Lowell ZBA continues hearing on 84 Walker Street driveway variance after neighbors raise private-way concerns

The City of Lowell Zoning Board of Appeals on June 9 continued a variance request by applicant Peter Dender Maris to pave an existing dirt area used by tenants at 84 Walker Street, after neighbors and board members raised questions about ownership of the access and missing engineered plans.

The matter matters because the proposed paved driveway would enter and exit onto Litchfield Terrace, which residents said is a privately owned way. The board told the applicant to return with a certified, dimensioned plan prepared by a registered land surveyor or professional engineer before the board can rule.

At the hearing Maris said the paving request is limited to “that 1 spot” used by tenants and that the goal is to “just clean that up, basically.” He told the board that tenants have parked in the area for roughly 12 years, and that the owners do not intend to add new parking spaces. Resident Hannah Delamis, whose house faces the proposed entrance, told the board “Litchfield Terrace is a private way” and said the proposed curbcut would sit directly across from her home at 42 Litchfield Terrace.

Board members pressed the applicant on two matters: whether the proposed pavement would create a new curb cut or reduce existing on‑street parking, and whether the application met the Zoning Board’s paperwork standards. Member McCarthy cited Section 11.2 of the city zoning code (Board of Appeals variance prerequisites) and told the applicant the plan submitted “isn’t a plan” as the ordinance requires a scale, north arrow and a plan prepared by a licensed surveyor or engineer. The transportation engineer’s review noted the only area that currently reads as a parking space is approximately 8 by 21 feet, while the city standard is 9 feet wide.

Several board members recommended alternatives to full paving, such as pavers or landscaping, but also acknowledged the applicant’s tenant complaints about mud and maintenance. The board asked the applicant to identify the specific variances sought (side‑yard setback relief, curb‑cut relief and any relief tied to minimum usable lot area per dwelling unit) so staff and neighbors can review the requests before the next hearing.

The board voted to continue the matter to June 23, 2025. Motion: “Continue ZBA-2025-17 for variances at 84 Walker 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 Prokop — approve; Member Haldi — approve. Outcome: continued.

What’s next: The board said the applicant should return on June 23 with a certified, dimensioned plot plan prepared by a registered land surveyor or professional engineer and a list of the exact variance relief requested so the board and city staff can evaluate legal and safety impacts. Staff and members also recommended the applicant discuss landscaping or permeable-surface alternatives with DPD before returning.

Speakers quoted in this story are those who spoke at the hearing and are identified in the board record.