Residents of Lowell voiced significant concerns regarding environmental and safety issues at a recent planning board meeting, primarily focused on the operations of the Markley Group. The discussions highlighted the impact of diesel generators and cooling towers on air quality and noise pollution in the community, which is striving for carbon neutrality by 2030.

David Devon Cutchens, Markley’s vice president and chief legal counsel, met with a resident to discuss an air quality report, but the proposed solutions were deemed inadequate. Residents expressed frustration over the lack of effective measures to mitigate pollution, particularly during planned burns, which they argue exacerbate health risks in an already vulnerable environmental justice community. Cutchens suggested that residents could leave their homes during these burns, a solution that many found unacceptable.

Community members urged the planning board to explore alternatives such as fuel cell technology and diesel particle filters. They also called for the installation of scrubbers on existing generators to reduce emissions, especially those closest to residential areas. The proximity of these generators—less than 100 feet from some homes—has raised alarms about health implications linked to prolonged exposure to fumes.

Parking and access issues were also prominent in the discussions. Residents criticized the city’s decision to sell part of Prince Avenue to Markley, which has led to increased congestion and obstructed emergency access routes. The ongoing construction and parking challenges have made it difficult for emergency vehicles to navigate the area, raising concerns about public safety.

Additionally, residents pointed out that noise levels from the equipment exceed the residential zoning limits, with complaints about the installation of new, unapproved equipment during the pandemic. They called for immediate action from the planning board to enforce compliance with noise regulations and to halt construction until safety conditions are met.

The meeting underscored a growing tension between the Markley Group’s operations and the community’s health and safety needs, with residents demanding accountability and proactive measures from local authorities to address these pressing issues.