News Flash

It is with profound sadness we share news of the passing of our dear colleague and true friend, Philip L. Shea.

Phil was an avid supporter of housing and a mentor to many. More important than any title or role he held, Phil was a genuine friend to all of us. He led with kindness, wisdom, and an open heart, always willing to listen, guide, and support those around him. His presence brought reassurance, his counsel brought clarity, and his friendship meant more than words can express. His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched, and he will be deeply and forever missed.

Phil dedicated his life to public service. He served with distinction as a former Lowell City Councilor, State Representative, State Senator, and most recently as Chairman of the Board of Commissioners at the Lowell Housing Authority. The latter of which he took the most pride in. Phil grew up in public housing and was never afraid to let anyone know this about him.  As Phil would say, he ended his career where he began. Throughout his career, he remained an exemplary role model, guided by integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to public service.

Please keep Phil’s family, friends, and loved ones in your thoughts during this difficult time.

We are in for a few days of extreme heat from Monday, June 23rd through Wednesday, June 25th.

Best Practices to Prevent Heat Related Illness:

• Stay Hydrated- do not wait until you are thirsty, drink water throughout the day, and avoid caffeine and alcohol
• Stay Inside- close your blinds/shades/curtains and stay indoors
• Air Conditioning- if you do not have an air conditioner in your unit, please utilize the air conditioned Community Room in your development
• Air Flow- fans and kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans can help circulate air flow
• Cold Compress- a cold water bottle or facecloth can be placed on pulse points (wrists, inside of elbows, behind knees, behind ears, or bottom of your throat) for cooling
• Eat Light- fruits and salads will help you to stay hydrated and reduce the amount of metabolic heat required to digest heavy foods
• Wear Loose Clothing- avoid wearing dark colors, and opt for loose fitting lightweight fibers, such as cotton or linen
• Avoid Using Ovens and Laundry Facilities- hot appliances add heat
• Be Vigilant- check on your friends and neighbors, especially the elderly

If you are feeling heat related illness or notice that a friend/neighbor is, Call 9-1-1. 

Splash Pads will be open with extended hours (12 - 8pm), Monday through Wednesday.

Locations Include:

O'Donnell Park- 1170 Gorham St.

Shedd Park- 453 Rogers St.

Armory Park- 50 Westford St.

Mulligan Park- 89 Plain St.

The Concord River Mill community recently experienced a heartwarming event, thanks to the initiative of Resident Service Coordinator, Kiss Quick. A toiletry giveaway was organized to support the residents of the community. This generous act provided essential items such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, and deodorant to those in need.

Beyond the physical benefits, the event fostered a sense of community and belonging among residents. It provided an opportunity for people to connect, socialize, and receive support in a friendly and welcoming environment.

It is with profound sadness we share news of the passing of our dear colleague and true friend, Philip L. Shea.

Phil was an avid supporter of housing and a mentor to many. More important than any title or role he held, Phil was a genuine friend to all of us. He led with kindness, wisdom, and an open heart, always willing to listen, guide, and support those around him. His presence brought reassurance, his counsel brought clarity, and his friendship meant more than words can express.

Years ago, in recognition of Phil's deep devotion to our community, our annual scholarship awards reception was named after him. The Philip L. Shea Annual Scholarship Awards Reception stands as a long-standing tribute to Phil's belief in the power of opportunity, ensuring that his name remains synonymous with the advancement and success of our community’s youth.

Phil dedicated his life to public service. He served with distinction as a former Lowell City Councilor, State Representative, State Senator, and most recently as Chairman of the Board of Commissioners at the Lowell Housing Authority. The latter of which he took the most pride in. Phil grew up in public housing and was never afraid to let anyone know this about him.  As Phil would say, he ended his career where he began. Throughout his career, he remained an exemplary role model, guided by integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to public service. 

His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched, and he will be deeply and forever missed. Please keep Phil’s family, friends, and loved ones in your thoughts during this difficult time.

On the evening of Wednesday, August 6th, the Mercier Center hosted a gathering that was small in scale but massive in significance.

The Lowell Youth Activities Program Board, along with a close-knit group of mentors and loved ones, came together for an intimate reception to honor eight remarkable young adults. These scholars, all residents of Lowell Housing Authority properties, are either beginning or continuing their journeys toward higher education this Fall.

Away from the noise of a large event, the evening provided a dedicated space for the "inner circle" of these students, the people who have witnessed their hard work firsthand, to see them receive the recognition they truly deserve.

Our 2025 recipients are a testament to what Lowell’s youth can achieve with hard work and the right support. Through these awards, the Lowell Youth Activities Program is dedicated to reducing the financial hurdles that can limit a student's path. We look forward to seeing all they will accomplish.

Congratulations to our eight 2025 scholarship winners!

This year marks a historic milestone for the Lowell Youth Activities Program as it celebrates its 30th anniversary of empowering local youth. To honor three decades of service, the community gathered on Thursday, June 20th, at the Dragonfly Cafe for the annual Philip L. Shea Scholarship Awards Reception.

The event served as a heartfelt celebration of the academic achievements and higher education goals of students residing in Lowell Housing Authority properties.

An Inspiring Keynote

Adding to the evening’s inspiration was keynote speaker Cathy Mercado, Executive Director of the Merrimack Valley Housing Partnership. A lifelong Lowell resident and former LHA HomeownershipVoucher participant, Mercado’s personal journey from housing assistance to executive leadership served as a powerful testament to what the scholarship recipients can achieve.

Community-Driven Support

The success of LYAP and its scholarship program relies heavily on the generosity of local sponsors and donors. The LYAP community would be remiss if it did not acknowledge the profound impact of the late Robert "Bob" J. McMahon, a former LHA Chairman and dedicated public servant who passed away in June of 2024.

A true champion for the people of Lowell, Bob’s commitment to housing and youth development was lifelong. In a final testament to his character, his family requested that donations in his memory be made to the Lowell Youth Activities Program. The outpouring of generosity from those who knew and loved Bob significantly bolstered the scholarship fund this year, ensuring that his legacy of service lives on through the next generation of Lowell’s leaders.

Building a Stronger Merrimack Corridor

In late 2023, RENU reached a significant milestone in our mission to revitalize the Merrimack Corridor. We conducted a comprehensive Architectural Zoning and Yield Analysis for our proposed development, a study that serves as a roadmap for transforming three key blocks west of Downtown Lowell into a vibrant, sustainable, and welcoming community hub.

As part of our commitment to transparency and community engagement, we are excited to share the results.

Turning Potential into Progress

Lowell is a Gateway City with incredible character and untapped potential. While the project site currently sits in an under resourced neighborhood, RENU sees a clear opportunity for new economy investment.

Our analysis, supported by the technical expertise of ZeroEnergy Design, focuses on transforming these blocks into a mixed use, walkable, and transit oriented destination. By modernizing how we use this land, we aim to create a space that is:

• Affordable- Expanding high-quality housing options for Lowell families.

• Accessible- Designed for everyone, from pedestrians to transit users.

• Safe- Creating vibrant, well lit streets that feel welcoming to all.

A Shared Vision for Lowell

We are not just building structures. We are helping realize the City’s own goals. RENU has aligned our design strategy with the Lowell Comprehensive Master Plan, prioritizing:

• Livability & Place-Making- Creating spaces where people actually want to spend time.

• Responsibility & Longevity- Building for the next generation, not just next year.

• Modern Zoning- Actively supporting the Planning Department’s efforts to modernize city ordinances to better serve current and future residents.

Site Specific Highlights

Our yield analysis provided a detailed look at how to best utilize the available land to balance housing needs with neighborhood character:

• Block 1- While this site is capable of yielding over 100 units, RENU is proposing a sensitive infill approach of 75 units. This crucial decision allows us to preserve vital open green space beside the Mercier Community Center, ensuring the neighborhood remains breathable and green.

• Block 2- This site is designed for maximum impact, reflecting the City's goals for the Merrimack Street corridor while ensuring we retain significant on-site parking to support local needs.

• Block 3- Our analysis showed that current zoning makes standard development here inefficient. We are currently exploring alternative uses for these parcels to ensure they contribute meaningfully to the neighborhood's long term health.

The Path Forward

We believe that the long term success of affordable housing requires more than just checking boxes. It requires a strategy that aligns perfectly with the city’s growth. We have formally submitted these findings to the Lowell Housing Authority and are eager to discuss our recommendations further.

We look forward to continuing this dialogue with city leaders and, most importantly, with the residents of the Merrimack Corridor. Our goal is to create a development that is healthy, successful, and a point of pride for all of Lowell.

Introducing the Merrimack Corridor Development Project

Following a year of strategic planning and rigorous analysis, RENU is moving forward with the Merrimack Corridor Development Project, a shovel-ready initiative designed to bring 118 units of high quality, affordable rental housing to the heart of Lowell.

From Underutilized to Unstoppable

Working alongside the architectural experts at Zero Energy Design, we identified a 1.05 acre parcel across Decatur, Cabot, and Merrimack Streets with incredible potential. What was once vacant land adjacent to the Mercier Center will soon become:

The Decatur St. Site: A six-story building featuring 90 units.

The Cabot St. Site: A four-story building featuring 28 units.

A Partnership for Progress

Realizing a project of this scale requires a dream team. We are proud to have executed a Memorandum of Understanding with Trinity Financial, Inc. as our development partner. Together with the Lowell Housing Authority and the RENU Board of Directors, we have crafted a plan that ensures these homes remain accessible to those who need them most.

Deep Affordability Where It Matters

We aren't just building apartments, we are building stability. The 118 units are thoughtfully designed to serve a range of families:

• 90 Units will be highly affordable, with residents paying just 30% of their adjusted gross income, supported by Project-Based Vouchers and HUD subsidies.

• 28 Units will be designated for households earning up to 80% of the Area Median Income.

• Family Centric Design: The mix includes 42 one-bedroom, 61 two-bedroom, and 15 three-bedroom units to accommodate families of all sizes.

The Road Ahead

The Merrimack Corridor Project is currently in a critical phase. We have officially submitted our final application to the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities for essential funding and tax-exempt bond volume caps for 2026.

While we await a decision (anticipated in February 2026), our team isn't slowing down. We are actively finalizing:

• Equity Investor Partnerships

• Construction Contractor Proposals

• Environmental Reviews and HUD due diligence

Thank You for Standing With Us

This project has received overwhelming support from our local government and the Lowell community. It is a testament to what we can achieve when we prioritize the housing needs of our neighbors.

We look forward to breaking ground and continuing our work to make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of Lowell residents. Stay tuned for more updates as we move closer to making these 118 homes a reality!

We are thrilled to officially announce that the Revitalization Effort Towards New Urbanism (RENU), a non-profit affiliate of the Lowell Housing Authority, along with its development partner, Trinity Financial, has been awarded Low-Income Housing Tax Credit funds and state subsidies to bring the Merrimack Corridor Development to life.

This news comes as part of a historic $140 million announcement from Governor Maura Healey and Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, aimed at tackling the housing crisis across the Commonwealth. For us at RENU, this isn't just a financial win, it is the green light to start building the future our community deserves.

Located near the UMass Lowell campus, the Merrimack Corridor Development is a partnership between RENU and Trinity Financial. This project is designed to be more than just a roof over someone's head. It is a sustainable, welcoming community.

The impact of this funding includes:

• 118 New Homes: affordable to households at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI)
• Deep Affordability: 90 homes at or below 60% AMI, and 39 homes at or below 30% AMI
• Sustainable Excellence: The buildings are designed to achieve Passive House standards and meet Enterprise Green Communities criteria, ensuring that our residents have healthy, energy-efficient homes that are kind to the environment                                     

We want to extend our deepest thanks to the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities and the Healey-Driscoll Administration for believing in our vision. We also want to thank our partners at Trinity Financial, our State Delegation, and the Lowell City Manager’s Office. Stay tuned to this blog and our social media channels for construction updates, groundbreaking dates, and information on the future leasing process.