Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Student Housing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board continues proposed 12‑unit student housing at 123 University Ave amid parking concerns
Summary
The ZBA continued a petition for 123 University Ave — a proposed two‑commercial/12‑studio building — to June 8, 2026, after board members and abutters raised substantial concerns about zero on‑site parking and neighborhood parking capacity.
The Lowell City Zoning Board of Appeals continued consideration of a proposed redevelopment at 123 University Ave after widespread board concern about parking and project density.
Attorney Brian Akashian presented the plan for TLGLE LLC to replace the former Pawtucketville Social Club with two ground‑floor commercial units and 12 studio apartments, targeted to student tenants. Akashian said the site is near the UMass Lowell campus and that the applicant did not expect most student residents to have cars, noting municipal and university parking options nearby.
Several abutters, including Richard Crawford, told the board parking in the area is currently constrained and said 12 additional units will exacerbate an existing problem. Crawford, a nearby property owner, said on‑street parking and the municipal lot across the street are often full and described winter parking as particularly difficult.
Board members focused the discussion on parking contingency planning. Member McCarthy and others urged the applicant to secure off‑site parking or to scale back unit count; several members said they could not support the proposal as submitted. Members also questioned whether the owner’s characterization of the units as studios for students (and therefore car‑free) was realistic, noting the presence of working students and commuter patterns.
The petitioner requested a continuance to secure parking arrangements and revise the plan; Member McCarthy moved to continue ZBA‑2026‑15 to June 8, 2026. The motion passed by roll call.
Board action: ZBA‑2026‑15 was continued to 06/08/2026 to allow the applicant to pursue off‑site parking arrangements or revise the development program.
