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Zoning board approves minor variances for Draper Labs’ Lowell microelectronics center
Summary
The Lowell Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved small build-to-line and fencing variances for a three-story Draper Labs facility proposed by Wexford Development in the Hamilton Canal Innovation District, despite neighbors’ concerns about security fencing and neighborhood impacts.
The Lowell Zoning Board of Appeals on June 22 unanimously approved variances to the Hamilton Canal form-based code that will allow Wexford Development to build a three-story, roughly 108,000-square-foot microelectronics manufacturing and office building to be leased to Draper Labs.
The applicant, represented by attorney William Martin, asked for modest relief from two build-to-line requirements and a one-foot increase in permitted security-fence height to allow an 8-foot fence where the code permits 7 feet. Martin said the project — described as the Draper Impact Center — met height and parcel-coverage limits, had received historic-board approval and that the requested adjustments were narrowly tailored to fit equipment and service yards on a tight site.
Board members and staff weighed the design against the Hamilton Canal form-based code and the staff memo recommending approval. Member Breer told the board the city’s planning staff found the relief “would not be detrimental to the public good” and said he would support the petition. Member McCarthy described the setback changes as “relatively minor,” noting the form-based code anticipates mixed-use development in the district.
Several nearby residents, however, urged the board to consider neighborhood impacts. Mary Hart, a Canal Place condominium owner, said talk of a “secure site” and an 8-foot fence made her nervous and asked whether sidewalks, trees and canal walk access would be preserved. Steve Malagodi, an abutter, asked whether the project would bring barbed wire, security cameras or future height increases and urged careful review rather than a routine approval.
Applicant representatives, including Tim Geiger, said the trolley right-of-way and canal-side trees are north of the project property line and that the sidewalks and pedestrian paths would remain. They said the higher fence is limited to two small, secure portions of the site and would be architecturally treated rather than a continuous security barrier.
After discussion, Mr. McCarthy moved to approve the variances for the parcel’s build-to-line relief and the fencing requirement per section 10.3.11; the board voted in favor, with roll call approval by the chair and members present. The board’s approval clears the way for the project to proceed to permitting and final design review; the applicants said they will continue working with city staff on technical details and final materials for the fencing and site-facing facades.
The project’s approvals at the historic board and the zoning board do not replace required building permits or any other regulatory review the project must complete before construction.
