10/30/2014
Lowell Sun
By Robert Mills
City Manager Kevin Murphy and UMass Lowell Chancellor Marty Meehan led the discussion at the "Lowell as a College Town" forum at the new University Crossing building at Pawtucket and Merrimack streets.
The event, attended by more than 100 students, was presented by the university's Student Government Association.
Students had concerns and questions about public safety and pedestrian safety, which prompted Meehan and Murphy to state emphatically that they feel safe in Lowell, and believe the city continues to be safer than many other urban areas.
Marlon Pitter, 19, of Hartford, Conn., asked how the city can address crime in areas outside of the downtown, and what the city can do to make such areas more attractive destinations for students.
Murphy said he has been collecting suggestions from students and residents regarding what they'd like to see in Lowell, and that he plans to offer educational seminars for businesses to help them respond to those desires.
"I think, all in all, Lowell is a pretty safe city," Meehan said.
Meehan noted that all urban areas struggle with issues of crime, and that the issue can be particularly stark for students in Lowell because the campus is spread out and integrated into neighborhoods.
But Meehan also pointed out that urban areas also come with more diversity and cultural offerings.
He noted increased teamwork between UMass Lowell and city police, and said the university has developed some properties with crime-fighting strategies in mind, citing the location of the university police station in a low-income neighborhood on Salem Street as an example.
"I don't think we can afford to isolate ourselves," Meehan said.
Kaitie Horan, 21, of Watertown, said she goes downtown and used to live in the UMass Lowell Inn & Conference Center. She said she would like to see more venues for live, local music, more affordable restaurants and more downtown businesses that remain open at night.
She also suggested UMass Lowell buses could make more stops around the city for students.
While Horan is 21, she said she has heard from many younger students that they wish there were more downtown offerings for those who are under 21.
Adam Cunningham, 22, of Atkinson, N.H., agreed with Horan that transportation for students could be improved, and that he'd like to see more variety among businesses so that students heading downtown could eat, get groceries, and make multiple stops while there.
Cunningham said he too visits downtown, but that often it's just to get a drink because bars are among the only businesses that remain open at night.
"Not much else is open later," he said.
Murphy said he will incorporate the suggestions into the input he has been getting during downtown walks and meetings with residents and business owners.
Meehan said the event helps the university leadership be accountable to students and their concerns, and that it also serves to get students used to providing input on their community and the political process.