The Lowell Sun
However, there's an argument in the city as to where UTEC should be located. The much-praised center, nearing its sixth anniversary, is currently housed on Merrimack Street, but some downtown merchants are complaining. They say teens from UTEC sometimes congregate outside their doors shouting, smoking, occasionally swearing keeping customers away. They want UTEC to move out of downtown.
The teen center has been on Merrimack Street only since June. For more than five years, it was located on Kirk Street, in a space owned by St. Anne's Episcopal Church. That location was perfect, tucked away on a side street but still in downtown, which is gang-neutral territory. Unfortunately, St. Anne's needed the space to expand its own programs.
The directors of UTEC understand business owners' concerns and are searching for a new home. The Merrimack Street location has always been considered a temporary location, however, directors feel it's vital to keep UTEC in the downtown area. Two spots now being considered are on upper Merrimack Street, away from merchants, and on Central Street, near Hurd Street. The upper Merrimack Street location appears preferable as it is away from merchants, shoppers and the District Court, but only a short walk from Lowell High School and downtown proper.
UTEC directors and employees are caring, dedicated people who are doing admirable work. The youths who attend the center, between 13 and 23 years of age, are seeking to improve their lives through education, work and positive activities. The program is a national model.
UTEC youths and workers have held voter registration drives, cleaned up litter, helped kids avoid drugs, alcohol and gangs, and held peace vigils. These worthy pursuits must be allowed to continue.
Youths have been asked to tone down their language and avoid clogging the sidewalks by hanging out in clusters. Merchants and downtown shoppers need to show a little patience and understanding until UTEC finds a permanent home.
Saturday, January 22, 2005 - There's no doubt the United Teen Equality Center offers a much-needed safe haven for Lowell teenagers. The center provides gang intervention, GED assistance, job placement, outreach, classes in computer repair, multimedia and dance, to name just a few offerings.