Lowell City Council - October 20, 2026

At its October 20, 2026 regular meeting, the Lowell City Council approved a $3.373 million loan order to acquire the property at 276 Broadway Street, which includes the Senior Center and other spaces. The order authorizes borrowing for the acquisition and related costs and was referred to the City Clerk’s office for the required 20-day period. Officials estimated annual principal and interest of about $250,000; the city anticipated a possible closing in November. Existing tenants include Walgreens and the Blacksmith building, with combined rent described as just under $21,000 per month through March 2028. The council also discussed future building repairs and possible funding sources, including eligible CDBG support and grants, but did not approve a renovation budget.

The council voted to accept and expend $115,000 in FY2027 Massachusetts Department of Transportation earmarked funds for rectangular rapid-flashing beacons and a $65,000 FY2027 municipal road safety grant. It also referred a Boston Gas request to replace a gas main on Westford, Lane, and Fernand Streets, and a request to install underground fiber-optic conduit on South Street, to public hearings on November 3. A request for an update on a proposed residency and apprenticeship requirement for development projects passed; the proposal could affect future public-project contracting, but no ordinance was adopted at this meeting.