Planning board approves subdivision at 202 Barker Ave despite lot-size concern

The Lowell Planning Board on June 15 approved a definitive subdivision plan to split 202 Barker Ave into two lots, allowing construction of a new single-family home on one newly created lot and retaining the existing house on the other. The motion carried 4–1.

Attorney John Geary presented the application and said the proposal would create Lot 1 (6,842 square feet) for a new three-bedroom, two-bath home and Lot 2 (4,226 square feet) for the existing dwelling. Geary noted the applicant received necessary variances from the Zoning Board of Appeals earlier in the year for frontage and lot-area relief.

Engineer Matt Hammer reviewed the site details and said the plan includes removal of two garages, restoration of curb cuts, planting of two trees required by the ZBA condition and stormwater infiltration features sized to meet the city’s 1-inch retention requirement.

One board member raised concern that Lot 2 is substantially smaller than the typical single-family minimum in the traditional single-family zone and questioned whether the subdivision would be consistent with neighborhood character. Geary responded that the neighborhood exhibit submitted with the application and the prior ZBA decision indicated lots of comparable size exist in the area and that the variances were properly granted.

A motion to approve the definitive subdivision plan, conditioned on the applicant satisfying engineering-department comments, was made and seconded; the board voted 4 in favor and 1 opposed. The board’s approval allows the applicant to record the subdivision and proceed with permitting, subject to the listed engineering and administrative conditions.