Planning Board Agenda

April 2, 2007 6:30 P.M.

City Council Chambers, City Hall

City of Lowell, 375 Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA

I.                   Minutes and Roll Call

Roll Call of Neighborhood Groups

II.                Public Hearings

Repetitive Petition: 99 Rosemont Street

The Lowell Planning Board will review an application relative to a Repetitive Petition application by Therese M Beaulieu for the ability to subdivide the property located at 99 Rosemont Street into three parcels and construct two new single-family homes in the Flood Plain Overlay District.  On March 17, 2006, the Lowell Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) took an “unfavorable action” on a previous proposal at this site to construct a single-family home.  In order for the ZBA to consider the merits of this new application, the Planning Board must consent that the new application contains specific and material changes from the first application.  The Planning Board will take this vote at the conclusion of the public hearing.

Zoning Amendment: 150, 200 & 250 Western Avenue

The Lowell Planning Board will review an application relative to a proposed zoning amendment to extend the existing Artist Overlay District to include 150, 200 & 250 Western Avenue in Lowell.  The area is presently zoned LI (Light Industry), which will remain as the underlying zoning district.

Special Permit: 1881, 1883, & 1857.1 Middlesex Street

Per order of Land Court, the Lowell Planning Board will review an application by Middlesex Partners Limited & Lexy Development for special permit review concerning driveway length in conjunction with the development of the property located at 1881, 1883, & 1857.1 Middlesex Street.  The project includes the demolition of the existing buildings on site and the construction of 128 housing units in four (4) buildings on a 402,930sf lot, with associated parking and landscaping.  A special permit is sought to allow access to the site via a 426-foot long driveway, through a curb cut located at 1881/1883 Middlesex Street across from Dingwell Street.  The current petition is being heard for special permit review under Section 6.7.2 of the Lowell Zoning Ordinance.

Repetitive Petition: 278 Branch Street

The Lowell Planning Board will review an application to the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) by Peter Tea for variances and special permit to operate a restaurant without the required parking on the property located at 278 Branch Street.  On July 24, 2006, the ZBA took an “unfavorable action” on the previous proposal at that site.  In order for the ZBA to consider the merits of this new application, the Planning Board must consent that the new application contains specific and material changes from the first application.  The Planning Board will take this vote at the conclusion of the public hearing.

Zoning Amendments and Additions

In accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 40A, Section 5, the Lowell Planning Board will consider ordinances to amend “The Code of Ordinances City of Lowell, Massachusetts,” with respect to Appendix A thereof entitled “Zoning.”  Changes, clarifications, and additions are proposed regarding ballpark advertising signage, parking standards for take-out restaurants, deck setback and floor area ratios in selected districts, home occupation regulations, further definition of the applicability of single family homes and commercial additions for site plan review, and other clarifications to the wording of various sections of the Lowell Zoning Ordinance.

III.             New Business

IV.              Old Business

V.                 Other Business

1.       Notices From Abutting Towns

2.       General Correspondence

3.       ZBA Legal Notices

VI.              Further Comments from Planning Board Members

VII.           Adjournment