April 10, 2007

Mayor William F. Martin Jr.

            And

Members of Lowell City Council

Re:       Judicial Center Siting

Dear Mayor Martin and Members of the Lowell City Council:

At a recent meeting I advised the City Council of ongoing discussions regarding the siting of the proposed Judicial Center in the Hamilton Canal District.  I am pleased to inform you that the Division of Capital Asset Management (DCAM), our State Delegation and my Administration have reached a tentative agreement regarding this matter.   

After careful evaluation from all parties, the HCD offer numerous advantages for the both the users of the Judicial Center and the developers of the HCD.  The HCD will provide convenient vehicular access and parking via the new garage.  It will also be within walking distance of the rail and bus hubs at the Gallagher Terminal.  Furthermore, the judicial center will provide a significant commercial anchor to the HCD site, bringing jobs and daytime pedestrian traffic and supporting related retail and office uses.   The HCD site will provide an urban location with a historic backdrop and canal-front open space for the users of the judicial center.

Additionally, DCAM in conjunction with their architectural firm Findgold Alexander has identified a preferred site with in the Hamilton Canal District site.  While it now appears that the Judicial Center will not generate taxes to the city, I have expressed to both the State Delegation and to Commissioner David Perini the need for the City to be compensated for the land required to build the Center, thereby ensuring that the city can still receive an appropriate financial return on its investment in this portion of the HCD land acquisition.

I would be available to meet with the Economic Development Sub Committee to answer any questions.  

Sincerely,

Bernard F. Lynch,

City Manager