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Lowell approves removal and replacement of trees near Merrimack Street for sidewalk and bus-stop improvements
Summary
The board approved removal of nine trees at 375 Merrimack Street and one at 652 Merrimack Street to reset sidewalks and curbing for ADA access and drainage improvements; the city will plant 22 replacement trees and work with an HOA or other stewardship as necessary.
The Lowell Planning Board approved a public shade-tree petition on March 2 to remove several trees along Merrimack Street so sidewalks, curb lines and drainage can be reset to meet ADA standards and improve pedestrian crossings and bus stops.
Elizabeth Altman, the city transportation engineer, told the board the two coordinated projects call for removing nine trees near 375 Merrimack Street (varied diameters) and one 6-inch tree near 652 Merrimack Street. Altman said both projects include a replanting plan that would place a total of 22 new trees in improved tree pits sized to encourage roots to grow downward rather than lifting sidewalks.
"These projects are designed to reset the sidewalks to improve pedestrian crossings, improve pedestrian experience and to reset the curbing so that the drainage issues that are experienced currently are resolved," Altman said.
Board members sought and received confirmation that the work supports ADA ramp geometry, that tree-pit designs are sized (described in the presentation as standard 4-by-4 tree pits) to encourage vertical root growth, and that replanting locations were included on the plan so the board can evaluate replacement adequacy.
A motion to approve was made and seconded; the vote was unanimous with no public opposition at the hearing. The board cited Mass. Gen. Laws Chapter 87, Section 5 and the Lowell Code of Ordinances (chapter 260) as the hearing authorities for the action.
Next steps: City staff will proceed with the removal and the coordinated replanting schedule and notify affected residents of timing and any temporary sidewalk closures.
