ZBA approves conversion of 353 Wilder St. from two‑family to three‑family with traffic plan condition

The Lowell Zoning Board of Appeals on July 14 approved a variance allowing Conema Holdings LLC to convert an existing two‑family house at 353 Wilder Street into a three‑family dwelling, granting the applicant a small lot‑area relief.

Attorney Catherine Flood represented the applicant and said the lot contains 11,604 square feet, whereas the TMF (traditional multifamily) zoning minimum for three units is 12,000 square feet, leaving a shortfall of 396 square feet. Flood said there will be no exterior expansion of the building footprint; changes will be limited to window and siding work and interior reconfiguration. The proposed site plan provides eight parking spaces. Flood said city staff regards the relief as minimal and supportive of the project.

Civil engineer Paul Campbell and Flood told the board they are working with the transportation and stormwater engineers to adjust the parking layout and drive‑aisle width. The transportation reviewer requested a revised layout (the report suggested alternatives to reduce pavement and increase green space); Flood told the board they resubmitted updated civil drawings that incorporate the transportation engineer’s markups and will resubmit engineered plans for final approval.

The fire department advised that conversion will require hardwired detection and a sprinkler system; Flood agreed that the applicant will comply. Member McCarthy asked that the applicant adopt the transportation engineer’s marked‑up plan as a condition; board members approved the variance on a roll call vote with the condition that the final site plan follow the transportation engineer’s revisions and that engineered plans be resubmitted.