a series of informal meetings of bilingual Khmer and English speakers. The conversation group would tell one another stories about Lowell history or family history over coffee or other drinks.

Benefit:

To get to know more about Lowell and feel more comfortable engaging with Lowell residents.

Location:

Citywide, Lower Highlands, OldIdea.

Street Art Around Sewer Drains

Idea:

Salem, MA has nice artistic reminders that the drains lead to local waterways and not to litter. I’d like to increase efforts to educate residents that the Merrimack is the 9th most polluted river in the country.

Benefit:

Less littering, protect local waterways.

Location:

Citywide, OldIdea.

Street Gardens as Speed Bumps

Idea:

Create street gardens on streets in Lowell neighborhoods that are known to have a problem with speeding cars. These gardens could be maintained by residents, and could be used from spring to winter.

Benefit:

More local grown food, beautification, and we would slow down traffic making streets saver.

Location:

Centralville, Citywide, OldIdea.

Street level tower clock booth

Idea:

In Portland, Maine there is a tower clock that has been brought down to the street level and enclosed in a small structure with glass sides. The booth protects the clock from curious fingers and from the elements, but allows viewing of the working movement from three sides. I believe there is an unused tower [Read more…]

Benefit:

Memorable — A working tower clock would be a fascinating and memorable street display for visitors to Lowell. Practical — It is also practical because one or more clock dials can be arranged to display the time for whomever is passing by. Perhaps a community bulletin board or city notices [Read more…]

Location:

Downtown / JAM, OldIdea.

street trees throughout the city

Idea:

in addition to the proposed fruit trees just plain plant trees on neighborhood streets, residential and commercial alike, e.g., Norcross, Wilder esp. in vicinity of Morey School, Bridge Street; streets with sidewalks, and streets without sidewalks. Perhaps their care in the critical first few years could be offered to locals for “naming” rights.

Benefit:

The local streets wouldn't look so barren. Neighborhoods would have some natural beauty and the softening effect of trees. If someone is given "right" to care for trees, pride may enlarge to more of the surrounding space, and we neighbors may get to know each other and care.. In the [Read more…]

Location:

Citywide, OldIdea.

Tableau Vivant

Idea:

Live painting. This activity reenacts a classic painting. Everyone dresses up as a character in the painting, and a photo is taken at the end.

Benefit:

Bring everyone together to collectively make a live painting.

Location:

Don't Know, OldIdea.

Tables and Information Kiosk for Lucy Larcom Park

Idea:

Let’s put some tables and chairs by the canal! They could be temporary and movable, or we could research more permanent furniture that goes well with the downtown historic aesthetic. Also needed: kiosk for community info. Kiosks in golden age style (as in San Francisco) could serve as a focal point and place to exchange [Read more…]

Benefit:

Build community, and give people a place to hang out and picnic. Another place to eat food from local restaurants. Kiosks could define the downtown area, as well as serving as communication centers.

Location:

Downtown / JAM, OldIdea.

Take back our canals!

Idea:

We have enough flowing water in our canals to power Lowell for Free, and likely the surrounding areas..why are we not benefitting from our already existing canal system..GO GREEN!

Benefit:

We could cut the cost of living, drive innovation, provide jobs, and be a beacon for advancing Eco friendly city life!

Location:

Citywide, OldIdea.