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Zoning board approves move of metal fabricator to 9 Baldwin Street
Summary
The Lowell Zoning Board of Appeals granted a special permit to convert a long-running auto salvage site at 9 Baldwin Street into a metal fabrication business, finding the proposed use less detrimental and requiring removal of salvage stock by April 1.
The Lowell Zoning Board of Appeals on Feb. 10 approved a special permit allowing Atlantic Use Trucks and Salvage Corp. to convert an auto salvage yard at 9 Baldwin Street into a metal fabrication business operated by Emerald Iron Works Inc.
Attorney Catherine Flood, representing Atlantic Use Trucks and Salvage Corp., told the board the parcel totals about 44,547 square feet and includes a single-level steel building of roughly 5,039 square feet. She said Emerald Iron Works — currently based in Tewksbury — will relocate operations that include cutting, welding and assembly indoors and will manufacture stairs, rails and other metal products.
The permit was sought under section 4.5 0.2 to change one nonconforming use (automobile salvage) to another (metal fabrication). Flood said the proposed operation is "less detrimental than the current nonconforming use" because fabrication work will be performed inside the building and the relocation will require cleanup and removal of junk cars from the lot.
Board members repeatedly asked about logistics and site cleanup. Member Prokop sought clarification on how on-site salvage materials would be moved; Flood said the property owner controls an adjacent parcel and plans to relocate remaining salvage there while much material will be disposed of. Flood also told the board the lot is served by water and electricity but not sewer ("It does show that the property is only serviced by water and elect electricity. There is no sewer. It's septic.").
The board voted unanimously to approve the special permit. The motion to approve was made by Member McCarthy and seconded by Vice Chair Callahan. Roll call recorded votes in favor by Chairman Peck, Vice Chair Callahan, Member McCarthy, Member Prokop, Member Breer and Member Harvey.
Attorney Flood said Emerald Iron Works currently employs 14 on-site employees and eight off-site employees in Tewksbury and expects to expand staff after the move. Flood also presented neighbor support letters and said the applicant had addressed prior comments from city departments before the hearing.
The board did not add special conditions beyond the standard review of plans included in the application; members commented that the proposed operation appeared to be a better land use than the long-running salvage activity.
The board’s approval allows Emerald Iron Works to begin operation in Lowell; any required state or local permits beyond the zoning permit, and separate business licensing procedures, remain to be obtained by the applicant.
