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Council approves TIF for 37‑unit Emery development at 218 Middlesex Street
Summary
The council approved a tax increment financing (TIF) agreement for Heritage Properties’ Emery project, a 37‑unit market‑rate residential development at 218 Middlesex Street, following presentations from the developer and supportive council debate.
The Lowell City Council approved a tax increment financing agreement for the Emery, a proposed 37‑unit market‑rate residential development at 218 Middlesex Street in downtown Lowell.
Jeff Bush, president of Heritage Properties, told the council his family firm has operated in Lowell since 1978 and plans to begin construction this summer with completion targeted for fall or early winter of next year. “We are a family run business here in the city of Lowell... This project is a ground up development of a vacant parcel on Middlesex Street,” Bush said. He noted planning board, historic board approvals and a state HDIP credit allocation.
Councilors debated parking and economic impact. The developer said zoning changes removed an on‑site parking requirement and that existing public and private garages nearby will accommodate residents; a transportation demand study supported that conclusion. Several councilors said the lot currently generates no tax revenue and that the new development will increase downtown population and spending.
A motion to adopt the TIF was made by Councilor Scott and seconded by Councilor Yam; the measure passed on roll call. Councilors said they supported the project as a way to reinvigorate Middlesex Street and add market‑rate housing to help diversify the local housing mix.
