[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6214219,"mediaKeyId","3670977-38b69d5c5e5e3b02a0b5b1ee3c2f377e","parentId",3670977,"title","Council approves National Grid pole relocations, sidewalk display permit and O'Connell Park worship days","audioSeconds",1709,"startMs",657000,"endMs",2366000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3670977-38b69d5c5e5e3b02a0b5b1ee3c2f377e&start=657&end=2366","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3670977-38b69d5c5e5e3b02a0b5b1ee3c2f377e/thumbnail_657000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6214219/Lawrence-City/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Council-approves-National-Grid-pole-relocations-sidewalk-display-permit-and-OConnell-Park-worship-days","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6214219-78d32834b8a8e5ccc7a504d16277d62f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166134&Signature=fCvaw3FxayqBd9SrkgwdZoavjOhCNNtEcXRfHCXv8hOr02R-F9nOciKTucOmdW~GWQ7BMPcAc96HxfiO~9vOIU-wVVab4X9Ca3LO8lfsy4Ml2MKI3xbraGJbHVV5ypPIUpac74q117bnwFGpzjS6B56AhCqhtF3AcoaFz9S-vBS39poFmN6I8huoHQeUeNxqVpv1I0Yh2ITXD8bpTeDaJc4ySlxKUhriW56S7tE-3BlB3OoZJ7TEQ3ipOSAKm0kXczQR~g11-MdFF4qDXqVgAr97sSixjIxwjry16ZVf2i6Q5O9noy2X45joAEc23Colm1Tfi0viMmcqpAZqa9zA1Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lawrence City, MA","date","2025-06-04T12:17:05Z","article","At its June 3 meeting the Lawrence City Council approved several routine public‑way and event requests, including petitions from Massachusetts Electric Company (doing business as National Grid) to relocate utility poles on Amesbury Street, a sidewalk produce‑display permit for Gomez Meat Market at 274 South Broadway, and a request for four days of worship at O'Connell Park.

The city clerk read the notices for two National Grid petitions (document numbers 134‑25 and 135‑25) describing requests to relocate poles and associated fixtures; the petitions were submitted by David Johnson of National Grid. The council opened the public hearing, heard no public comment on the petitions, and approved both relocation requests by voice vote.

Separately, the ordinance committee had forwarded a favorable recommendation on a request to hold four days of worship at O'Connell Park (Aug. 7–10). Pastors Sandra Lopez and Marama Martinez spoke during public comment in support of the multi‑day worship event, thanking the council for allowing three days the prior year and requesting four days this year to serve families in need.

Councilors also approved a request to allow a sidewalk produce display at 274 South Broadway (Gomez Meat Market); council discussion noted the applicant had followed required procedures and several councilors praised that compliance.

Why it matters: These approvals clear public‑way and event permissions that affect street infrastructure, pedestrian access, and scheduled public programs. National Grid pole relocations are typically undertaken for system upgrades or to clear space for construction; the council approved the petitions after plans were filed with the clerk and a public‑hearing process.

Next steps: Permits and relocation work will proceed under standard administrative processes. Specific project timelines, construction impacts or conditions placed on approvals were not detailed in the transcript excerpt.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lawrence City Council | 06-03-25","oneSentenceSummary","The council approved petitions from National Grid to relocate poles on Amesbury Street, granted a sidewalk produce-display permit for Gomez Meat Market at 274 South Broadway, and approved a request for four days of worship at O'Connell Park in August.","taxTitle","Lawrence City, Essex County, Massachusetts","taxId",5815,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6214224,"Housing committee sends favorable recommendation on freight‑rail easement to council",65,1157000,1222000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3670977-38b69d5c5e5e3b02a0b5b1ee3c2f377e&start=1157&end=1222","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3670977-38b69d5c5e5e3b02a0b5b1ee3c2f377e/thumbnail_1157000.jpg","/articles/6214224/Lawrence-City/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Housing-committee-sends-favorable-recommendation-on-freightrail-easement-to-council","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6214224-a33bee53fe6b8a5f1ebc8cec6183d545/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166134&Signature=PpprY302EtxVndXZscPDnWa8OYlb~bj~qhKSKZ3tCjq7GVxbDi9bG8c8QQfHPRqvQS0MBY2hUYs3VQgKgqhVqgnMUq36vwJZeJlYxmdDO-ysUltyDQnBuMY90AJWMzJufpzEJ8dSRjhsT2IQBBD13xXCIu01zAA~7sGzDOpjkC6qNZnfV420OMcDg-siuy8E1~ab5gZz1oSS639TGRCtvRBnXS8JFRY3sjlWOcAfme4sGCRXj2g6jHU1fxzaqaQgFV8NW~iSvFH5IcbuIQHNhYRbrukfWdCi6nqCADCag-f97IYV4w8AUqXhydhqk~6Y9RP~isFuxX2T1FsTybNZAw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lawrence City Council received a housing-committee report and a favorable recommendation on a proposed easement that would allow operation of a freight rail line to the Lawrence Industrial Park at 30 Lehigh Street.

Councilor Malan, chair of the housing committee, told the full council the committee voted to recommend acceptance of an easement from Whitmore Company and Lehi Street Associates to the city. He presented the committee's recommendation to the full council \"in the form of a motion,\" and a second was recorded.

The housing committee report said the item concerned \"acceptance of an easement from Whitmore Company and Lehi Street Associates to the city of Lawrence for the operation of a freight rail line to the Lawrence Industrial Park at 30 Lehi Street.\" Committee discussion and the committee vote were summarized in the committee report presented at the council meeting; no roll-call vote on final acceptance by the full council is recorded in the transcript excerpt.

Why it matters: Acceptance of the easement would authorize city-held rights for operation of rail service into the industrial park, a matter relevant to economic development and freight access. Specific operational terms, longer-term lease or maintenance responsibilities were not included in the portion of the transcript provided.

Next steps: The housing committee forwarded its favorable recommendation to the full council as a motion; the transcript does not show a recorded full‑council vote on final acceptance within the excerpt provided.","The housing committee reported a favorable recommendation to accept an easement from Whitmore Company and Lehi Street Associates to allow operation of a freight rail line to the Lawrence Industrial Park at 30 Lehigh Street; the committee chair submitted the recommendation as a motion to the full council.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6214229,"Council confirms Edwin Mata as associate member of Lawrence Zoning Board of Appeals",707,1620000,2327000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3670977-38b69d5c5e5e3b02a0b5b1ee3c2f377e&start=1620&end=2327","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3670977-38b69d5c5e5e3b02a0b5b1ee3c2f377e/thumbnail_1620000.jpg","/articles/6214229/Lawrence-City/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Council-confirms-Edwin-Mata-as-associate-member-of-Lawrence-Zoning-Board-of-Appeals","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6214229-ae8781ca2da4320a88b404617e263219/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166134&Signature=HB5WNlp5EgjqfBw8IKMBX1GmRR3aZVeUk7flBspUpBHJHXvQecgNa9kbT~ibuTt~fjk01PADp5xrOPoA6U1Jctn0Aa6M0CUldoqhNFXocUVCUd138kcdKOdblOt8Kdrtx1-bU4nTbN1TA62tyJ7v~jBhMV5aRmt9UXHQa77v2W0SAKI0zPE4v4OYzPjXy2AHC0aF8JswvoOVZNPQT9wYCtbh8cl1y5xOd~5VzNX2AZVzf3R~mEGok~PhnLEvZgFjQMGjLCOXRedbd6R78nqkvVI6hy1le8LXo3dj9QWY7~wkHBJGFZBNlcBF7K~R9j-UG5aHMDsb9Rl3NDdiJ1QGwA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lawrence City Council on June 3, 2025, confirmed Edwin Mata as an associate member of the Zoning Board of Appeals. The appointment was made for a term that the transcript says will begin in January (year not specified) and expire Dec. 30, 2027; the council recorded the position's total compensation as $2,250.

Mata introduced himself as a \"long lifelong member of the Lawrence community\" and a real-estate professional, saying he sees the role as an opportunity to \"contribute meaningfully to the city's growth.\" When questioned by Councilor LaPlante about what he meant by \"responsible development,\" Mata said he supports \"smart growth, for the city, housing affordability, and also just the maintaining the city's character.\" He repeatedly told councilors he would review requests \"on a case-by-case basis.\"

Councilor LaPlante and Councilor Verma pressed Mata on how he would evaluate special permits and waivers and whether his real-estate background might predispose him toward greater housing density. Mata replied he would apply a fair, impartial approach and seek advice as needed. Councilor Loclan urged Mata to build working relationships with each councilor, noting the value of district-level information about neighborhood impacts.

The council moved and seconded a confirmation motion; the transcript records the vote as passing with the chair saying, \"The ayes have it,\" and a councilor congratulated Mata after the vote.

Why it matters: Zoning Board of Appeals members decide on variances, special permits and other land-use exceptions. Councilors framed the confirmation as important because board decisions can create ripple effects across departments such as inspectional services, schools, parking and trash collection.

Next steps: Mata's term dates and the $2,250 compensation were announced during the appointment discussion; any formal onboarding or meeting assignments were not detailed in the transcript.","The City Council confirmed Edwin Mata as an associate member of the Lawrence Zoning Board of Appeals; councilors questioned him about 'responsible development' and advised building relationships with districts' councilors.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6214234,"Lawrence council approves rezoning of Jackson Street from R‑2 to B‑1",594,786000,1380000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3670977-38b69d5c5e5e3b02a0b5b1ee3c2f377e&start=786&end=1380","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3670977-38b69d5c5e5e3b02a0b5b1ee3c2f377e/thumbnail_786000.jpg","/articles/6214234/Lawrence-City/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Lawrence-council-approves-rezoning-of-Jackson-Street-from-R2-to-B1","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6214234-10493e5bf0c51c0d143c58d7bbec4dea/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166134&Signature=BWdQLtTQYyWKI6Ak2~XafXYUq3Q~Jkn36zlBFVLtnwWFzM529Ye2r8TbbzG~uPeQlYLYy~WyrGGTF0cQUog~T3022nyN87kbUfQW-HQHk3wzoS~~p-X0s5EP8hQuloXPpfnsdUMZStDaJLqe-ZZ4ySN1KrC67stL4OkgaeaXDEIYiXcNzURW7Q7aPtrkOOuyE3lDiAW1-YT-Ae7URdMo-QnrR8q-bpzTycObiOAF6K~iduDtqHgS9HK8uGr3FqBnQWQjiiB638G~3ekHv29zVK1iJoGVFL~KXFRWoXXcfggAMQTL3zftjFcBlp5Q7kNubn5V2Evfxd5U~d66HLG25A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lawrence City Council on Tuesday approved a zoning-map amendment to reclassify 22 parcels on Jackson Street, from Irving Street at the Spicket River up to Kendrick Street, from Residential R‑2 to Local Business District B‑1.

City planning staff presented the council with an analysis showing the area contains about 25 buildings across the 22 parcels and that only two properties currently conform to the R‑2 residential designation. The staff presentation said the B‑1 designation \"is actually a more appropriate designation than the residential 2,\" given existing mixed residential and business uses in the corridor.

The change follows a notice filed under the public hearing provisions cited in the agenda (referencing Chapter 40, Section 5 of state law in the meeting notice) and a Lawrence Planning Board notice of decision in support of the change. The planning-board decision was noted in the meeting record as a 4–2 vote in favor.

Councilor Loclan, who spoke in favor of approving the amendment, said the move reflects current conditions on the street and stressed the longer-term consequences of past enforcement gaps: \"These votes are important. What's important is making sure our departments are doing what they're supposed to be doing.\" Loclan said similar mixed-use, nonconforming situations probably exist elsewhere in the city.

Councilors first tabled the item briefly to allow the sponsoring councilor to be present, then later removed it from the table and voted to approve the map amendment. The meeting transcript records the vote as passing with the chair saying, \"The ayes have it.\" The council did not record a roll-call tally in the portion of the transcript provided.

Why it matters: The rezoning formally aligns zoning with existing uses along Jackson Street, which city staff and at least one property owner have said already include businesses and offices in older houses. The council and staff framed the change as an administrative correction to reflect on-the-ground conditions rather than adoption of a new development plan.

Next steps: The amendment was acted on by the full council on June 3; any further administrative steps (e.g., updating the official zoning map or appeals periods) were not detailed in the portion of the transcript provided.","On June 3, 2025, the Lawrence City Council voted to rezone 22 parcels along Jackson Street from Residential R‑2 to Local Business District B‑1 after a planning-board recommendation and a staff review showing most properties already nonconforming to R‑2.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves National Grid pole relocations, sidewalk display permit and O'Connell Park worship days

Housing committee sends favorable recommendation on freight‑rail easement to council

Council confirms Edwin Mata as associate member of Lawrence Zoning Board of Appeals

Lawrence council approves rezoning of Jackson Street from R‑2 to B‑1