The Lowell Zoning Board of Appeals voted Jan. 12 to approve variances allowing the subdivision of 104 Mariposa Ave. and construction of a new three‑bedroom house on the resulting 7,300‑square‑foot Lot 2.

Attorney Catherine Flood, representing applicant Sok Lok Hong, told the board the existing parcel would split into Lot 1 (10,000 sq. ft.) and Lot 2 (7,300 sq. ft.), and that the planned house meets setback and height requirements but requires relief under §5.1 for minimum lot size and frontage. Engineer Matt Hammer described the site plan’s drainage features, including an infiltration trench along the driveway and a subsurface infiltration system for roof runoff; Hammer said detailed sewer and water connection designs would be provided at permitting.

Several abutters opposed the request at public comment. Alicia Payette (84 Mariposa Ave.) said the applicant’s lot‑size comparisons were misleading, argued the proposed home would be larger than nearby houses, and warned the approval would increase density, on‑street parking and pressure on property values. Neighbors raised runoff and notification concerns; Janice Gomes and Jason Dalinski emphasized potential drainage effects on basements and street plowing.

Board members acknowledged neighbor concerns but questioned whether hardship standards were met and whether the project would derogate from zoning intent. Multiple members said the proposal addressed parking and setback issues and noted that historical lot maps show smaller parcels predating current zoning. After discussion, Member McCarthy moved to approve the variances with the condition that the applicant adopt five engineering department comments (stormwater/sewer clarifications to be completed at the permitting stage). The motion was seconded and passed by roll call.

The approval requires the applicant to satisfy the engineering comments and obtain any required planning‑board approvals for the definitive subdivision before building permits are issued. The applicant was wished success by the board and the matter closed for this agenda item.