PHOTO BY PAULA MULLER
From left, Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy, Lt Gov. Karyn Polito and EDIC Director James Cowdell look over the downtown area from the train tracks.
BY GAYLA CAWLEY
LYNN — Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito toured buildings and places in need of rejuvenation in the downtown Tuesday.
Polito was in Lynn to witness the Transformative Development Initiative (TDI), a redevelopment initiative for gateway cities designed to enhance public-private partnerships, improve the quality of life for residents and spur investment and economic activity.
The partnership, comprised of City Hall, the Economic Development & Industrial Corp. (EDIC), Lynn Housing Authority and Neighborhood Development and the Hall Co., has been studying how to remake the downtown.
Joseph Mulligan, a MassDevelopment fellow, who is coordinating the effort on behalf of the Commonwealth’s economic development and finance agency, conducted the tour. Included in the excursion was the shuttered former Lynn Item building on Exchange Street, the Grand Army of the Republic Museum on Andrew Street and other vacant properties with potential near the MBTA’s Central Square station.
James Cowdell, EDIC’s executive director, said the buildings included in the initiative are those that need help to be developed, including major renovations and tenants.
“What we want is market rate housing in most of these buildings,” Cowdell said.
Polito said Mulligan has been asked to plan for the transformation of the district into a more lively place. She said the initiatives are important in transforming places like Lynn, especially given the high costs of living in Boston. It will help make Lynn an attractive alternative to the Hub, by improving the quality of life, the arts and cultural district, she added.
“Lynn is ready for that opportunity,” Polito said.
State Rep. Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn) called the TDI another tool in the city’s toolbox.
“It really takes a lot of work to put together the pieces to make a successful downtown,” he said.
Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy said city officials were excited to show Polito some of the buildings that needed to be renovated.
Also on hand for the tour was Sen. Thomas McGee (D-Lynn), a strong advocate to extend the MBTA’s Blue Line into the city.
“It’s a very exciting time for the city of Lynn,” he said.
Gayla Cawley can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @GaylaCawley.
