Commission approves roadway, bike and pedestrian upgrades near Merrimack Canal at Father Morissette Blvd

The Lowell Conservation Commission on Feb. 26 voted to issue a City of Lowell standard Order of Conditions for a notice of intent filed by the City of Lowell to complete roadway improvements along Father Morissette Boulevard and French Street within the 100-foot buffer zone of the Merrimack Canal (DEP 2060841).

Taylor Donovan, representing the city, told the commission the work is largely confined to already disturbed and paved areas and that within the 100-foot buffer the planned changes are limited. "There is no additional impervious within the 100-foot buffer zone," Donovan said. The project proposes resurfacing existing pavement to create improved pedestrian and bicycle facilities, including a dedicated bike lane and sidewalk on the south side where feasible and a 10-foot shared-use path on the canal's eastern side. After consultation with Lowell High School, the design was adjusted so bus pickup and drop-off access would not be constrained.

Donovan said the proposal includes one new catch basin within the 100-foot buffer on the east side of the canal; that basin will tie into the existing combined sewer system and, she said, will not create new discharges to the canal. The plan also calls for a small number of new street trees on the south side north of the high school. Donovan said green-card notifications had been submitted and that full-size plan sets would be dropped off to commission staff.

Commissioners had no substantive questions. The public hearing drew no public comment. The commission closed the hearing and voted to issue the City of Lowell standard Order of Conditions; the motion to issue the order was made by Commissioner Downs and seconded by Commissioner Laput, and the ayes carried.