Planning Board

City of Lowell - Planning Board Planning Board Meeting Minutes Monday March 17, 2025 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 Tenczar Member Cheng Member Walker Member Sar Member Cardoso Silva Members Absent None Others Present Francesca Cigliano, Senior Planner A quorum of the Board was present. Chairman Linnehan called the meeting to order at 6:31 PM I. Minutes for Approval 3/3/2025 G. Frechette motioned and C. Cheng seconded the motion to approve the meeting minutes. The motion passed unanimously, (5-0). II. Continued Business III. New Business Public Shade Tree Hearings – 80 Woodward Ave 01854, 803 Middlesex Street 01851, 406 W Sixth Street 01850, 413 Fletcher Street 01854 In accordance with MGL Ch. 87.5 and the Chapter 260 of the Lowell Code of Ordinances, the Lowell Planning Board will hold a public hearing to hear all interested persons about the proposed removal of eight (8) trees at 80 Woodward Ave, twenty (20) trees at 803 Middlesex Street, seventeen (17) trees at 406 W 6th Street, and one (1) tree at 413 Fletcher Street. The removal of these trees is necessary for planned renovations to the parks. On Behalf: Jess Wilson, Design Planner, City of Lowell Brianna Martinez, Design Planner, City of Lowell Speaking in Favor: None Speaking in Opposition: None Discussion: T. Linnehan said trees are not marked. Does not satisfy notice for the hearing. We are in favor but need the notice. J. Wilson said they are happy to work with DPW to make sure notices are posted on the trees proposed to be removed. G. Frechette asked about pickleball sounds bothering neighbors. J. Wilson said pickleball is a highly requested amenity and it is hard to find an area to fit them in a city as built out as Lowell. J. Wilson said that DPD is always open to continually adapting park amenities to the respond needs of Lowell residents. Motion: T. Linnehan motioned and G. Frechette seconded the motion to continue the petition to the April 7 Planning Board meeting. The motion passed unanimously, (5-0). Special Permit – 23-33 Middle Street 01852 The Lowell Planning Board will hold a public hearing to hear all interested persons relative to an application by Reliable Physical Therapy, LLC to open a physical therapy clinic at 23-33 Middle Street Unit B. The subject property is located in the Downtown Mixed Use (DMU) zoning district and the Downtown Overlay District (DOD). The proposal requires Special Permit approval per Sections 9.3 and 12.8(c) to operate a physical therapy clinic in the DMU and DOD zoning districts. On Behalf: John Geary, Applicant’s Attorney Speaking in Favor: None Speaking in Opposition: None Discussion: The Board members expressed that they had no questions or concerns. T. Linnehan said this would be great for downtown. Lots of people don’t have cars. Can be difficult to get to physical therapy. J. Geary said more and more residents are moving to the downtown neighborhood. Motion: T. Linnehan motioned and T. Sar seconded the motion to issue the Special Permit. The motion passed unanimously, (5-0). IV. Other Business V. Further Comments from Planning Board Members G. Frechette said he spoke with state rep Rodney Elliott recently regarding the Rourke Bridge and he said he had discussions with officials at MassDOT regarding funding. Funds had been secured and it is moving along as scheduled. VI. Adjournment D. Tenczar motioned and C. Cheng seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting. The time was 6:47PM.