Hamilton Canal Master Plan

FPA was retained by Trinity Financial to manage the environmental review and permitting process for the redevelopment of the 13-acre site in the heart of downtown Lowell, MA. The project consists of nearly 2 million square feet of mixed-use development to be built out over a 10-year period under a form-based zoning code. The project generated strong local support, yet faced significant permitting challenges. The site, trisected by canals with hydroelectric power rights and located in a National Register Historic District, required relief for use of state (Article 97) and federal (Section 4(f)) parklands for commercial use, approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, U.S. Coast Guard, Army Corps of Engineers, Federal Aviation Administration, and National Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. At the state level, approvals were required from DEP Chapter 91, MassDOT, and the Massachusetts Historic Commission, and the release of former railroad rights of way. The project utilized the "Super MEPA" review process, as well as a Phase 1 waiver. The project incorporates low impact development techniques and is LEED Certifiable. The first two phases of the Master Plan have been completed by Trinity.