Left In Lowell

I caught most of the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting last night on LTC’s Channel 10. These 6:30 p.m. start time meetings are difficult for those of us who work late and have to fight the rush hour traffic to get home.

Compared to the Planning Board’s inaugural television appearance, a few weeks ago, the seating arrangement, the lighting and the conduct of the meeting was much better. I think this group must have watched their counterparts and realized that some changes had to be made.

As a board, they came across as patient, understanding, fair and willing to work with the petitioners. I am sure the camera has a major impact on their attitude, to what degree I do not know. Perhaps those of you who have had experiences in front of this Board can let the rest of us know, how life was before LTC was present.

Most of the people facing the Board were regular home owners with issues that require variances on the current zoning laws.

The first petitioner I saw was a representative of T-Mobile who wants to build a wireless communication facility in a steeple on a church on Varnum Ave. Accepted if conditions such as copy of lease, shrub design, tax assessment are agreed upon.

15 Gate Street: Want to build a 2-family dwelling. Continued so that architect could come up with design changes recommended by Board.

99 Rosemont Street: Build 2 single family homes on existing lots. .Go back to architect to make changes recommended by Board.

216 Methuen Street: Expansion of home; approved and very sympathetic to home owner.

494 Westford Street: Reface Existing Illuminated Signage; Approved.

404-406 Stevens Street: Existing 3-family home in a 2-family home zone; postponed for 4 weeks. Home owner need to return with plot plan showing parking for 6 cars and snow removal contingencies.

262-268 Wood Street: Raise existing building and construct new commercial space. Approved with conditions.

Overall, I liked the give and take between the homeowners, abutters and the Board members. It was a bit more sincere that what goes on in front of the Planning Board and often the City Council, where you have a handful of hired guns (lawyers) do the talking for their clients.