TO:                  Mayor William F. Martin, Jr.

                                    And

                        Members of the Lowell City Council

FROM:            Bernard F. Lynch, City Manager

DATE:             September 18, 2007

SUBJECT:       MOTION OF 08/28/07 BY COUNCILOR JAMES MILINAZZO                                           REQUEST MANAGER BEGIN PREPARING NECESSARY                                                    ORDINANCES REQUIRED TO SUPPORT BIO NANO TECH CENTER

Nanotechnology and biotechnology are fast growing, emerging industries as research and development in these two areas helps businesses to convert ideas to consumer products.  The University of Massachusetts-Lowell is seeking to establish its institution as a pre-eminent player in these fields and plans to develop an integrated advanced manufacturing research and technology assistance facility.  The City of Lowell understands the economic benefits of promoting nanotechnology and biotechnology industries and is also aware that local regulations can play a critical role in attracting companies while addressing any health and environmental impacts of these industries.

The Division of Planning and Development (DPD) will follow-up on the motion by Councilor Milinazzo by doing the following:

·        Reviewing other municipal ordinances pertaining to nanotechnology and biotechnology.

·        Investigating issues and concerns by industry and municipal leaders.

·        Drafting an ordinance that promotes economic growth without compromising public health and safety.

A major consideration in drafting the ordinance will be to allow the development of R&D facilities for these and other similar emerging technologies "by right" in designated industrial and commercial areas with tight controls on building and site design to ensure public health, safety and welfare.  Clear-cut regulations and controls afford a sense of security to industry decision makers on their site location choices.  Mass High Tech, in a June 15, 2007 article on the nanotechnology ordinance, reported that “executives say it's critical to know the regulatory landscape when planning business strategy.”  The City of Lowell, by moving forward with this ordinance, will have a competitive advantage in attracting businesses over those communities without such an ordinance.

DPD will periodically report to the Economic Development Subcommittee and the Zoning Subcommittee on its progress and seek its input in crafting the proposed ordinance.  DPD expects to deliver its findings to the City Council by the end of the year.