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ZBA approves three elevated townhouses at 535 Pawtucket Boulevard with conditions tied to floodplain and landscaping
Summary
The Lowell Zoning Board of Appeals granted a special permit and variance to Hund Properties LLC to demolish existing structures and build three townhouse-style units at 535 Pawtucket Boulevard, subject to a corrected site plan and a DPD-approved landscaping plan with shade trees. The property lies in the 100-year floodplain and has an Order of Co
The City of Lowell Zoning Board of Appeals on June 9 approved Hund Properties LLC’s request to demolish dilapidated structures at 535 Pawtucket Boulevard and build three townhouse-style units, subject to two conditions: submit a corrected site plan that shows the accurate building footprint, and work with the Department of Planning and Development on a landscape plan that includes a minimum number of shade trees.
Attorney John Gary, representing Hund Properties, said the 29,900-square-foot lot will be redeveloped with three two‑bedroom, 2½‑bath townhouses of roughly 1,500 square feet each. He noted the property is in the 100‑year floodplain and that the units will be elevated; the Conservation Commission issued a standard Order of Conditions on April 23 to allow work in the floodplain.
Engineer Matt Hammer described site and stormwater work that supported the Conservation Commission decision and said the project includes porous pavement, a flow‑through foundation and a single driveway access from Melrose Avenue; the existing Pawtucket Boulevard curb cut will be closed. Hammer said the sandy substrate on the site and the porous pavement approach will aid drainage. He summarized the project as a modest redevelopment intended to improve a visibly dilapidated property while adding housing consistent with the neighborhood.
Several board members praised the design and the limited variance request. The suburban mixed‑use zoning district requires 10,000 square feet of lot area per dwelling unit; the 29,900 square‑foot lot is about 100 square feet shy of the 30,000 square feet that would meet the requirement for three units. Counsel and staff described this as minimal relief. Member McCarthy asked for a corrected site plan because the submitted rendering and site plan did not match; the applicant agreed to submit the revised plan.
Motion: “Approve ZBA-2025-22 (special permit and variance) for 535 Pawtucket Boulevard with the conditions that the applicant submit a revised site plan showing the correct building footprint and work with DPD on a full landscape plan that includes a minimum of four shade trees along Pawtucket Boulevard.” Motion by Member McCarthy; second by Vice Chair Callahan. Roll call: Chairman Peck — approve with conditions; Vice Chair Callahan — approve with conditions; Member McCarthy — approve with conditions; Member Briere — approve; Member Prokop — approve with conditions; Member Javi — approve. Outcome: approved (conditions).
What’s next: The applicant will submit a corrected site plan, work with planning staff on landscaping details and proceed with required Conservation Commission and building‑permit steps for construction in the floodplain.
