Board continues proposed 1570 Middlesex car lot to April 13 after finding notice not posted

The Lowell Zoning Board of Appeals on March 9 continued an application to operate an outdoor car dealership at 1570 Middlesex Street after finding the required on‑site public notice had not been posted and raising questions about how vehicles would be maneuvered on the lot.

Applicant Bimino Chalas identified himself on the record and described a small retail operation: "we retail very minimum... eight parking, nine parking spot... and then I was requesting three on the front for customers," he said, describing eight spots for sale and three for customers. Board members repeatedly asked whether parking stalls would be painted or otherwise delineated; Chalas replied that he planned to "paint all around it as well" and to keep cars off the sidewalk.

Several members said mailed notices alone do not meet the ordinance’s posting requirement and that they could not vote without the large, visible on‑site sign. Member Proco said he would be "concerned about voting on this simply because we have no people... here to speak for or against" and urged the applicant to post the sign. Member Shanahan and others agreed posting was required and recommended striping and clearer circulation plans to avoid spillover onto sidewalks.

Because the next meeting falls fewer than 14 days after March 9, the board set the continuation for the April 13, 2026 meeting to allow time for the sign to be posted for the required 14‑day period. The board asked DPD to confirm notice posting and to review any revised striping or parking plans before the matter returns.

Next steps: the applicant must post the large on‑site notice required by ordinance for 14 days, submit any clarified parking/striping plans to DPD, and return to the April 13 meeting. If the notice is not posted and DPD cannot confirm compliance, the application will not be considered.