Multiple large-scale developments move forward in Lowell

LOWELL — Residential and commercial developers are continuing to choose to build in Lowell.

The Planning Commission approved multiple items at its meeting Monday that aim to develop more properties in the city.

The commission approved the large-scale development for Phase Three of the Park Central subdivision. This phase of the development will include 166 units available for individual ownership. The project will have 30 buildings sharing common walls, according to the Lowell planning staff report.

The development is located west of North Bloomington Street near Fifth Street. It includes a swimming pool, playground, dog park, looped trail and sports courts, the report said.

Commissioners also approved the final plat for Phase One of the Hunt Farms development, which will be built on vacant land on South Old Wire Road.

The development is proposed to have 63 single-family homes, according to the staff report. The report said additional phases will be single-family dwellings as well.

The commission approved the final plat for Phase One of the Hudson Steel development near Pleasant Grove Road and Honeysuckle Street. Plans show the project will include 40 duplex units, for a total of 80 residences.

Future phases of the development are planned to have single-family homes, the staff report said.

A large-scale development for NWA Design Center in the existing West Monroe Business Park was also approved.

The planning staff report for the center shows the development will be located west of the intersection of West Monroe Avenue and Grant Place on land that is currently vacant.

Matt Poe, the architect for the project, said the hope for the development is for it to be a commercial design center. He said the development is a “build-to-suit” project, and the plans the commission voted on were the “core and shell” for the building.

The Commercial Real Estate Development Association’s website says a buildto-suit building is when a tenant customizes the layout of the building to their specific liking.

In addition, the commission approved a conditional use permit for a short-term rental at 203 Woodland St. in a residential, single-family neighborhood.

The commission had previously approved a conditional use permit for the property at 202 Woodland St., directly across the street from the home listed on Monday’s agenda.

Commissioner Tony Kaczoroski said he didn’t see a reason to deny the request because short-term rentals in the neighborhood “seem to be working.”

In other business, commission members also discussed the 46th annual Mudtown Days, set for June 7-8 at Ward Nail Park. This year’s event will include the Lowell Mr. and Ms. Tiny Tots Pageant, Little Mr. & Miss Lowell Pageant, a youth talent contest and free concerts.

The musical artists set to perform during Mudtown Days are David Cook and Mark Chesnutt.

Planning Commission Chair Darrin Brock said there will also be inflatables, a car show and lots of other activities.

Commissioner Michael Phillips was not in attendance.