By Ken Ward

Springfield Times Intern

LOWELL – To build or not to build?

That is the question that has the City of Lowell abuzz. However, there seems to be no end in sight in the near future.

City councilors failed to reach any verdict regarding the Urban Renewal Plan at a meeting held Tuesday night at the Lowell Fire Department. They opted instead to shelve the issue for a later date.

After the meeting, mayor Warren Weathers said the focus is now on the new sewer and water project which calls for expanded utility service.

"Urban renewal and the water project are separate issues," Weathers said. He added that the water and sewer project would have to be settled first because of limited stimulus funds.

Councilor Bill George agreed.

"If we don't do this now, we would be irresponsible council members," George said. "We have a very limited window of opportunity."

Lowell City Administrator Chuck Spies, however, acknowledged that the Urban Renewal Plan would still have to be pushed.

"We all agree it's important for the community, and we're not giving up on it," Spies said.

Members of the community were given the opportunity to discuss the issue when the plan was brought up as old business Tuesday.

Lowell resident Gary Reese stepped up to the podium wearing a stethoscope around his neck, as well as a purple t-shirt that said "No Means No Even in Lowell," to address the councilors. He said that he was tired of the "disregard of public input."

For more on this story and other news from around the Springfield area, be sure to pick up a copy of the Feb. 5 issue of Springfield Times, available at news racks and stores all around the area. Look under the 'Newspaper Locations' link on this site to find out where. To subscribe to the paper, call 741-7368 or stop by 741 Main St.