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Random Thoughts as we Cross
the Bridge of Non-Collusion
Michael R. Sweeney, Planning Director of the City of Lawrence

Mayor Sullivan’s vacant lot initiative continues to be successful and helps bring money into Lawrence, while also removing problem properties from our neighborhoods.

Residents and employees of the city of Lawrence should be grateful to a handful of city councilors who saved the day, and on this past Tuesday night approved a proposal to remove blighted property from city-owned land at 3 Providence Street, bringing $115,000 into the city’s accounts.

Chair of the Housing Committee Nilka Alvarez-Rodriguez, along with Councilor Nunzio Dimarca, Councilor Jorge Gonzalez, Councilor Grisel Silva, and Councilor Gil Frechette exhibited true leadership by voting for the proposal recommended by the Real Property Task Force.

First, and most importantly, this project will bring new housing to the area while also cleaning up a blighted site that is directly across the street from the Bruce School. The location also has a number of multi-family homes right next door to it.

The purchase price of $115,000 will literally help the city of Lawrence maintain the jobs of current city employees. The money can now be used to help fund the costs of our valuable firefighters and other city employees.

Additionally, by removing a dangerous structure from the neighborhood, these councilors have helped to improve the safety of our residents and emergency responders. Don’t forget to thank City Attorney Charles Boddy the next time you see him.

Too often the good work that Attorney Boddy accomplishes for the city goes unnoticed. As a member of the Real Property Task Force, Attorney Boddy recommended this particular proposal and also helped guide the property through the City Council when concerns about environmental issues were raised. Another visible sign that the city of Lawrence is on the move!

Dangerous Buildings Task Force

Mayor Sullivan has asked a number of city department heads to create and move forward on a task force that will address dangerous buildings throughout the city of Lawrence.

Unfortunately, like many cities, Lawrence has an increasing number of buildings that pose a risk to our residents, other commercial businesses and to our first responders, particularly our firefighters.

Over the next few months, we will begin aggressive action to get these situations addressed and attempt to remove (as much as possible) any buildings or conditions that present a real danger to the community surrounding the property. This will include securing the buildings, addressing safety concerns and holding the owners of these properties responsible for any dangerous situations.

We all have to work hard to think of creating ways to locate funding and work as a team to address the situation. Fortunately, Lawrence has a dedicated number of professionals in the Fire Department, Police Department, Department of Public Works, Inspectional Services and the Building Commissioners Office who are ready to take on this matter. With the leadership of Mayor Sullivan and the City Council, we are confident that, over time, progress will continue to be made.

Credit Were Credit is Due

I have to publicly thank my staff. Attorney Dan McCarthy, land use planner for Lawrence, and Anne-Marie Doherty, administrative assistant to the boards, have performed outstanding service to the city.

Each day they bring a professional manner and sincere dedication to their jobs. I cannot tell you how valuable it is to have qualified employees who are not clock watchers and who truly care about the city they work in.
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Congratulations!

Mr. Richard Rodriguez, who has been a strong advocate for the city of Lawrence and a leader on neighborhood issues, has successfully passed the Massachusetts bar exam and will soon be an attorney in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
 

Michael Sweeney is the planning director for the City of Lawrence, a former member of the Lawrence City Council and School Committee.  You can e-mail Mr. Sweeney at Esqsweeney @aol.com

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The May, 2006 Edition of the Valley Patriot
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Prior columns by Mike Sweeney