Neighbors cite years of runoff damage as ZBA continues 318 Andover subdivision request to June 23

The City of Lowell Zoning Board of Appeals on June 9 continued a petition by property owner Greg Looney to subdivide 318 Andover Street after multiple abutters reported years of groundwater runoff, retaining‑wall failures and property damage linked to hillside development.

Neighbors told the board they have experienced basement flooding, uprooted trees and recurring erosion problems near the proposed subdivision; the board directed the applicant to provide a stamped civil engineering grading and drainage plan that shows how the project will prevent runoff onto adjacent properties before the ZBA resumes the matter.

Attorney James Harrington, representing the applicant, said the property had originally been two lots now merged and that the applicant proposes to create a new Parcel 2 while leaving an existing home on Parcel 1. Harrington said the lot meets minimum lot area requirements but cannot meet frontage requirements because of the lot shape. He said the applicant intended to install a recharge system and other stormwater measures to mitigate runoff.

Multiple neighbors described a history of damage they attribute to higher‑lot development and runoff. Michael Moran provided photographs and said homeowners had to install sump pumps and new driveways after debris, mud and rock flowed down the hill; he said repairs “were a total loss” for some property owners. Benjamin Williams told the board, “My home is currently virtually uninsurable because of the damage that has occurred on the lot prior to the current ownership.” Rich Anthony and others said large trees and existing slopes currently help retain soil and that removing trees and cutting the slope could worsen erosion.

Applicant Greg Looney and his consultant described mitigation concepts. Looney told the board he had spoken with neighbors and suggested “stacked retaining walls, have grass the whole way down to absorb all that water, to kind of make like a natural rain garden and then have a recharge system” so rooftop and stormwater flows would be detained and recharged on site. Board members and the public recommended a full topographic/LiDAR‑based grading plan, clarifying that the board needs to see how Parcel 1 and the new Parcel 2 will be graded and how the proposal will eliminate or avoid runoff onto 509 East Merrimack and other abutting lots.

Board members emphasized the concern is not opposition to investment but uncertainty about whether proposed stormwater measures will protect the downhill properties. Member Breyer said he had watched video evidence and called the runoff situation “frightening,” and several members urged the applicant to consult with abutters while preparing the engineering materials. Member McCarthy specifically asked that the applicant’s engineering plan address both parcels and show how Parcel 1 runoff will be mitigated so neighbors to the rear (notably 509 East Merrimack) receive no new runoff.

The board voted to continue the petition to June 23, 2025, to allow time for the applicant to obtain a certified civil engineer grading and drainage plan and to consult planning staff as appropriate. Motion: “Continue ZBA-2025-18 for variances at 318 Andover Street to 06/23/2025.” Motion by Member McCarthy; second by Vice Chair Callahan. Roll call: Chairman Peck — approve; Vice Chair Callahan — approve; Member McCarthy — approve; Member Briere — approve; Member Proko — approve; Member Haldi — approve. Outcome: continued.

What’s next: The applicant said he would work with an engineer to produce a plan and attempt to submit documentation to the Planning Department and to neighbors before the June 23 hearing. The board and neighbors requested a clear mitigation plan (grading, retaining walls, recharge system/rain gardens), topographical documentation (LiDAR or survey), and a plan showing there will be no increased runoff onto adjacent properties.