The Lawrence Partnership was finally launched on November 21 to a crowd of 287 people in the audience. The presentations were very inspiring and we were able to see the city of the future – because we are making it happen.
This group is taking valuable lessons from similar projects in the cities of Lowell and Salem in Massachusetts. It is estimated that it will take some twenty years but we can see the results achieved in those cities. We can start improving the businesses along Essex St., making the downtown area more appealing to shoppers.
The Partnership will bring resources to the city and is already working on a new police station and regional public safety training center, plans that were discussed at that meeting. Particular attention will be given to traffic in the downtown area and making the Buckley Garage easier to find since it becomes a challenge with so many one-way streets.
“Thank you, Congresswoman Tsongas, Mayor Rivera, Jess Andors and Rafael Guzman, Sal Lupoli, Bob Rivers, and Heather McMann for your outstanding presentations, as well as Marianne Paley Nadel and the Everett Mills for hosting,” said Lane Glenn, president of Northern Essex Community College and chair of the Lawrence Partnership.
Bob Rivers, president of Eastern Bank is leading the fundraising campaign, which so far has generated nearly $100,000 in contributions with the goal of raising $250,000. Those funds will be destined to hiring a director to manage the projects. During the launch, volunteer/contributor cards were distributed and received with pledges that will go into a database.
If you need more information about Lawrence Partnership, you may find it via the website www.lawrencepartnership.org, on Facebook and on Twitter (@lawrencepartner).
