Lawrence meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Lawrence boards weigh $3.1M energy settlement, union contracts, and zoning changes

Lawrence's city boards and committees are set to review a slate of spending and policy items this week, including a $3.1 million allocation from the Columbia Gas settlement for clean energy projects, a new firefighters' union contract, and several zoning and licensing changes. No final votes have been recorded yet; the meetings below are either upcoming or were recently held with minutes not yet published.

Clean energy and infrastructure spending

The largest item on the table is a $3,099,150 authorization from the Columbia Gas settlement for clean energy projects. The City Council's Aug. 18 agenda included this item, and the Budget and Finance Committee will take it up again on Aug. 25. The same committee will also consider a $204,993 Green Communities grant from the Department of Energy Resources, a $114,192.20 grant from the Department of Public Utilities for transportation infrastructure, and a $231,375 transfer from free cash for the Police Superior Officers Union agreement.

Union contracts and personnel

The Budget and Finance Committee's Aug. 10 agenda included a $600,000 transfer from the Prior Year Salary Reserve for a new firefighters' collective bargaining agreement. The Greater Lawrence Sanitary District Commission will vote on a memorandum of agreement with Teamsters Local 25 for fiscal years 2026–2028 at its Aug. 12 meeting. The Personnel Committee will meet Aug. 25 to consider hiring and appointments, including a new Assistant City Attorney, a new executive assistant position in the Police Department, and appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals and Airport Commission.

Zoning and property

The City Council's Aug. 18 agenda included a rezoning of city land off Bay State Road and Jordan Street from I-2 to Open Space Recreation. The Ordinance Committee will review a proposed Highway Access 2 Overlay District zoning amendment on Aug. 24, submitted by 6 Chickering LLC. The Redevelopment Authority will consider a proposed sale of an LRA-owned alleyway off Chestnut Street (Map 128, Parcel 29) at its Aug. 19 meeting.

Other boards and committees

The Lawrence Housing Authority will discuss a federal public housing pet policy at its Aug. 11 meeting. The Historical Commission will take up a neon sign on the library, an America 250 event at the state park on Sept. 12, and handicap access at City Hall. The Bellevue Cemetery Board will review a reimbursement from the Cemetery Trust fund and old business including the Hearst-Receiving Tomb and cemetery fencing. The Retirement Board will hold a remote meeting Aug. 17 to discuss an investigation exemption, and will hear accidental disability applications on Aug. 24.

Coming up

• **Aug. 24** – Ordinance & Intergovernmental Relations Committee: zoning overlay, parking changes, special event permits.
• **Aug. 24** – Retirement Board: accidental disability applications and retirements.
• **Aug. 25** – Budget & Finance Committee: $3.1M Columbia Gas settlement, Green Communities grant, police union transfer, DPU grant, cemetery fund increase.
• **Aug. 25** – Personnel Committee: hiring, appointments, new positions.
• **Aug. 26** – Lawrence School Committee: training workshop, no votes expected.
• **Aug. 26** – Licensing Board: six licenses, including alcohol and patio permits.
• **Aug. 27** – Conservation Commission: Notices of Intent for 12 Saratoga Street and 2 South Broadway.

All meetings are open to the public unless otherwise noted. Agendas and minutes are available on the city's website.

Lawrence boards to weigh $3.1M energy settlement, firefighter contract, and rezoning this week

Lawrence city boards and committees have a full slate of meetings this week, with major items including a $3.1 million settlement for clean energy projects, a $600,000 firefighter union contract, and a proposed rezoning of city land. None of these items have been voted on yet — recent meeting minutes have not been published, and the upcoming meetings are still on their agendas.

Recent meetings (agenda items only)

The City Council met on August 5 with a public hearing on rezoning city land off Bay State Road and Jordan Street from General Industrial (I-2) to Open Space Recreation (OCR). The council also had on its agenda a $600,000 transfer for a new firefighter union contract (IAFF Local 146), a $250,000 earmark from Rep. Frank Moran for bridge projects, and a $177,400 MassDOT grant for intersection safety signal equipment. A resolution to adopt a Vision Zero policy to eliminate traffic fatalities was also listed.

The Planning Board on August 5 reviewed five special permit petitions, including a 20-unit multifamily mixed-use building at 348 Jackson St., adding 20 residential units above commercial space at 199-229 Broadway, converting a four-unit dwelling to eight units at 273 Haverhill St., two internally illuminated signs for a restaurant at 435A Winthrop Ave., and two duplexes on a 5,915 sq ft lot at 367-371 Lowell St.

The Budget & Finance Committee on August 10 considered the same $600,000 firefighter contract transfer, a FY2027 budget amendment to restore a Data Entry Clerk position, a $400,000 transfer from ARPA/Free Cash for small business grants via the Prospering Lawrence Grant, and a resolution to rescind reimbursement for two local health organizations ($150,000 to GLFHC and $100,000 to LGH).

The Ordinance & Intergovernmental Relations Committee on August 11 discussed a Home Rule Petition for a line-of-duty death designation for deceased Police Sgt. Charles Saindon, an ordinance for annual review of residential and handicapped parking spaces, a small waste hauler registration ordinance, a traffic study at 255 East Haverhill Street (Parthum School area), and an ordinance mandating clear sidewalks for open-air seating.

The Lawrence Housing Authority board on August 11 considered a federal public housing pet policy, along with routine approvals. The Greater Lawrence Sanitary District on August 12 voted on bids for dry and emulsion polymers for FY2027 and a memorandum of agreement with Teamsters Local 25 for FY2026–2028, plus an executive session on collective bargaining.

Upcoming meetings

The City Council meets again on August 18 with several high-value items: authorization to spend $3,099,150 from the Columbia Gas settlement for clean energy projects, a $204,993 Green Communities Competitive Grant, a $231,375 transfer from free cash for a Police Superior Officers Union agreement, the same rezoning of Bay State Road and Jordan Street, and the Home Rule Petition for Sgt. Saindon.

The Redevelopment Authority meets August 19 to vote on extending Octavien Spanner as Executive Director, appointing an Acting Deputy Executive Director, responding to an Open Meeting Law complaint, a sponsorship up to $50,000 for the 2026 Sí Lawrence Family Festival, and the proposed sale of an LRA-owned alleyway off Chestnut Street (Map 128, Parcel 29).

The Retirement Board meets remotely August 17 to discuss an investigation exemption under Section 21(a)(5), with no other substantive items listed. The Conservation Commission meets August 27 to review Notices of Intent for 12 Saratoga Street, 2 South Broadway, and a continued notice for 264-272 Lowell Street.

Coming up

• **Retirement Board** – Aug. 17, 2:30 PM (remote): investigation exemption discussion.
• **City Council** – Aug. 18, 7:00 PM: $3.1M energy settlement, police union contract, rezoning, home rule petition.
• **Redevelopment Authority** – Aug. 19: executive director extension, festival sponsorship, alleyway sale.
• **Conservation Commission** – Aug. 27: Notices of Intent for Saratoga, Broadway, and Lowell Street projects.

Lawrence City Council to weigh $600K fire contract, Vision Zero policy; no decisions yet as agendas published

Lawrence city boards met over the past two weeks to review budgets, grants, and development proposals, but no final decisions have been published. All items below come from meeting agendas; minutes have not yet been released.

City Council: Fire contract, Vision Zero, and grants on the table

The City Council met on August 5 and will consider several significant items, including a $600,000 transfer from the prior year salary reserve to the Fire Department for a new collective bargaining agreement with IAFF Local 146. The council also will vote on a resolution adopting a Vision Zero policy to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries.

Two grant authorizations are on the agenda: $250,000 from a Rep. Frank Moran earmark for city bridge projects, and $177,400 from a MassDOT grant for intersection safety signal equipment. Public hearings are scheduled for a rezoning of city land off Bay State Road and Jordan Street from General Industrial (I-2) to Open Space Recreation (OCR), and for creating a new Deputy Director of Human Resources and Labor Relations position.

Budget & Finance Committee reviews FY2027 budget and grants

The Budget and Finance Committee met on July 28 to discuss the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Municipal Budget. The agenda included authorizations to expend $250,000 for city bridge projects, $177,400 for intersection safety signal equipment, and $10,000 for a Safe Route to Schools Sign and Lines Project. The committee also reviewed a proposed $400,000 transfer from ARPA/Free Cash to the Prospering Lawrence Grant. A large volume of tabled items dating back to 2015 was also on the agenda.

Retirement Board to review audit and pensions

The Retirement Board met on July 29 to review the 12/31/2025 financial statements audit conducted by CBIZ. The board will process superannuation for William Henrick, Daniel Fleming, Felipe Ruiz, and William Castro. A tabled item regarding a Cola Base Increase remains pending, along with monthly expenses warrants, retiree payroll, and a PRIT wire redemption deposit.

Zoning Board meeting cancelled

The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting scheduled for July 30 was cancelled. Two continued petitions were on the agenda: a variance request from Ramon Baez to build a two-family dwelling at 85 Berkeley St, and a petition from God's Good Company LLC/Jessica King Green to create four apartments at 447-449 Essex St. The next meeting is scheduled for August 27, 2026, at 6 PM (one notice lists August 28).

Planning Board reviews special permits

The Planning Board met on August 5 to hear special permit petitions for several properties, including:

• 348 Jackson St: a multifamily mixed-use building with 20 residential units
• 199-229 Broadway: adding 20 residential units over two floors to existing commercial space
• 273 Haverhill St: converting a four-unit dwelling into an eight-unit dwelling
• 435A Winthrop Ave: installing two internally illuminated signs for a restaurant
• 367-371 Lowell St: constructing two duplexes on a 5,915 sq ft lot

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are listed in the next 14 days. The next Zoning Board of Appeals meeting is scheduled for August 27 or 28, 2026, but has not been confirmed in the provided data.

Lawrence Boards Tackle Budget, Property Sales, and Zoning as City Council Prepares Vision Zero Vote

Lawrence boards and committees covered a wide range of business over the past two weeks, from the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 municipal budget to a potential sale of the Hydro Unit at 300 Canal Street. However, minutes have not yet been published for any of the recent meetings, so outcomes of votes and discussions are not yet available. Two key meetings are scheduled for August 5, including a City Council vote on a Vision Zero traffic safety policy and more than $427,000 in grant authorizations.

Redevelopment Authority — July 22

The Lawrence Redevelopment Authority was scheduled to consider several actions, including extending the appointment of Executive Director Octavien Spanner pending a permanent hire and adding an addendum to its Professional Services Agreement with Carras Community Investment, Inc. The board also planned to discuss a complaint filed on June 17, 2026, and may vote on issuing a Request for Proposals for licensed real-estate brokerage services to sell the Hydro Unit at 300 Canal Street. Additional items on the agenda included a $50,000 sponsorship for the 2026 "Si Lawrence Family Festival" and a $12,500 reimbursement request to Nehkodah Architects for services on the 147 Haverhill Street Music School Project.

School Committee — July 22

The Lawrence School Committee held a professional development workshop with legal counsel at the South Lawrence East Complex Library. Attorney Marc Terry of Stoneman, Chandler & Miller LLP was listed as legal counsel for the session on operational rules and governance structure. Members may have voted on recommendations to the Receiver regarding operational governance.

Licensing Board — July 24

The Licensing Board was scheduled to review a one-day wine and malt license application (#LL26-000027) from Fundacioneros Unidos en el exterior for an event at The Pena Hall, 272 Broadway, on July 26, 2026.

Budget & Finance Committee — July 28

The Budget and Finance Committee was set to discuss the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Municipal Budget along with several funding authorizations. Items included a $250,000 earmark for City Bridge Projects, $177,400 for Intersection Safety Signal Equipment, $10,000 for the Safe Route to Schools Sign and Lines Project, and a proposed $400,000 transfer from ARPA/Free Cash to the Prospering Lawrence Grant. The agenda also included a large volume of tabled items dating back to 2015.

Retirement Board — July 29

The Lawrence Retirement Board was scheduled to review the Year End 12/31/2025 Financial Statements Audit conducted by CBIZ. The board also planned to process superannuation for four individuals — William Henrick, Daniel Fleming, Felipe Ruiz, and William Castro — and address a tabled item regarding a Cola Base Increase. Monthly expense warrants, retiree payroll, and a PRIT wire redemption deposit were also listed.

Zoning Board of Appeals — July 30 (Cancelled)

The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting scheduled for July 30, 2026, was cancelled. Two continued petitions were on the agenda: a request by Ramon Baez for variances from Sections 29-15 and 29-18 to build a two-family dwelling at 85 Berkeley Street, and a request by God's Good Company LLC/Jessica King Green for variances from Sections 29-16 and 29-18 to create four apartments at 447-449 Essex Street. The next meeting is scheduled for August 28, 2026.

Coming Up

City Council — August 5, 7:00 p.m., City Council Chambers, Lawrence City Hall. The council is scheduled to vote on adopting a Vision Zero Policy to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries, authorizing a $177,400 Intersection Safety Signal Equipment Grant from MASS DOT, and authorizing a $250,000 earmark from Rep. Frank Moran for City Bridge Projects. The agenda also includes creating a new Deputy Director of Human Resources and Labor Relations position and rezoning a portion of Bay State Road and Jordan Street from General Industrial to Open Space Recreation.

Planning Board — August 5. The board will hold a public hearing on five special permit petitions, including a 20-unit multifamily mixed-use building at 348 Jackson Street, 20 residential units over existing commercial space at 199-229 Broadway, conversion of a four-unit dwelling to eight units at 273 Haverhill Street, two internally illuminated signs for a restaurant at 435A Winthrop Avenue, and two duplexes on a 5,915-square-foot lot at 367-371 Lowell Street.

Lawrence City Council Slated to Act on $455,000 in Grants and Bridge Funding; Multiple Boards Tackle Appointments, Zoning, and Housing Items

The Lawrence City Council had a busy two weeks, with agendas covering more than $455,000 in state grants and earmarks for intersection safety and bridge projects, a proposed Vision Zero traffic-safety policy, and several zoning and appointment matters. However, minutes for all recent meetings listed below have not yet been published, so outcomes — including final vote tallies — are not yet confirmed. Readers should consult the official minutes once posted.

City Council: Grants, Bridge Funding, and Vision Zero

The City Council's July 7 agenda included authorization of a $177,400 state grant for intersection safety signal equipment (docket 291/26) and a $250,000 state earmark for supplemental city bridge project costs (docket 292/26). Also listed was a $27,856.70 Mass DOT Aeronautics grant for Runway 5 drainage at the municipal airport.

The council was scheduled to hold a public hearing on a proposed update to the City Noise Ordinance (ORD # 09.04.040), referenced as docket 65/26. A separate public hearing on creating a Billing Analyst position was also on the agenda.

Councilors were set to vote on adopting a Vision Zero policy aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries. The rezoning of city land off Bay State Road and Jordan Street from industrial to Open Space Recreation was listed as docket 46/25, along with a proposal to name a new park on Bay State Road as "Billy Robertson Park" (docket 269/26).

A special council meeting on July 15 had a single item: the appointment of William J. Maloney as Second Assistant City Attorney.

Housing Committee: Hubbard Place Discontinuance and Housing Production Plan

On July 13, the Housing Committee took up a request from Planning Director Daniel McCarthy to discontinue Hubbard Place as a public way. The committee also reviewed a long list of tabled items, including a surplus declaration for a Summer Street parcel (Map 107, Lot 48), multiple transfers of city-owned parcels to the Lawrence Redevelopment Authority for urban renewal projects on South Canal, Methuen Street, Essex Street, and Common Street, approval of the city's new Housing Production Plan, and disposition of real property at 389 Water Street, presented by Acting Community Development Director Charlinett Pascual. Much of the agenda consisted of pending business dating back to 2010.

Ordinance & Intergovernmental Relations Committee

The Ordinance Committee on July 14 considered the Vision Zero resolution and the Hubbard Place discontinuance request. Special event permits on the agenda included a Children's Day flag football and backpack drive at Kane Park and Chico's Summer Shootout back-to-school event at Lorenz Playground. A zoning change request at 46 Winthrop Avenue, tabled from June 16, was also listed.

Personnel Committee: Appointments Across City Boards

The Personnel and Administration Committee on July 15 reviewed the Maloney appointment as Second Assistant City Attorney, along with appointments and re-appointments to the Lawrence Municipal Airport Commission. Also listed: Juan Miguel Lopez to the Licensing Board, John Manuel Rigal to the Board of Registrars, proposed creation of a Billing Analyst position in the Water Department and an Executive Assistant position in the Police Department, and a proposed new ordinance for a "Manager of Financial and Administrative Services" position (02.64.060).

Licensing Board: Business Applications and Nightclub Incident

The Licensing Board on July 15 considered a change of manager for Cavallo Restaurant and Dinner LLC at 297 So Broadway, a location change for Luzon LLC from 276 Essex St. to 76 Bennington St., a Class II dealer license for Pegy Auto Sales at 413-415 Market St., and common VIC license applications for Saritas Restaurant (20-22 So Union St.) and Salad Accent (132 So Union St.). The board also reviewed complaint report #26003865 regarding an after-hours incident at TNS Night Club, 416 Park St.

Airport Commission: Holt Road Parcel Lease

The Airport Commission held a special meeting July 15 to review RFP proposals for a land lease of the Holt Road Parcel, with discussion expected in executive session.

Lawrence Housing Authority: Stadium Courts Repairs

The LHA Board of Commissioners on July 14 reviewed a ratification of a contract award for Stadium Courts siding, window, and porch roof replacement, a tenant account receivable write-off, and an executive session discussion on real estate.

Commission on Disability: Festival Co-Sponsorship

On July 8, the Commission on Disability voted on whether to co-sponsor the Festival De Teatro Lawrence scheduled for August 2026 and finalized details for the Disability Month flag-raising ceremony.

Coming Up

July 22 — Lawrence Redevelopment Authority: The board may vote on issuing an RFP for licensed real-estate brokerage services to sell the Hydro Unit at 300 Canal Street. Other items include extending Executive Director Octavien Spanner's appointment, an addendum to the agreement with Carras Community Investment, Inc., up to a $50,000 sponsorship for the 2026 "Si Lawrence Family Festival," and a $12,500 reimbursement to Nehkodah Architects for the 147 Haverhill Street Music School Project.

Lawrence City Council to Consider $455,000 in Grants and Bridge Funds; Airport Drainage, Vision Zero Policy on Agenda

Lawrence's City Council has the busiest agenda of the past two weeks, with items totaling more than $455,000 in proposed state grants and bridge project funds, plus a proposed traffic-safety policy and a noise-ordinance update. All meetings listed below are agenda-only; minutes have not yet been published, so no outcomes or votes are confirmed.

City Council — July 7

The council's agenda includes authorization to accept $27,856.70 in MassDOT Aeronautics Grants for drainage improvements on Runway 5 at Lawrence Municipal Airport, split into two authorizations of $5,409.36 and $22,447.34. Also on the agenda: a $177,400 state grant for intersection safety signal equipment and a $250,000 state earmark for supplemental city bridge project costs.

The council is scheduled to hold public hearings on a proposed update to the City Noise Ordinance (ORD # 09.04.040) and on creating a Billing Analyst position. A resolution to adopt a "Vision Zero Policy" to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries is listed for consideration.

Other items include rezoning city land off Bay State Road and Jordan Street from industrial to Open Space Recreation, and naming a new park on Bay State Road as "Billy Robertson Park."

Budget & Finance Committee — June 29

This committee is scheduled to consider the same two MassDOT Aeronautics Grant authorizations totaling $27,856.70 for Runway 5 drainage improvements at Lawrence Municipal Airport.

Personnel Committee — June 29

The committee will vote on extending Santiago Matias' temporary role as Planning and Development Director by 90 days (item 264/26). Appointments listed include Valencia Tanairi to the Conservation Commission (265/26) and Rolando DeCastro to the Lawrence Redevelopment Authority (266/26). Two items remain tabled: appointing Robert J. Blackwell to the Redevelopment Authority (231/26) and Carmen Garcia-King to the Airport Commission (205/26).

Planning Board — July 1

A public hearing is scheduled on a special permit for four apartments in an existing commercial building at 447-449 Essex Street in the B-3 district. The board will also continue a case for 9 Osgood Street by Osgood Street Partners LLC and appoint a chairperson and vice chairperson.

Retirement Board — June 30

The board will discuss and potentially approve its FY27 office budget and vote on superannuation retirements for Michael McCarthy and Jose Perez. Updates on GASB 67/68 disclosures as of 12/31/2025 are listed. A COLA base increase and a declaratory judgment remain tabled from prior meetings.

School Committee — July 1

A procedural training workshop was scheduled, covering Effective School Boards Training, governance coaching, community engagement, and time-use evaluation. No official business or votes were planned.

Commission on Disability — July 8

The commission will vote on co-sponsoring the Festival De Teatro Lawrence in August 2026 and finalize details for this year's Disability Month flag-raising ceremony.

Coming Up

• **July 13 — Housing Committee:** Request to discontinue Hubbard Place as a public way, surplus declaration of a parcel on Summer Street (Map 107, Lot 48), and approval of the city's new Housing Production Plan.
• **July 14 — Ordinance & Intergovernmental Relations Committee:** Resolution adopting a Vision Zero policy, request to discontinue Hubbard Place, and special event permits for Children's Day at Kane Park and Chico's Summer Shootout at Lorenz Playground.
• **July 14 — Lawrence Housing Authority:** Ratification of contract award for Stadium Courts siding, window, and porch roof replacement; tenant account receivable write-off.
• **July 15 — City Council (special meeting):** Appointment of William J. Maloney as Second Assistant City Attorney.
• **July 15 — Personnel Committee:** Maloney appointment, appointments to the Airport Commission, Licensing Board, and Board of Registrars, and proposed new positions in the Water and Police departments.
• **July 15 — Licensing Board:** Change of manager for Cavallo Restaurant and Dinner LLC at 297 So Broadway, relocation of Luzon LLC from 276 Essex St. to 76 Bennington St., and a complaint report regarding after-hours activity at TNS Night Club, 416 Park St.

Lawrence City Council set to vote on $455,000 in grants and earmarks July 7; recent board minutes not yet published

The Lawrence City Council meets July 7 to consider more than $455,000 in state grants and earmarks, a rezoning of city land to open space recreation, and adoption of a Vision Zero traffic safety policy. Meanwhile, minutes from nine board and committee meetings held over the past two weeks have not yet been published, so outcomes of those sessions are not confirmed.

City Council — July 7

The council's agenda includes two MassDOT Aeronautics Grants totaling $27,856.70 for Runway 5 drainage improvements at Lawrence Municipal Airport, a $177,400 state grant for intersection safety signal equipment (item 291/26), and a $250,000 state earmark for supplemental city bridge project costs (item 292/26).

The council will hold a public hearing on a proposed update to the City Noise Ordinance (item 65/26, ORD # 09.04.040) and a public hearing on creating a Billing Analyst position. Members will also vote on rezoning city land off Bay State Road and Jordan Street from industrial to Open Space Recreation (item 46/25), adopting a Vision Zero policy to eliminate traffic fatalities, and naming a new park on Bay State Road as "Billy Robertson Park" (item 269/26). Numerous appointments to boards and commissions are also listed.

Recent Meetings — Agendas Only, Minutes Pending

All nine meetings held between June 23 and July 1 are listed as agenda-only with minutes not yet published. What follows reflects what was scheduled for discussion or votes; confirmed outcomes are not available.

Airport and Drainage Funding

The Airport Commission met June 25 to review a design presentation for an administration building replacement project, a lease request from Eagle East for additional aviation space, a Safelite North Andover parking agreement renewal, and annual landing, parking, and tie-down fees. An executive session regarding Charles Street was also scheduled.

The Budget & Finance Committee met June 29 to consider two authorizations to expend MassDOT Aeronautics Grants for Runway 5 drainage improvements: $5,409.36 and $22,447.34, totaling $27,856.70.

Zoning and Development

The Zoning Board of Appeals met June 25 to hear a continued petition from MBAG LLC seeking dimensional and parking variances for a 30-unit mixed-use building at 348 Jackson St. New cases included Ramon Baez requesting variances for a two-family dwelling at 85 Berkeley St, Opalos Café requesting a variance and special permit for liquor use at 89-95 Essex St, and God's Good Company LLC requesting variances to create four apartments at 447-449 Essex St. The board was also scheduled to accept the resignation of Frederick Diaz and appoint a vice chair.

The Planning Board met July 1 for a public hearing on a special permit for four apartments at 447-449 Essex St in a B-3 district, a continued case for 9 Osgood Street by Osgood Street Partners LLC, and appointment of a chairperson and vice chairperson.

The Ordinance & Intergovernmental Relations Committee met June 23 to discuss a zoning change request at 46 Winthrop Avenue from Elias Kanj, naming a park on Baystate Road as "Billy Robertson Park," and naming the corner of Haverhill and Amesbury Streets as "Anthony DiFruscia Square." Tabled items included a proposed ordinance prohibiting city employees from serving on boards and a vote to opt into the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program.

Licensing, Personnel, and Retirement

The Licensing Board met June 24 to consider a liquor license transfer and manager change for Tavern on Merrimack, LLC at 275 Merrimack St., amend its internal rules and regulations, and hold a noise complaint hearing for Cavallo Restaurant and El Barrio Restaurant at 297 So Broadway.

The Personnel Committee met June 29 to vote on extending Santiago Matias as Planning & Development Director for 90 days (item 264/26), appointing Valencia Tanairi to the Conservation Commission (265/26), and appointing Rolando DeCastro to the Lawrence Redevelopment Authority (266/26). Tabled items included appointing Robert J. Blackwell to the Redevelopment Authority (231/26) and Carmen Garcia-King to the Airport Commission (205/26).

The Retirement Board met June 30 to discuss and potentially approve its FY27 office budget, vote on superannuation retirements for Michael McCarthy and Jose Perez, and review GASB 67/68 disclosures as of 12/31/2025. A COLA base increase and a declaratory judgment remained tabled.

The School Committee held a professional development training workshop July 1 covering governance coaching, community engagement, and time use evaluation. No official business or votes were scheduled.

Coming Up

• **City Council** — July 7, with votes on $455,000 in grants and earmarks, Vision Zero policy, noise ordinance update, and rezoning of land off Bay State Road and Jordan Street.
• Residents can check the city website for published minutes confirming outcomes of the June 23–July 1 meetings.

No Final Votes in Sight as Lawrence Boards Advance Zoning, Appointments, and Airport Spending

In a two-week stretch where minutes for all recent public meetings remained unpublished, Lawrence residents saw a flurry of agenda items—ranging from a 30-unit mixed-use building to grants for airport drainage—but no final board decisions were available for review. The agendas, drawn from official postings, show city bodies advancing proposals on land use, licenses, appointments, and infrastructure spending, with several matters now heading toward the City Council for potential action.

Zoning and Development

The Zoning Board of Appeals on June 25 took up a continued petition from MBAG LLC for dimensional and parking variances to build a 30-unit mixed-use building at 348 Jackson St. The board also heard new requests: a two-family dwelling at 85 Berkeley St., a liquor license and special permit for Opalos Café at 89-95 Essex St., and variances to convert a commercial building into four apartments at 447-449 Essex St. The Planning Board separately scheduled a July 1 public hearing on the same four-apartment project at 447-449 Essex, along with a continued case for 9 Osgood Street. None of these matters have recorded votes yet.

Earlier, the Ordinance & Intergovernmental Relations Committee on June 23 discussed a zoning change request at 46 Winthrop Ave., park and square namings (“Billy Robertson Park” and “Anthony DiFruscia Square”), and several tabled items, including a ban on city employees serving on boards and a vote to join the PACE clean-energy program. All those items remain under committee review.

Licensing and Public Safety

The Licensing Board on June 24 handled a liquor license transfer and manager change for Tavern on Merrimack, LLC at 275 Merrimack St., along with proposed amendments to its internal rules. Noise complaints at two restaurants—Cavallo and El Barrio at 297 South Broadway—were also on the docket. No outcomes were published.

Airport and Infrastructure Spending

The Airport Commission on June 25 reviewed plans for a new administration building, a lease request for additional aviation space from Eagle East, a parking renewal with Safelite North Andover, and annual landing, parking, and tie-down fees. An executive session related to Charles Street was listed but no details were provided.

On the money side, the Budget & Finance Committee on June 29 considered two MassDOT Aeronautics Grants totaling $27,856.70 for Runway 5 drainage improvements. The full City Council is expected to take up those grants on July 7, along with a larger $177,400 state grant for intersection safety signal equipment and $250,000 in state earmarks for bridge project supplemental costs.

Appointments and Personnel

The Personnel Committee on June 29 prepared votes on extending Planning & Development Director Santiago Matias’s temporary appointment by 90 days, and on appointments to the Conservation Commission (Valencia Tanairi) and the Lawrence Redevelopment Authority (Rolando DeCastro). Two earlier appointments—Robert J. Blackwell to the Redevelopment Authority and Carmen Garcia-King to the Airport Commission—remained tabled.

The Retirement Board that week reviewed its FY27 office budget, GASB 67/68 disclosures, and superannuation retirements for Michael McCarthy and Jose Perez, but left a COLA base increase tabled. The School Committee held a governance training workshop on July 1 with no official votes.

Coming up

Lawrence City Council will meet on July 7 with a packed agenda. Public hearings are scheduled on a proposed noise ordinance update and on creating a Billing Analyst position. Councillors will vote on a Vision Zero policy to eliminate traffic fatalities, the airport drainage grants, the intersection safety signal grant, bridge funding, and the rezoning of city land off Bay State and Jordan streets to open space recreation. They will also consider naming the new park on Bay State as Billy Robertson Park and handle several board appointments. The meeting is open to the public.