Photo courtesy of the UML ICC’s Website.

InsideLowell has learned that migrants will not begin moving into the UMass Lowell Inn & Conference Center tomorrow, as scheduled.

Governor Maura Healey’s Office announced on November 13th that a deal had been struck with UML to lease the facility as an emergency shelter for one year, with a one-year option to renew. At the time, the Healey Administration stated December 1 as the day migrants would begin moving in.

That timeline has been pushed back however, as multiple sources tell us details are still being hammered out and that the “service provider is not yet ready.” Indications are that provider is Commonwealth Care Alliance (CCA), with potential assistance from local agency Community Teamwork Incorporated, which is providing similar services to the Days Inn in Methuen.

Kathleen Plath, CTI’s Director of Communications and Marketing, confirmed that the organization is in discussions with CCA about providing some of the required services, however “it is still to be determined what that will look like, and how Community Teamwork can best assist.”

As for when the influx of residents is expected to begin, the new target date is not yet known, though “sometime before Christmas” is the new time frame being bandied about in local political circles.

Another question often asked locally is whether Lowell or UMass Lowell Police will be responsible for security at the facility.

In a note to City Councilors, City Manager Tom Golden indicates there will be a private security firm in charge of the property and that Lowell PD will be doing a walk thru next week for a security check with the private firm.