The Lowell Planning Commission met for nearly an hour and a half on Monday night to discuss two pieces of business. Commissioner Mike Gadula was absent, and October marked the third straight meeting missed by Commissioner Marty Chambers. All other members were present.
Accessory Building Approved
Under new business, commissioners considered a site plan to replace an accessory building on industrial property at 2345 Bowes Road. The applicant proposed to remove a 484 square foot existing building and replace it with one that will be approximately 1,200 square feet. It would be used to store landscaping equipment.
In reviewing the plan, commissioners asked about the appearance of the façade of the building – it will be a grey two-toned exterior – and what lighting was planned. The latter was not shown on the plans presented to commissioners.
The Lowell Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve the site plan with the condition that lighting must be approved by city staff before being installed.
Continued Master Plan Discussion
The bulk of Monday’s meeting was spent reviewing the objectives and goals to be included in the revised Master Plan. While the overarching goals remain largely the same as those discussed in August, commissioners made some adjustments to the underlying objectives.
For instance, one objective pertaining to the Flat River was updated to read: “Improved physical and visual access to the river and improved navigability within the river.”
Another objective called for the implementation of the 2018 Lowell Place Plan. Commissioners requested more information on what that was before including that objective. “Not sure what we’re committing to,” was Commissioner Colin Plank’s observation.
On a goal about housing, Commissioner Nicki Holst suggested adding “something about accessible housing,” but Chair Tony Ellis thought, “It’s too specific.”
Resident Tyler Kent said he hoped that a goal could be added about keeping roads in good repair. He said that the plan spoke quite a bit about trails and sidewalks, but most people in the community are drivers. “We would be remiss if we did not include that,” according to Kent.
Plank thought that might already be addressed within one objective.
Next month, commissioners expect to discuss the various zoning districts and regulations that may be put into place to encourage more diverse housing in the city.
The meeting adjourned at 8:25pm. The next regular meeting of the Lowell Planning Commission will be Monday, November 11, at 7pm in Lowell City Hall.
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