Board approves lot split and variances at 17 Supernot Street; condo residents press city on road maintenance

The Lowell Zoning Board of Appeals on May 11 approved variances to permit a lot split and a new single-family dwelling at 17 Supernot Street (ZBA-2026-18), while asking the applicant to work with the Department of Planning and Development on a tree-planting plan as a condition.

Attorney John Gary, representing Geodon Developers, outlined a plan to split the existing 14,800-square-foot parcel into Lot B1 (proposed new house, ~5,752 sq ft) and Lot B2 (existing house, ~9,58 sq ft). The application requested relief including a reduced minimum lot area for Lot B1, a floor-area-ratio variance, and front-yard setback relief to accommodate a pre-existing garage on Lot B2. Engineer Matt Hammer reviewed the site plan and said the proposed lot layout accommodates required frontage and off-street parking, that an existing deck would be changed to meet setbacks and that stormwater and utility connections are available.

Representatives of Windsor Village Condominiums took the podium to oppose the application in part because of infrastructure problems on Arnold Avenue, which condominium leaders said is in poor condition, has recurring broken pipes and drainage problems, and may not be an accepted public street. Jill Breen, president of the condominium board, told the board the association has sought city action and said adding a new house would further strain roads and raise questions about who would pay for maintenance if the way is private. Denise Wedge Johnston raised safety and parking concerns for children and service vehicles.

Attorney Gary and the applicant said engineering and permitting review would be required and the engineering department’s comments do not raise access or utility objections; the applicant also agreed to work with DPD on the number and placement of replacement trees. Board members noted that whether Arnold Avenue is a public way is a separate legal and policy issue for the city and recommended condo leaders pursue the matter with the city council and the law department, while the board focused on the narrow zoning relief requested.

By roll call the board approved the variances with a condition that the applicant work with DPD on a tree-planting plan (using a guideline of three to four trees per lot).