Residents and preservationists urge council to reverse historic-board administrator dismissal

Dozens of residents, preservationists and architects pressed the council during the FY2027 public hearing to reverse a personnel decision that removed the administrator of the Lowell Historic Board. Speakers said the administrator, Steven Stole, brought institutional expertise that helped guide downtown rehabilitation projects and preserve the city's historic fabric.

Peter Oella, a former city planning director, said the historic board was created by federal enabling language and that the administrator role is necessary to implement those commitments. "Steven Stole has a master's degree in historic preservation and 32 years of experience," Oella said, urging the council to revisit the decision. Other speakers, including former preservation commissioners and architects, described how the administrator's work unlocked tax credits and smoothed large rehabilitation projects.

Speakers asked why the historic board and its administrator were not consulted in the process and argued the move could affect implementation of major district plans and commitments made in prior planning documents. The council did not take a formal vote on the employment decision that night; several councilors acknowledged the concerns and asked the administration to revisit the process and provide more information about legal and contractual constraints.

Councilors and the manager agreed to review the circumstances and consider whether additional consultation or procedural steps are required by state or local enabling law.

The public record included detailed accounts of the administrator's work and appeals to restore the position or provide equivalent expertise as the city moves into major development phases.