The Lowell Planning Board convened on September 5, 2024, to address several key agenda items, including the approval of previous meeting minutes and a significant public hearing regarding tree removal at 197 Beacon Street.

The meeting began with the board approving the minutes from August 19, 2024, without opposition. A notable announcement was made regarding long-serving board member Richard Lockhart, who has chosen not to seek reappointment after 24 years of service. Lockhart, who faced health challenges following a serious car accident last year, was recognized for his contributions, including his roles as vice chair and chairperson of the Lowell Historic Board. The board expressed gratitude for his dedication and wished him well.

The primary focus of the meeting was a public hearing concerning the proposed removal of 61 trees at the Christian Hill Reservoir. Steven Duchene, director of the Lowell Regional Water Utility, presented the case, emphasizing the potential hazards posed by the trees to the city's drinking water infrastructure. The trees' roots threaten the structural integrity of underground storage tanks that hold 11 million gallons of drinking water, a critical resource for the city.

The proposal includes the removal of three large trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) greater than 24 inches and 58 smaller trees. In addition to the removals, the project plans to plant 64 new trees in accordance with the city's Urban Forestry Master Plan, ensuring that the ecological balance is maintained. The project has received preliminary approval from the tree warden's office, which noted that the tree removal is necessary for the safety and maintenance of the water supply.

Community feedback from a resident meeting held in 2023 indicated strong support for the project, highlighting a collaborative effort between the water utility and the city's planning department to enhance both infrastructure and urban forestry initiatives. The board's discussions underscored the importance of balancing environmental considerations with public safety and infrastructure integrity.