15-Minute Neighborhood in Lowell

Boundaries and Scope: In a 15-minute neighborhood, all necessities must be accessible by public means of travel. Public means of travel include walking, biking, and public transit, or a combination of the three. It does not, however, include any form of automobile use. Instead, the 15-minute neighborhood aims to Improve sustainability and climate resiliency by lowering emissions from automobiles. Ideally, a 15-minute neighborhood should also promote public health, placemaking, and community development.

Placemaking is critical for any 15-minute neighborhood because it leads to the creation of vibrant spaces, thereby encouraging residents to walk, bike, or make use of public spaces. Additionally, the 15-minute neighborhood planning model decentralizes a local economy. A 15-minute neighborhood should feature all aspects of urban living-from workspaces and businesses, to recreation, green areas, and a diversity of housing options. While 15- minute neighborhoods follow these basic principles, the model can be Implemented in a variety of ways to meet resident needs.

Existing Conditions: The team identified the existing demographics, uses of mobility, economic development and economic status of the neighborhood, housing production, and open spaces and recreation.

Gap Analysis of the Acre Compared to 15-Minute Neighborhood Model: Based on this definition, and an analysis of existing conditions and present amenities, the Acre is not currently a 15-minute neighborhood. While there are areas that meet the criteria for a 15-minute neighborhood, there are also areas that require significant improvements. Residents of the Acre are disproportionately disadvantaged on a variety of metrics when compared to other neighborhoods in Lowell.

Administrative Recommendations: The most notable administrative recommendation is to create a comprehensive neighborhood plan that aligns the vision and input of multiple stakeholders, including residents. This plan should guide the implementation of the 15-minute neighborhood model and ensure that it reflects the needs and priorities of the community.

Mobility Recommendations: The plan emphasizes improving pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, suggesting the construction of safer and cleaner roadways, widened sidewalks, repaired curb cuts, tree planting, and the addition of wayfinding signage. The recommendations also call for prioritizing mobility in extreme weather conditions by ensuring timely snow clearing on sidewalks and bike lanes.

Economic Development Recommendations: Recognizing the need for job opportunities within the neighborhood, the plan recommends supporting existing businesses and attracting new businesses that align with the 15-minute neighborhood model. The plan suggests incentivizing businesses to open in the Acre to meet the needs of residents.

Housing Recommendations: The plan underscores the need for diverse housing options, encouraging developers and the City of Lowell to construct new market-rate housing to support local businesses and increase the neighborhood's purchasing power.

Open Space and Recreation Recommendations: The plan recommends creating small pocket parks using available underutilized parcels, strategically locating them throughout the neighborhood to maximize resident access. It suggests expanding the operating hours of recreational facilities, particularly during after-school hours and weekends, to promote increased usage.