City Council Zoning Sub Committee

Office of the City Clerk City Hall • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 P: 978.674.4161 • F: 978.970.4007 www.LowellMA.gov Lowell City Council Michael Q. Geary City Clerk Regular Meeting Minutes Date: December 12, 2017 Time: 5:30 PM Location: City Council Chamber 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA Zoning SC December 12, 2017. PRESENT: Present on Roll Call were Chairman Milinazzo, C. Belanger, C. Rourke. Also present were Eric Slagle (Insp. Services), Christine O’Connor (City Solicitor), C. Mercier, Kevin Coughlin (DPD), C. Elliott, Manager Murphy and C. Leary. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER: Chairman Milinazzo called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM in the Council Chamber. C. Milinazzo outlined agenda items noting a public hearing on zoning ordinance was continued to this date. C. Milinazzo recognized various neighborhood groups that were present. ORDER OF BUSINESS: Mr. Slagle noted that there were three sections that the Planning Board wished to be amended; measurements concerning location of parking facilities proximity to dormitories, special permits for large scale residential projects along with deed restrictions to sale to non-profits, and dimensions for micro-business entities. Mr. Slagle noted that changes concerning parking facilities would not apply to any proposed projects on Merrimack Street at St. Jeanne D’Arc. Concerning large scale residential projects, Mr. Slagle noted that any transfer to non-profit would enact a payment by that entity for real estate taxes. Mr. Slagle outlined reasoning for micro-business ordinance indicating a need to assist small business in the City. C. Belanger questioned how measuring is currently performed. Mr. Slagle outlined that procedure and commented on research done regarding that size of businesses. C. Milinazzo questioned the 2000 square foot parameters. C. Mercier noted concern of parking on residential streets if garages were far away from dorms. Mr. Slagle reviewed the ordinance. C. Elliott questioned the need to move parking facilities of any site noting the challenges of parking in surrounding City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 2 of 2) neighborhoods. C. Milinazzo noted that further amendments can be made to the ordinance. Mr. Slagle noted that changed language will assist with enforcement of the ordinance. C. Milinazzo noted changes would give City more control. C. Milinazzo opened matter up to public and Jon Hamblett and Deb Forgione addressed the body. Motion by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Rourke to withdraw section concerning micro-business from the proposed ordinance for further review. Adopted per Roll Call vote 3 yeas. So voted. Motion by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Belanger to recommend to full Council adoption with remaining proposed changes. Adopted per Roll Call vote 3 yeas. So voted. ADJOURNMENT: Motion to Adjourn by C Belanger, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 6:20 PM Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov