Conservation Commission

CONSERVATION COMMISSION LOWELL, MASSACHUSETTS October 23, 2024 Note: These minutes are not completed verbatim. For further detail, video recordings are available at the Pollard Library, second floor reference desk or online at www.LTC.org. This meeting was held both in person and virtually using Zoom. Members Present: Chairman Brad Buitenhuys, Commissioner Kevin Dillon, Commissioner Perry Downs, Commissioner Stephen Laput, Commissioner Marie Burns, Commissioner Paul Bellay Members Absent: Commissioner Roberto Cicarelli Others Present: Peter Cutrumbes, Assistant Planner CALL TO ORDER B. Buitenhuys called the meeting to order at 7:00pm with a quorum of members present. ORDER OF BUSINESS CONTINUED BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS Notice of Intent City of Lowell 375 Merrimack Street Lowell, MA 01852 DEP #206-0834 Project Location: 52 E. Merrimack Street (Lowell Memorial Auditorium) 01852 A Notice of Intent has been filed by the City of Lowell to repair the existing retaining wall, remove and replace the metal handrail, knee walls, pedestals, and concrete sidewalk along the Riverwalk at 52 E. Merrimack Street. The subject property is located in the Downtown Mixed-Use zoning district. All work will take place within the 100-foot buffer zone of the Concord River. On Behalf: Mike Riccardi, Engineer from TEC M. Riccardi summarized the project briefly. Repairing the wall along the Concord River riverwalk, specifically the portion by the Lowell Memorial Auditorium. The handrail is no longer connected, there is a hole in the retaining wall, and a jersey barrier is the only current protection for pedestrians. The new work will restore existing drainage patterns by evening out the sidewalk. They are using compost filter tubes to prevent pollution. Speaking in Favor: None Speaking in Opposition: None Discussion: B. Buitenhuys asked if it will be the same design as the rest of the Riverwalk. M. Riccardi said it will match the aesthetics. B. Buitenhuys noted that the conservation areas seem well protected and that the project seems low risk. K. Dillon asked for more information on the replacement bulbs on the lamps that are being replaced. He previously worked at LMA and has seen plows knock the bulbs into the river. Wants to make sure it is safe material. M. Riccardi provided this information and noted it is only two lamps. P. Belley said he went to the site today and noted the 6 inch gap between the sidewalk and the kneewall. He asked if the sidewalk will be brought even to the wall. M. Riccardi confirmed. Motion: P. Downs motioned to issue the OOC with a standard order of conditions, seconded by S. Laput, (6-0). OTHER BUSINESS 10/9 meeting minutes K. Dillon motioned to approve, seconded by M. Burns, (6-0). ADJOURNMENT M. Burns motioned to adjourn, seconded by S. Laput, (6-0). The time was 7:30 PM.