Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions

Tabling at Lowell Folk Fest

Saturday July 29 and Sunday July 30, 12pm-6pm

Solidarity Lowell will be tabling at Lowell Folk Fest Saturday 7/29 and Sunday 7/30, 12 noon to 6 pm both days. If you’re able to take a 1 or 2 hour shift, please contact chris@solidaritylowell.com.

Support Needed for Asylum-Seekers

Emergency Assistance Requested! We just received word that Lillian, an asylum-seeker from the Dominican Republic, and her baby will be evicted from her new apartment on August 1st. Donations can be sent to Marissa Dupont, who will pass them along to Lillian. CashApp: $gollygee17   Venmo: @owlnerd

For checks, cash donations, or gift cards, email marissa @ solidaritylowell.com to coordinate drop-off.

Marius, an asylum-seeker from Togo who we assisted since 2018, also is in need of assistance. Donations can be made to him here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/47gvz-marius

Thank you!!!

Lowell Events & Actions

Next City Council Meeting

Tuesday, July 25 at 6:30pm, at City Hall and online

Meetings are held bi-weekly in Council Chamber during the summer, Tuesdays at 6:30pm with public welcome. (Next meeting July 25.) Attend in person or by using remote participation as follows:  Members of the public may view the meeting via LTC.Org (Online; Live Streaming; Or Local Cable Channel 99).

See agenda for details:
https://www.lowellma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07252023-2780?html=true

Items of possible interest

4. GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS

4.1.Ordinance – Amend Zoning – Accessory Dwelling Units. (Cont. From 7/11/23)
HTTPS://WWW.LOWELLMA.GOV/AGENDACENTER/VIEWFILE/ITEM/24066?FILEID=49172

We need folks to speak in support of ADU’S!

MOTION RESPONSES

C) MOTION RESPONSE – FOOT AND CAR PATROLS BACK CENTRAL, ST. JOHNS, MOBILE COMMAND.PDF
I) MOTION RESPONSE – REGIONAL HOMELESS SUMMIT.PDF
O) MOTION RESPONSE – RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL.PDF
S) MOTION RESPONSE – AFFORDABLE HOUSING TRUST FUND.PDF

5.3 Communication – Planning Board Recommendation To Proposed Zoning Code Amendment Regarding Accessory Dwelling Units.
https://www.lowellma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/24634?fileID=50057

6. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER

6.1. Vote – Accept/Expend FY24 Affordable Housing Earmark ($75,000)
6.8. Vote – Endorse The Edge Affordable Housing Project (One Merrimack Plaza, $2.5 Million)

8.ORDINANCES FROM THE CITY MANAGER

8.1.Ordinance – MBTA Communities Zoning Amendments
https://www.lowellma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/24677?fileID=50081

12.CITY COUNCIL – MOTIONS

12.2.C. Yem – Req. City Mgr. Have The Proper Department Look Into Joining The Massachusetts Broadband Coalition And To Apply For Funding The State Receives Through The National Broadband Equity, Access And Deployment Program To Extend High-Speed Internet Throughout The City.

12.4.C. Scott – Req. City Mgr. Implement A Plan To Enforce All Requirements Of Chapter 176-2 Of The City Housing Standards. [this has to do with regular – 5 year intervals – inspection of rental housing]

To speak, you must register by 4pm the day of the meeting. Those wishing to speak regarding a specific agenda item must register to speak in advance of the meeting by sending an email to the City Clerk indicating the agenda item and a phone number to call so that you may be issued a Zoom link to the meeting if you wish to speak remotely. Email Address is MGEARY@LOWELLMA.GOV. If you have no access to email you may contact the City Clerk at 978-674-4161.

To contact any City Councilor, or the City Manager, by email, use this webform https://www.lowellma.gov/formcenter/contact-the-city-council-5/city-council-contact-form-45 and check off who you’re writing to.

Public Hearing on Renewal of the Franchise License Agreement between the City of Lowell and Comcast

Thursday, July 27, 4 PM

From LTC:
…there will be a public hearing held in the Mayor’s Reception Room at Lowell City Hall concerning the renewal of the Franchise License Agreement between the City of Lowell and Comcast. This agreement is the main way that LTC is funded – the money we receive from it goes towards paying our staff, maintaining our facilities, and updating the equipment we make available to members of the public.

The purpose of this hearing is to give the public a chance to weigh on what the needs of the community are as it relates to the benefits that this funding provides, how the City and public need these benefits to continue, and why it makes sense for Comcast to continue to provide these services and financial support to the City. If you value the resources that LTC makes available to the community, we ask that you please make the time to attend this meeting and speak publicly about how you’ve made use of those resources, how the community at large benefits from them, and what you would like to see in the new agreement between Comcast and the City.

Members of the public can attend in-person or over Zoom, and anybody in attendance may speak without having to submit a request beforehand. Members of the public may also submit written testimony if they are unable to make it to the meeting. Many of us from LTC will be in attendance, and we hope to see you there and hear about what you would like to see going forward in terms of the resources we are able to make available to our community!

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at programming@ltc.org.
—–
Join Zoom Meeting
https://lowellma.zoom.us/j/87838494293…
Meeting ID: 878 3849 4293
Passcode: 562260

One tap mobile
+13052241968,,87838494293#,,,,*562260# US
+13092053325,,87838494293#,,,,*562260# US

Participants sought for Decarbonization Pathways Pilot (second cohort)

350MA reminds us that the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is seeking around 45 homes to participate in the second cohort of the Decarbonization Pathways Pilot. The pilot offers technical support and financial incentives to implement high-efficiency decarbonization measures. This is a great opportunity to get the technical support and financial assistance to bring your home into the 21st century!

MassCEC is accepting applications between July 12, 2023 and July 30, 2023.

MassCEC is specifically looking for participants who intend to install heat pumps and/or replace their home’s siding to create a better insulated envelope within the coming year. We will also be asking all participants to complete a “Home Modernization Package” that ensures the home is well-prepared to convert away from fossil fuel appliances as they make future purchases (e.g., the next time the heat or hot water heater needs to be replaced). We will also be looking for geographic, income, and building type diversity within the cohort. To learn more about applying for the second cohort, read our blog or review the application.

Please consider applying and sharing this opportunity with your network. If you have any questions, please contact us at buildings@masscec.com.

Support for our unhoused siblings

Life Connection Center is calling for donations to help our unhoused siblings cope with the weather.

Needs:

• Bottled water
• Ponchos
• Umbrellas
• Gently Used or New Towels for Shower Service
• Undergarments
• Outreach Snacks

Items may be dropped off Monday through Friday 8am-6pm and Sunday through Thursday 7pm-10pm at 192 Appleton Street.

You may also contribute through their Amazon wish list at https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/ARW4F37SG12T?ref_=wl_share

Local mutual aid group LLAMA is also collecting to help assist the displaced folks:

Thank you all for the donations we have received so far on our Venmo (@Lowell-LLAMA) and CashApp ($LowellLLAMA).

Reminder: We are in direct contact with those who were displaced and we are generating a list of items they need replaced, and all funds you send us that are labeled as for the displaced will be used for this purpose. We are a volunteer group of people building solidarity together (not a nonprofit) with no paid staff.

Lowell Litter Krewe

LLK continues with their regular cleanups.

To connect with them: https://linktr.ee/lowelllitterkrewe
Sign up to volunteer, check out their schedule and more.

Saturday, July 29-30, ALL DAY: Folk Fest Compost & Recycling Team
Sign up at ttps://linktr.ee/lowelllitterkrewe

Other Events

Prison Moratorium Bill Hearing (H1795)

Tuesday, July 25, 1pm
State House Rm A-2 & virtual on https://malegislature.gov/Events page under committee (Joint Committee on Judiciary)

Urge your legislators to support the Prison Moratorium: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/prison-moratorium-2023

Prison Phone Calls Bill Hearing (H1796)

Tuesday, July 25, 1pm
State House Rm A-2 & virtual on https://malegislature.gov/Events page under committee (Joint Committee on Judiciary)

Indivisible Acton Hosts David Pepper on Avoiding Ohio Mistakes in MA

Tuesday, July 25, 7-8:30pm
RSVP: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUofu2srT8oGdMYO5l6gcQYWMl6UKS471H5#/registration

David Pepper is former chair of the Ohio Democratic Party. A panel discussion will cover making the MA State House “a more robust laboratory for democracy”

Community Immunity Bill Hearing (H2151 /S1458)

Wednesday, July 26, 9am
State House Gardner Auditorium & virtual on https://malegislature.gov/Events page under committee (Joint Committee on Public Health)

Moratorium on New Gas System Expansion Bill Hearing (H3237/S2135)

Wednesday, July 26, 1pm
State House Room A2 & virtual on https://malegislature.gov/Events page under committee (Senate Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy)

Public Meeting Participation Bill Hearing (H.3040/S.2024)

Wednesday, July 26, 1pm
State House Room A1 & virtual on https://malegislature.gov/Events page under committee (Joint Committee on State Administration & Regulatory Oversight)

Public Records Law Extension to Governor and Legislature Hearing (S.2064)

Wednesday, July 26, 1pm
State House Room A1 & virtual on https://malegislature.gov/Events page under committee (Joint Committee on State Administration & Regulatory Oversight)

Yes in My Back Yard Bill Hearing (H1379)

Wednesday, July 26, 2pm
State House Room B2 & virtual on https://malegislature.gov/Events page under committee (Joint Committee on Housing)

Turning Crisis to Hope: Responding to the Arrival of Thousands of Haitians in Massachusetts

Wednesday, July 26, 5pm
Sponsor: International Institute of New England
RSVP: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_R9XX-7fOSea222dJj6jbLA#/registration

Moratorium on New Gas System Expansion Bill Hearing (H3237/S2135)

Thursday, July 27, 10am
State House Room A1 & virtual on https://malegislature.gov/Events page under committee (House Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy)

Climate Refugees

Thursday, July 27, 12pm
Sponsor: Othering & Belonging Institute
REGISTER: https://secure.everyaction.com/HOQEsmIgWU6kfrZ2rz9mxA2?emci=7ad37d19-a325-ee11-a9bb-00224832eb73&emdi=7a2df723-4926-ee11-a9bb-00224832eb73&ceid=12712789

This panel brings together several experts to discuss Global North countries’, institutions’, and industries’ culpability for the climate crisis, and how action on their part is essential to mitigating the crisis of climate-induced displacement by ensuring the safe resettlement of climate refugees, and fostering diversified climate-resilient economies and just transitions across the Global South and Global North alike.

Local Innovations In Addressing Homelessness

Friday, July 28, 1pm
Sponsor: Bipartisan Policy Center
RSVP:  eventbrite.com/e/local-innovations-in-addressing-homelessness-tickets-677554582997?aff=oddtdtcreator&_cldee=lxDruGY_RssfBQ2nUFaT3NgbtCGDhC-9UA6xRGaxrwugz-Q___y05Xyyql92V62V&recipientid=contact-a1b1f8da20cdeb11869c00155d3b3c69-1f332a19c3e74361a51c130f52bdf062

As the issue of homelessness continues to gain national attention, it is crucial to draw upon the lessons learned from places that have effectively reduced homelessness. This webinar aims to highlight organizations and public officials successfully tackling homelessness at the local level, offering policymakers at all levels of government the opportunity to learn from effective strategies to promote housing stability for unhoused people.

Join us as local leaders come together to showcase innovative approaches for meeting the needs of unhoused people, share valuable insights on how to scale up promising interventions, and discuss how the federal government can support successful programs.

NAACP National Convention Call for Volunteers

July 29-August 1
Boston Convention & Exhibition Center

The NAACP’s national convention is taking place in Boston. They need lots of volunteers. Here’s a generic sign-up form (https://support.naacp.org/a/2023-naacp-national-convention-volunteer-sign-form) which will be followed by another form where we can sign up for some days and not others, some types of tasks, etc. Volunteer shifts will be 3 hours long. Attending workshops requires registering for the convention, but we were told there are lots of things that don’t require registering.

GAI Bi-Weekly Postcard Action Hour At Panera

Wednesday, August 2, 6pm-7:30pm
Panera, 58 Peters St, North Andover
Sponsor: Greater Andover Indivisible

State Level Actions

Tell your electeds to cosponsor the Sunlight Agenda

When, among other things, legislators are given less than 24 hours to review legislation before a vote, we’re getting legislation that is passed because one person, the Speaker of the House, wants it to pass, not because legislators have carefully considered its impact. THAT is not democracy.

The solution, from Act on Mass:
The Sunlight Agenda is Act on Mass’s legislative agenda to restore democratic integrity on Beacon Hill. They have compiled a package of four bills put forward this session that would address our democracy crisis and improve transparency, accountability, and fairness in the State House.

1. An Act to Provide Sunlight to State Government (S.1963), filed by Sen. Jamie Eldridge, would require all recorded committee votes to be posted on the legislature’s website within 48 hours of a vote (a flagship of our People’s House campaign!). It would also require committee hearings to be scheduled at least a week in advance and ensure that testimony is made publicly available. Finally, it would also subject the Governor’s Office to Public Records Law, or PRL, from which they currently claim an exemption.
2. An Act Extending the Public Records Law to the Governor and the Legislature (S.2064), filed by Sen. Becca Rausch, would bring Massachusetts in line with the majority of the country by subjecting both the governor and the Legislature to PRL.
3. An Act Relative to Open Meeting Law (H.3121), filed by Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven, would subject the Legislature to Open Meeting Law, or OML, which already exists and applies to municipal governments and several state agencies, allowing the public to attend meetings of public bodies. This bill would extend that democratic privilege to constituents wishing to monitor legislative proceedings of the State House.
4. An Act relative to collective bargaining rights for legislative employees (S.2014), filed by Sen. John Keenan, would explicitly affirm the right of State House staffers to form a union.

Read more about and tell your electeds to cosponsor the four bills of the Sunlight Agenda.
https://actonmass.org/sunlight-agenda

To Contact the Governor

Governor’s Office of Constituent Services (617) 725-4005
Call between 9am and 5pm and leave a message.

Or email the governor, using this form: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/email-the-governors-office#email-the-governor-using-this-form-

Our State Legislators’ Info

Speaker Ronald Mariano Ronald.Mariano@mahouse.gov | 617-722-2500 | Rm 356
Senate President Karen Spilka Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov | 617-722-1500 | Rm 332
Rep. Rodney Elliott Rodney.Elliott@ma.house.gov | 617-722-2000 x7313 | Rm B1
Rep. Vanna Howard Vanna.Howard@mahouse.gov | 617-722-2060 | Rm 33
Local office: 25 Central Street, ground floor, Lowell
Rep. Rady Mom Rady.Mom@mahouse.gov | 617-722-2637 | Rm 544
Rep. Colleen Garry Colleen.Garry@mahouse.gov | 617-722-2380 | Rm 238
Senator Edward Kennedy edward.kennedy@masenate.gov | 617-722-1630 | Rm 109-E
Senator Michael Barrett Mike.Barrett@masenate.gov | 617-722-1572 | Rm 109-D
Senator Jamie Eldridge James.Eldridge@masenate.gov | 617-722-1120 | Rm 511-C
Senator Barry Finegold Barry.Finegold@masenate.gov | 617-722-1612 | Rm 511A
(… or find yours here: https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator)

Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02133

National Actions

How to Contact the White House

https://www.whitehouse.gov/get-involved/write-or-call/
(Includes a link to send email.)

Our Federal Legislators’ Info

Senator Elizabeth Warren
https://www.warren.senate.gov/contact/shareyouropinion
309 Hart Senate Office Building | Washington, DC 20510 | 202-224-4543
2400 JFK Federal Building | 15 New Sudbury Street | Boston, MA 02203 | 617-565-3170

Senator Edward Markey
https://www.markey.senate.gov/contact/share-your-opinion
255 Dirksen Senate Office Building | Washington, DC 20510 | 202-224-2742
975 JFK Federal Building | 15 New Sudbury St | Boston, MA 02203 | 617-565-8519

Representative Lori Trahan
https://trahan.house.gov/contact/write-your-rep.htm
2439 Rayburn HOB | Washington, DC 20515 | 202-225-3411
126 John Street | Lowell, MA 01852 | 978-459-0101

Representative Seth Moulton
https://moulton.house.gov/contact
202-225-8020 | 978-531-1669