Wayne Jenness News Today

LOWELL — In a meeting that echoed the passionate community outcry over the motion declaring that racism "leads to" versus “is” a public health crisis of almost two years ago, the issues of diversity, equity and inclusion again roiled the City Council chambers Tuesday night.

CLIFF KRIEGER, a member of Lowell’s Licensing Commission, reached out to The Column to note that among its many duties, the board also licenses palm readers, also known as fortune tellers under Massachusetts law.

LOWELL — The council tackled enforcement of quality-of-life issues during its Tuesday night meeting, addressing resident concerns around illegal fireworks and dumping, and dog waste.

LOWELL — In January, the city conducted its annual, federally mandated point-in-time count of the number of people experiencing homelessness, and found there are 189 sheltered and 97 unsheltered individuals in Lowell.

LOWELL — The City Council’s Rules and Election Law Subcommittee met Tuesday night to discuss the procedure to censure a member of the body, which Chair Sokhary Chau said "...does not remove the elected official, it simply is on pubic record." The issue was raised in the wake of domestic assault and battery charges filed against City Councilor Corey Robinson.

LOWELL — City Manager Tom Golden continues to staff up his leadership team. On Wednesday, his office announced the hiring of Neil Osborne as the new director of Lowell’s Human Relations department. He replaces Mary Callery, who retired after 38 years of service to the city, holding the director role since 2012.

LOWELL — An energized and confident City Manager Tom Golden gave his State of the City address to a packed City Council chamber Tuesday night, sharing his administration’s highlights from 2023 and outlining the ongoing work to build on a vision of a welcoming, vibrant, professional and dynamic Lowell.

LOWELL — The City Council met Jan. 9, with Councilor Corey Robinson back in the chamber as a fully enfranchised colleague, submitting motions that were acted on by the body.

LOWELL — In yet another twist to a disturbing story that grows more convoluted by the day, a Laura Ortiz, who listed a P.O. Box as her address, filed Open Meeting Law complaints with the Office of the Attorney General regarding the tabling of Councilor Corey Robinson’s motions by a majority of his colleagues on the Lowell City Council.

JUST HOURS after the new City Council takes its oath of office this Tuesday, it will meet in Executive Session to discuss matters of potential litigation regarding an open meeting complaint, which could have a detrimental effect on the city’s position. Nothing says “Welcome, Councilors!” or “Happy New Year!” like a potential lawsuit. The potential […]