Historic board approves two bus shelters near City Hall, asks for final siting review

The Lowell Historic Board on July 13 approved the design for two new bus shelters outside City Hall at 375 Merrimack Street but required staff to return with precise site plans before installation.

Liz Altman, transportation engineer for the City of Lowell, told the board the proposal would place one shelter at the outbound stop and one at the inbound stop near Smith Baker and that the shelters would match the Market Street design previously approved by the board. Altman said the shelters will sit at the back of the sidewalk ‘‘to not impede pedestrian traffic and ADA compliance.’’

Board members asked for exact siting information and raised concerns about pedestrian flow and the shelters’ relationship to City Hall’s facade. One member asked the applicant for a site plan showing how the new curb bump-outs and sidewalk layout affect positioning; Altman agreed to provide the plan.

Board members also confirmed materials: a standing-seam metal roof with clear tempered glass side walls and perforated-metal seating. A board member said the clear glass would not ‘‘impede anybody’s view of the character of the street.’’ A board seat representing the senior center said shelters would aid riders with mobility limitations and likely encourage transit use.

A committee member moved to approve the submitted design on the condition that administrators provide the board an opportunity to review and approve the exact shelter locations; the motion passed with one abstention by a Planning Department-affiliated staff member. Altman said she would supply the requested map and follow up with staff.