City of Lowell's Downtown Development Authority Meeting, Thursday, Oct 15, 2026

At its Oct. 15, 2026 meeting, the City of Lowell Downtown Development Authority approved an engineering and surveying proposal to assess traffic concerns along Riverside Drive and the Broadway area, at a cost not to exceed $17,800. The proposal was presented the prior month; the transcript does not clearly identify the firm. The DDA also approved a $15,609 partnership contribution toward repairs to the Lowell museum’s soffit and related exterior work. DPW Director Jacob K. said Higher Construction was willing to perform the work, which is needed to address deterioration and prevent more costly damage. The museum motion passed; a board member indicated they would abstain. The treasurer’s report noted $124,471 in industrial facilities revenue to be transferred in as sticker revenue.

The board received an update that four of five public-art murals are complete. It was also reported that City Council had approved a public art policy establishing Lowell Arts as steward for condition checks and routine maintenance at no cost to the city, with a defined process for future projects, including site review, artist selection, design review, and Council approval. Separately, the board heard that a $2,500 matching award from a Grand Valley Metro Council-related program will support two downtown kayak lockers. No procurement vote on the lockers was reported.