Redevelopment Authority

Meetings

  • 3rd Wednesday of every month

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes

Members

  1. Ana Medina

    Voting Member
    Email Ana Medina
    Phone: 978-407-3702

  1. Eddie Rosa

    Voting Member
    Email Eddie Rosa
    Phone:

  1. Eric Walker

    Voting Member
    Email Eric Walker
    Phone:

Urban Renewal Plan

Urban renewal is a strategy for redeveloping and revitalizing substandard, decadent and blighted open areas for residential, commercial, industrial, business, governmental, recreational, educational, hospital or other uses. Under M.G.L. Chapter 121B municipalities, through their urban renewal agencies, are authorized to undertake a wide range of public actions to address these conditions and to create the environment needed to attract and support private development and promote sound growth in designated neighborhoods. The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development’s Division of Community Services administers the urban renewal program, including assisting municipalities to establish and strengthen urban renewal agencies, and providing assistance and resources to prepare and implement urban renewal plans. 

What is the Lawrence Urban Renewal Plan?

The Lawrence Redevelopment Authority (LRA) is undertaking the creation of an urban renewal plan under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 121B and the regulatory requirements of 760 CMR 12.00, promulgated by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). The Plan will identify action steps that the LRA and other public and private partners can take to advance four key goals: 

  • Economic development 
  • Job creation 
  • Improved quality of life 
  • Fiscal stability

What areas of the city are included in the Urban Renewal Plan?

The LRA has identified a Study Area (available for viewing on the project website at www.lawrencetbd.com) but has not yet determined the final boundaries of the Urban Renewal Plan. This decision will be made as part of the community planning process.

Membership

The Lawrence Redevelopment Authority consists of Five (5) members. Four (4) members are appointed by the Mayor, and One member is appointed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. All Members shall be appointed to serve for initial terms of one, two, four, and five years, respectively.

Responsibilities

The Lawrence Redevelopment Authority shall have the following responsibility;

  • Under General Laws chapter 121 B Section 5, as well as Section 7. A housing or redevelopment authority shall elect from among its members a chairman and a vice-chairman, and may employ counsel, an executive director who shall be ex officio secretary of the authority,
  • Establish rehabilitation and design standards;
  • Assemble and dispose of land, including the taking of real estate through eminent domain;
  • Relocate businesses and residents occupying property in urban renewal areas;
  • Demolish and / or rehabilitate substandard structures;
  • Participate in real estate development and commercial revitalization;
  • Issue bonds, borrow money, invest funds, and receive grants; and
  • Accept gifts or requests.

Qualifications

All members of boards, commissions, authorities, and committees of the city, whether appointed by the mayor or the city council, shall be residents of the city unless otherwise provided for in the General Laws or in the Municipal Code, with the exception that no more than three members of the airport commission may be nonresidents. All applicants must be residents of the City of Lawrence. Download the application (PDF). Boards and commissions applications are also available at the:

City of Lawrence, Office of the Mayor
200 Common Street
3rd Floor
Lawrence, MA 01840

Applications

The deadline for applications is until selected and filled. Please send your application to the Mayor's Office. Said appointment is subject to the appointment of the Mayor  and the confirmation of the Lawrence City Council. The City of Lawrence is an Equal Opportunity Employer.