Lowell Planning Board - May 4, 2026

The Lowell Planning Board meeting on May 4, 2026, focused primarily on two major development projects and a regional housing strategy discussion. The board approved a definitive subdivision and site plan for an 11-lot single-family home development at 71 North Billerica Road, with conditions including landscaping, granite curbing, and a homeowners association responsible for maintaining a porous pavement roadway and drainage system. The board also gave a positive recommendation to the city council for a special permit amendment to add 16 duplex lots (32 units) to the River's Edge planned residential development, emphasizing affordable housing and compliance with zoning and environmental regulations. Extensive public concerns were raised about stormwater drainage, flooding, and traffic impacts, which were addressed by the applicants and city engineering staff. Additionally, the board discussed the "At Home in Greater Lowell" regional housing strategy, highlighting fair housing training, housing density, infrastructure needs, and the importance of collaboration among communities. The board expressed interest in adopting fair housing training as a regular requirement and improving the legibility of site plans submitted for review.