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Resident warns council that Christian Hill 'Apple Orchard' site looks like a "bomb site," urges planning board review and protective measures
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Summary
A resident described erosion and unfinished construction at the Apple Orchard site on Christian Hill, urged the planning board to review the project's status and for the city to require security and replanting if the developer cannot complete work.
A Lowell resident told the City Council the Apple Orchard development on Christian Hill appears to be stalled and environmentally damaged, and urged the council to refer the matter back to the planning board and consider requiring financial security and replanting to prevent further erosion.
John Moose, a neighbor, described the site as looking "like a bomb went off," saying three houses have been framed and that the first house briefly appeared on the market for $900,000. He said the developer had offered 14 of 17 lots for bulk sale and expressed concern the developer may lack funds to complete the project and restore the site.
Councilor Robinson and other councilors asked City Manager Golan for the latest status. Golan said there have been no changes reported by the developer and that city inspectors have been on site; he also reiterated that the applicant's earlier wetlands determination had been reviewed and overruled by the state. Robinson and others urged staff to report back with inspection frequency, whether erosion controls and silt fences are in place, and what legal or policy tools the city could use to limit clearing on phased projects.
Councilors suggested possible policy options including phased clearing limits, stronger planting and erosion-control conditions linked to completion milestones, and requiring security when large parcels are cleared but only partially built out. The city manager said he would check inspection records and DPS/planning guidance and return to council with options.
The council did not take immediate formal action beyond requesting staff follow up and, in subsequent motions, indicated interest in developing policy to avoid similar situations in the future.
