Some time ago we all received notices about a hearing regarding the number of units to be allowed in the derelict building attached to the rear of Canal Place. That hearing was postponed and is now taking place tomorrow online. More information about the meeting and how to participate can be found here. Information about the plans themselves is available here.

The original post on this subject in March is here, although the variance being requested will only mean the difference between 25 units and 29, not the huge jump the post mentions. It appears we have no say over most of the increase, only the last four the developer would like to squeeze in.

Please spread the word to any neighbors you think might not subscribe to the Bulletin Board. Since abutters notices were mailed earlier this year, there will be no additional communication of this information beyond the bulletin board outside of City Hall.

There is now recycling drop-off by appointment at the DPW. I highly recommend taking a phone and the number with you so you can call and let them know you’re there if they don’t appear on schedule.

Not surprisingly, the DPW recycling drop-off is now closed. I have contacted the city’s recycling department to see if there are other options available to downtown residents and will post anything I learn.

First, the Public Service Announcement:

I know a lot of people are stocked up on groceries right now because of the current situation. If you are not absolutely sure that mice cannot get in your unit, and you are currently storing food anywhere other than inside mouse-proof cabinets, it needs to be in mouse-proof containers. That little closet most people have by their downstairs half-bath is an easy target for the critters, even on the top shelf (as we just learned the hard way).

Secondly, I’ve been asked to post the following:

Underneath garage spot available for monthly rental.  $75.00.
Please contact Fred at: 610-360-5914

From Georgi:

I replaced my old brass hinges on all my doors with these satin nickel ones (remember 1 improvement every quarter? This was mine this quarter).

I have 6 hinges (2 doors’ worth) left over so they are yours if you can use them. Just text me and we can make arrangements for you to pick them up! 

Georgi May / 978-764-5570

Elissa (3rd floor) is selling a few items; descriptions and pictures below. These are really lovely pieces at very low prices and if I had any space I’d be snapping them up myself! She can be reached at elissatap@gmail.com.

Oak frame double bed with little-used, guest-room mattress plus some good linens. All in good shape.  $50

Pottery Barn Console table with wrought iron base and plank top. Indestructible. In good shape.  48”W x 18” D x 30”H.  25$

Media and/or Storage cabinet. Dark red. Nice decorator piece. 54”T x 37 1/2” W x 22” D  $25

Residents should have received letters regarding hearings being held at City Hall on Monday March 16th and 23rd, both at at 6:30pm, regarding development of the abandoned section at the back of our building. As I understand it, the one on the 16th is about increasing the number of units from 13 to 29, and the one on the 23rd is about unit size and parking issues. A pdf of the notices is available here. Specifics of the current plans, including building layout, can be found here (be sure to use the 2020 menu).

To my mind, this is going to cram an awful lot of people into that corner of our complex, and increase pedestrian and vehicle traffic along the north side of our building significantly. Anyone who finds this concerning should put these meetings on their calendar.

There is a board meeting in the lobby office at 7:00pm this Wednesday. Owners and residents are welcome to attend.

And FYI, there’s a map of the Canal Place complex on this site that can be shared with friends or delivery people or anyone else who’s planning to come by and doesn’t know the area. It’s been there all along via the Useful Links page but is rarely noticed. The map has just been updated (again) and can be reached directly at https://www.canalplaceone.com/map.pdf

Just a reminder that Lowell’s Winterfest starts in less than an hour. The schedule can be found here. It’s always a fun chance to get bundled up and enjoy some good entertainment and good food. The soup contest is always our favorite, but the music and the fire show are invariably close seconds!

I would expect Arcand Drive to be closed this evening and tomorrow but that should be it for road closures.

A question from a resident:

Can anyone recommend a reliable and affordable contractor or handyman to do things like patch holes in walls, paint, install blinds, etc? The guy I was using moved out of state. Preferably someone for whom no job is too small and doesn’t mind doing cosmetic work. Thanks in advance!!

This comes up every so often, but it seems to have been quite awhile since anyone asked about general contractors. One can also use the search button (upper right) and type in “contractor” but from there it’s necessary to click on the comments for each post to see the actual suggestions.