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Lowell Historic Board approves permit for demolition, revised homes at 684 Westford St.
Summary
The Lowell Historic Board approved a permit Jan. 22 to demolish existing structures and build four single-family homes and one duplex at 684 Westford Street after reviewing design revisions and neighborhood outreach; public comment had closed at an earlier hearing.
The Lowell Historic Board on Jan. 22 approved a permit to demolish existing structures and construct four single-family homes and one duplex at 684 Westford Street, a continuation of a public hearing that began Jan. 13.
The board approved the permit after hearing a presentation from the applicant's attorney and board member discussion about revised design details, neighborhood outreach and context. The public comment period for the hearing had closed at the Jan. 13 meeting; three board members who missed that meeting told the board they reviewed the prior meeting video and notes and were eligible to vote.
Attorney John Cox, representing property owner Dave Daley, told the board that the applicant had addressed suggestions raised at the Jan. 13 hearing, including changes at the Westford and Florence corner and adjustments to the cupolas. "Those revisions were good and make the project better," Cox said. Daley was present at the meeting.
Board member Deb said she visited the site before the meeting and praised the project's outreach and design. "I think this is a good project," Deb said, noting an abutter had spoken in favor and that the applicant had engaged the Low Highland Neighborhood Association. Other board members said the revised corner unit's wrap-around porch and changes to the proposed cupolas (replaced with faux brick on some units) better matched the neighborhood's architectural context.
A board member moved to approve the permit "with all stated conditions as noted"; another board member seconded the motion. The board voted by voice; the chair called the vote "Aye" and asked if there was any opposition before declaring the motion approved.
The board did not reopen the public comment period. The approval applies to the designs and conditions reviewed by the board at the continued hearing; the transcript does not list subsequent permit or building-permit steps, inspection requirements, or construction start dates.
Votes at a glance Permit for demolition and construction at 684 Westford Street — Motion to approve permit with all stated conditions: approved (voice vote).
