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Lowell ZBA: sign permit approved; several matters continued; meeting schedule and minutes adopted
Summary
At its Sept. 22 meeting the Lowell Zoning Board of Appeals approved an internally illuminated sign permit for Phoenix Ave Realty LLC, continued two matters to October, scheduled a preapplication reappearance and adopted the 2026 meeting calendar and minutes.
The Lowell Zoning Board of Appeals handled several procedural and low‑controversy applications on Sept. 22, adopting the 2026 meeting schedule and approving minutes, while approving a sign permit and continuing two matters for further record development.
Key outcomes
- ZBA-2025-39 (55 & 77 Phoenix Ave): The board granted a special permit for an internally illuminated sign in the Light Industrial zoning district. Applicant representation (MetroSign/Gary Bridal) said dimensions and setbacks matched the previously issued non‑illuminated permit; the applicant will use a timer for illumination. Motion to approve was made and passed on roll call.
- ZBA-2025-37 (239 E. Merrimack St.): A variance application to convert an existing multiunit property (references in the filing were inconsistent about whether the conversion was 2→3 units or 3→4 units). The applicant’s legal ad did not run and the board continued the matter to Oct. 16, 2025 to allow the applicant to correct the filing and staff to clarify packet materials.
- Pre-application (236 Broadway/Bridal Street project): A proposed addition to 236 Broadway that would include 55 residential units did not appear. The board continued the preapplication hearing to Oct. 27, 2025 to follow the applicant’s planning‑board schedule.
- Administrative/housekeeping votes: The board accepted the 2026 meeting schedule and approved the Sept. 8, 2025 meeting minutes. The meeting adjourned after routine motions.
Procedural notes: For the Phoenix Ave sign, staff and board members requested that the applicant confirm no encroachment on the city right-of-way and that timers/controls be documented. For the Merrimack St. variance, board members asked the applicant to clarify the count of existing and proposed units and resubmit the file (photo/attachment pages in the packet appeared scrambled). The preapplication continuation was scheduled so the applicant can appear before the planning board first.
Ending: Most items were routine; the continued matters will return to the ZBA with clarified filings and additional staff review.
