Zoning board approves conversion of 297 University Ave to four townhouse units with conditions

The Lowell City Zoning Board of Appeals voted to approve variances that will allow the redevelopment of 297 University Ave from an eight‑bay garage into four townhouse condominium units, the board announced April 27.

Attorney John Gary, representing Kasanjan Enterprise Inc., told the board the proposal requires relief under Section 5.1 for the maximum number of stories, minimum usable open space per dwelling unit and minimum lot area per dwelling unit. Gary said the lot totals roughly 11,788 square feet including an adjacent parcel and that the design places parking under the building and reduces a long, noncompliant curb cut to a 15‑foot curb cut.

The project’s engineer, David Fieldson of Landplex, described site work to reduce runoff, including subsurface infiltration for roof runoff and grading that directs stormwater to the front and side swales rather than toward neighboring properties. He also said there is space for snow storage and that municipal trash pickup would be handled with wheeled bins.

Several abutters expressed opposition at the public hearing. A nearby resident who identified himself as Louie said he was worried the new back driveway and parking could put vehicles dangerously close to his century‑old garage, asked for guardrails or other protections and raised concerns about plowing, snow storage and drainage. Debbie Saint Amman and Hong Chang also told the board they feared loss of privacy, late‑night noise and potential water intrusion to basements.

In response, Gary and Fieldson said the plan includes landscape screening and engineered drainage improvements and that the developer intends to condominiumize the units for owner‑occupants, not transient student rentals. Several board members, including Member McCarthy, said the design represents an improvement to the current condition — removing an oversized curb cut and improving drainage — but recommended conditions to protect neighbors.

Member McCarthy moved to grant the variances subject to two conditions: that the applicant work with the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) to develop landscape screening or fencing along the northern property line, and that the applicant submit final revised plans to the engineering division for review and approval prior to construction. The motion was seconded by Member Prokop and approved by roll call.

The board did not adopt a specific height variance for maximum feet because the building’s height (33.3 feet) remains under the 35‑foot district height limit; the variance concerned counting stories. The project will next proceed with required plan revisions and engineering review before any building permit activity.

Board action: The board approved ZBA‑2026‑13 with the two conditions described above.