Planning Board approves Westwood Street subdivision to replace former American Legion with five homes

The Lowell Planning Board voted unanimously on Jan. 23, 2025 to approve a site plan, special permit and definitive subdivision for redevelopment of 684 Westwood Street, the former American Legion site. The applicant, 684 Westwood Street LLC (manager Dave Daley), proposed four single-family houses and a two-family duplex on a 45,000-square-foot lot in a Traditional Two-Family zoning district.

Attorney John Cox represented the applicant and said the project followed a series of neighborhood meetings and a December hearing. The historic commission granted demolition and construction permits and requested changes that the applicant incorporated, including wrapped porches and additional windows on the corner lot. Cox said the plan would restore a long-vacant, blighted parcel and add housing consistent with the city's housing plan.

Neighbors and neighborhood groups spoke in favor. Ellen Moriarty Bowser and Morgan Schermerhorn both said they support adding homes and the developer’s outreach;…