TO:              Mayor William F. Martin, Jr.

                             And

                   Members of the Lowell City Council

FROM:        Bernard F. Lynch, City Manager

DATE:                   March 9, 2007

RE:              Council Motion of 2/13/07 by Councillor George Ramirez

“Request the City Manager updates the City Council on the status of the Land takings throughout the city.

Please be advised that I have been in contact with Matt Coggins, DPD Director regarding the above mentioned motion.  Matt has stated that prior to the approval of the City’s two urban renewal plans there were no significant land takings done by the City since the 1980’s.  With the urban renewal designations in the Acre and JAM areas we have conducted eminent domain proceedings as follows:

Acre Urban Revitalization and Development Plan Area

20 takings total

          11 parcels at school site

  9 other scattered sites in the targeted area

Only two of these takings resulted in settlements beyond the original taking award, there are no pending suits on Acre acquisitions at this time

Jackson/Appleton/Middlesex Urban Revitalization and Development Plan Area

14 takings total

5 parcels that compiled the Appleton Mills and abutting land

3 parcels on Garage site

6 other scattered sites in the targeted area

Only two of the affected parties have filed suit against the City (324 Jackson Street – Saab and 360 Jackson Street – McLaughlin)

Takings in other areas of the City included:

391 Pawtucket Street (aka Red Cross) – friendly taking

Sliver parcels that make up the Concord River Greenway where no suit is anticipated

Mission Church on Pawtucket Street – resolved with no suit

There is one additional taking required for the new bridge, which is being negotiated.  If possible, it will be resolved without suit.

I hope that this information is helpful.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.  Thank you.