Community raises safety concerns over Markley Group's diesel generator installations in Lowell

Concerns over safety and transparency dominated the Lowell Environmental Flood Issues Subcommittee meeting on June 3, 2025, as residents voiced their frustrations regarding the management of diesel generators near their homes. A local resident raised alarms about the proximity of four diesel generators to their property, questioning the safety measures in place and the potential risks posed by these installations.

The resident highlighted a troubling incident from October 2021, when a bomb threat was reported at the facility housing the generators. They expressed frustration that neighbors were not informed about the threat, raising concerns about the lack of communication from authorities regarding safety issues. The resident also criticized the ongoing delays in implementing promised security measures, such as fencing around the generators, stating that assurances from the Markley Group had not materialized.

Access to emergency entrances was another point of contention. The resident pointed out that the emergency entrance on Andrews Street, which was supposed to be accessible for fire department use, has been routinely blocked by construction vehicles. This raised questions about how emergency services would respond in a crisis, further heightening community anxiety.

The discussion also touched on discrepancies in the number of generators reported by the Markley Group. The resident claimed that the group had misrepresented the number of operational generators, suggesting that there were more on-site than officially acknowledged. This led to accusations of misleading information being presented to city officials, undermining trust in the management of the facility.

As the meeting concluded, the community's concerns about safety, transparency, and emergency preparedness remained at the forefront. Residents are eager for clear answers and action from both the Markley Group and city officials to ensure their safety and well-being in the face of ongoing environmental and safety challenges. The subcommittee's next steps will be crucial in addressing these pressing issues and restoring confidence among residents.