Lowell Zoning Board of Appeals - April 27, 2026

The Lowell Zoning Board of Appeals held a public hearing on April 27, 2026, to consider two main petitions involving property development and variances. The first petition involved Casanjian Enterprise Inc.'s proposal to convert an eight-bay garage at 297 University Avenue into four townhouse-style residential condominium units. The board discussed variances related to maximum stories, usable open space per unit, and lot area per dwelling unit. The project included improvements such as compliant curb cuts, subsurface infiltration for stormwater, and parking under the building. Conditions for approval included landscaping or fencing for privacy and engineering approval of revised plans. The board voted unanimously to approve the project with conditions. The second petition concerned a variance request by Dan Tenzar to construct an addition at 69 Baltimore Avenue to accommodate aging-in-place needs. The board noted strong neighborhood support but raised concerns about parking availability for a proposed 12-unit student housing project associated with the site. Due to significant parking challenges and lack of off-site parking arrangements, the board voted to continue the matter to June 8, 2026, to allow further study and revisions. The meeting also included approval of prior meeting minutes and announcements about upcoming zoning audit activities.