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October 29, 2007

Good site, solid future

The Lowell Sun
Article Last Updated: 10/26/2007 11:56:28 AM EDT

It's no secret that UMass Lowell needs to upgrade its facilities or that nanotechnology and green chemistry are expected to be the economic future of this region.

By responding to the university's facilities needs, Chancellor Marty Meehan may help spark the growth of exciting new businesses in Greater Lowell. UMass Lowell's recently released facilities plan contains about $155 million in new buildings, including an $80 million Emerging Technology and Innovation Center to be built on the corner of University Avenue and VFW Highway, a highly visible site on North Campus.

We believe that to be an excellent location for a facility that academic, government and business leaders hope will create spin-off companies and good-paying jobs for skilled residents.

About a month before Meehan's announcement, City Manager Bernie Lynch had named the developer of the $500 million 10-year Hamilton Canal District project -- Trinity Financial of Boston. We hope the research and development that will eventually be conducted at UMass
Lowell's Emerging Technology facility will lead to a collaboration with Trinity and the city to incorporate satellite nanotechnology businesses and other research facilities into the Hamilton Canal District plan.
Trinity president James Keefe has proposed a mixed-use development -- a "vibrant urban village" -- that will include commercial, retail and offices as well as some residential use. That concept should tie in well with the new facilities to be constructed at UMass Lowell.

Meehan chose an excellent site for the Emerging Technology center, nestled in the heart of North Campus where science, mathematics and engineering are studied. It will allow for easy interaction between professors, scientists and students. It can also become a showpiece for the university and the city, attracting more interest and business to the area.

We commend Meehan for his site selection and look forward to the opening, scheduled for the beginning of the 2010 academic year.

Posted by Admin at October 29, 2007 11:29 AM