Previous Years’ Ideas

Walking Area

Idea:

Work with the City to create a temporary walking/patio area in downtown Lowell. This could be many areas, possibly on Merrimack St from John to Shattuck Streets no through track, emergency vehicles only. A left only on to Merrimack from John St. there would be access to Kirk St. making a left from Merrimack. This [Read more…]

Benefit:

It would benefit the many businesses in the area. More comfortable outdoor dining for the restaurants and encourage or bring back other merchants such as gift shops, boutiques to that area. There are garages at each cardinal points within walking distance.

Location:

Downtown / JAM, OldIdea.

Wall of Peace

Idea:

This idea is based on the Shinto Ema shrine in Japan. It place where people leave their wishes. My idea is to build a simple wooden structure and have people come and write their hopes and dreams for peace in their homes, lives and in the world and tie them on to the structure To [Read more…]

Benefit:

This is a place where many generations can come together to share their hopes and dreams. I would love to have youth involved in building the structure. The space can become a meditative place. I think there is great benefit in having people share their hopes and dreams. even silently. [Read more…]

Location:

Downtown / JAM, OldIdea.

Wall of Peace

Idea:

This idea is based on the Shinto Ema shrine in Japan. It place where people leave their wishes. My idea is to build a simple wooden structure and have people come and write their hopes and dreams for peace in their homes, lives and in the world and tie them on to the structure. To [Read more…]

Benefit:

This is a place where many generations can come together to share their hopes and dreams. I would love to have youth involved in building the structure. The space can become a meditative place. I think there is great benefit in having people share their hopes and dreams. even silently. [Read more…]

Location:

Downtown / JAM, OldIdea.

Weekly or bi-weekly evening walks (for non-walkers and mere mortals)

Idea:

I propose something which I routinely do myself, and that is a late night 3 mile walk that begins and ends at 230 Gorham Street. The length, time and duration can be revised based on participant consensus but a start time after 9:00 PM ensures recreation of the ideal ambiance. My experience: During the late [Read more…]

Benefit:

The idea is cost effective as there Is no cost associated with walking the public areas of Lowell. The walk also has the positive effect of increasing ones caloric outtake and naturally expending energy at the end of the day as opposed to other less than healthy options (like a [Read more…]

Location:

Back Central, OldIdea.

Welcome to Spaghettiville Sign Restoration

Idea:

Restore the “Welcome to Spaghettiville” Sign (train bridge intersection Gorham & Moore St.) Paint sign on both sides. At the same time, since the bridge is very low and notorious for accidents, mark for “low clearance” but in a more aesthetically fitting way. For example, black & white reflective stripe at bottom of bridge. (or [Read more…]

Benefit:

Revive/ preserve unique Lowell neighborhood icon. Add traffic safety to hazardous bridge in a fun and unique way!!

Location:

OldIdea, Sacred Heart / South Lowell.

Coffee House and Open Mic to Promote Diversity

Idea:

Support diverse narratives, music, dance, performance and oral history by inviting people in the Acre to share their short performance pieces. Possible venue: Western Avenue, maybe in the Onyx Room or the Loading Dock. I’m including a link to another open mic which is called Café Cultura Xpress Yourself which is located in Denver because [Read more…]

Benefit:

The Acre is a very diverse area with a multicultural history. Supporting an open mic in this area would help by promoting awareness of diversity — whether it is cultural, racial or ethnic diversity, LGBT diversity, disability awareness and issues affecting those with HIV and AIDS (and many other important [Read more…]

Location:

Acre, OldIdea.

Where can I walk my dog? Which parks are dog friendly?

Idea:

If you google Lowell Parks you can find a list of parks at Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust http://www.lowelllandtrust.org/sites/default/files/PDF-files/public-parks.pdf but the list doesn’t say much about the Parks themselves. Why not document the parks with images and comments and make it easier to find a new place for a quiet picnic or place to walk [Read more…]

Benefit:

It will offer ideas on where to explore in Lowell, hopefully get people out of their familiar haunts and encourage them to explore!

Location:

Citywide, OldIdea.