Planning Board

City of Lowell - Planning Board Planning Board Meeting Minutes Monday April 18, 2024 6:30 p.m. City Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, City Hall City of Lowell, 375 Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA Remote Participation Optional via Zoom Note: These minutes are not completed verbatim. For a recording of the meeting, visit www.ltc.org Members Present Chairman Linnehan Vice-Chair Frechette Member Cheng Member Tenczar Members Absent Member Lockhart Member Dolan-Wilson Others Present A quorum of the Board was present. Chairman Linnehan called the meeting to order at 6:30 Chairman Linnehan held a moment of silence for George Zaharoulis, former Planning Board Chairman who also served on the Historic Board and as the Planning Board’s representative to NMCOG. I. Minutes for Approval 3/18/2024 G. Frechette mnotioned and C. Cheng seconded the motion to approve the meeting minutes. The motion passed unanimously, (5-0). II. Continued Business III. New Business 240 Industrial Ave E – Site Plan Review 01851 Atlantic Oliver II 240 Industrial Ave LLC has applied to the Lowell Planning Board for Site Plan Review approval to expand and modify the existing parking area for 240 Industrial Ave E. The property is in the General Industrial (GI) zoning district and requires Site Plan Review under Section 11.4 to alter and expand a parking lot with more than fourteen (14) parking spaces and 4,000 sq. ft. of impervious surface. On Behalf: Mike Shunta, the Applicant Jared Grondin, Civil Engineer/Landscape Architect Matt Pelletier, Architect Speaking in Favor: None Speaking in Opposition: None Discussion: T. Linnehan asked to go over existing parking area and how it would be expanded. J. Grondin detailed existing conditions in the parking area. T. Linnehan asked if they had any response to comment memo dated 4/12 by P. Cutrumbes. Indicated that Conservation Commission had approved the application. M. Shunta said comments were reviewed in detail. In agreement with comments and willing to comply if they are applicable to the project. Scope doesn’t include work in the street. If the project changes and we need to do work in the street we are OK with that. Comment #9 under engineering. Will add items to the plans as requested by engineering. G. Frechette said nice to see improvements to parking area. Older parking lots are seas of asphalt. Any rendering of what the streetscape would look like? M. Shunta said they only have a landscaping plan. M. Shunta said when we do this work we anticipate it will be a vacant building. G. Frechette and C. Cheng asked about size of trees and locations of plantings, and roof runoff. D. Tenczar asked if the Planning Board can vote on the matter when there appear to be outstanding items that still need to be addressed. T. Linnehan said can be added as a condition of approval. D. Tenczar said the Board has been issuing a lot of extensions. M. Shunta said accepting applicants and making plans to begin construction as early as June. F. Cigliano clarified that once work commences, the approval is considered “exercised” and they do not need to apply for an extension. Motion: G. Frechette motioned to approve the Site Plan Review application with the following conditions: 1. The applicant shall obtain final engineering approval and approval from the stormwater management team; and  2. The applicant shall work with DPD on any landscaping issues that may arise and DPD shall approve the final landscaping plan. The motion was seconded by D. Tenczar and passed unanimously, (4-0). IV. Other Business 251 Clark Road 01852 - Special Permit Extension Request The applicant is requesting an extension to their Special Permit approval granted in June 2022. On Behalf: John Geary, Applicant’s Attorney Speaking in Favor: None Speaking in Opposition: None Discussion: D. Tenczar said that he had read through the application. Was under the impression he would live there. J. Geary said no. D. Tenczar said how is he marketing? J. Geary said self marketing. Motion: T. Linnehan motioned and D. Tenczar seconded the motion to approve the extension to June 6, 2026. The motion passed unanimously, (4-0). V. Other Comments from Planning Board Members G. Frechette said he is excited to serve on inclusionary zoning feasibility analysis working group. Small group of professionals and city has contracted with RKG associates. Fran and Camilo were on that call. Exciting. Passed TOD so there is some potential for increased development within downtown. Whole city is being studied. Economic feasibility perspective. Can we somehow come up with a formula to see some of those units affordable. If it is something that has value, would come back to the Planning Board as recommendation to the City Council. Finished this portion by end of the summer. On there for financing and banking experience. D. Tenczar asked if they are looking at median incomes in Lowell and how much can Lowell absorb. G. Frechette said this is more from a project perspective. It is looking at the city as a whole. Takes in various costs such as carrying costs. G. Frechette said he has copies of testimony he provided to the state regarding new housing legislation, specifically related to ADUs. Committee members were concerned about losing single family homes. Wording in this bond bill – eliminates SF zoning across the commonwealth. D. Tenczar asked how it was received. G. Frechette said committee on bonding did no vote and passed it on to ways and means. Chelmsford spoke with same concerns. 3 hr of testimony. Lot sizes in Lowell are much smaller. Would transform a single family neighborhood. G. Frechette said people should contact their local representative. VI. Adjournment D. Tenczar motioned and T. Linnehan seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting. The time was 7:38PM.