unresolved

How do you know they are not all family members?
Here's the information on the house from GPV website.

http://gpv.lowellma.gov/public/Viewer.aspx?application=Public&maptab=PropertyMapPublic&targetlayer=ParcelsPublic&mapscale=40&targetids=2385-38&activemapid=2385-38&activedataid=L05090

It does not matter if they are related. It is a single family home and should not be broken up into individual apartments.

If work was done ("altered internally") without a permit, this would be clear a violation. Call the Lowell Development Services at 978-674-4144. Describe to them what you've seen. Maybe there was a dumpster and workers throwing out construction debris? BTW, the current description in this issue does not provide enough detailed information to act.

http://www.lowellma.gov/_layouts/CopyUtil.aspx?Use=id&Action=dispform&ItemId=11&ListId={DF2990E6-E850-4EF4-B6AA-B2BF84656C84}&WebId={C9A29D62-5FF4-4436-9F52-9D1103A1829F}&SiteId=c551d4e8-64a2-46a0-b475-9108e8f6af17&Source=http%3A%2F%2Ftestwww%2Elowellma%2Egov%2FCityServices%2FPages%2FReportFile%2Easpx

Sally,

Based on the original description, it's impossible to know what "altered internally" means. If the original poster provided more information or photo's it would help.

The original poster will need to talk to a someone at Development Services and get the "ball rolling".

Inspection Services has looked at exterior, they spoke with one small child once last year and left without looking inside. There has been numerous cars and varied persons coming and going , when the front entrance is open it is clear interior has been altered. At times certian occupants will be there at varied time and bring in groceries with no interaction with others in the house. The faces of occupants has changed so often one would need a score card. The origianl male with wife and two boys is only there a couple of times a month. The last city inpsector looked at mail box and gas meter only. UPS and FEDEX are there numerous times through out the day.

Bert,
Is there a a health or safety risk that is apparent from the exterior? You will need to become actively involved with the city of Lowell on this issue!

Attend a City Council meeting. You can contact them thru lowellma.gov or the link below:
http://bit.ly/1kh4okE

Here's an article that details a similar situation to yours:
http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2022239924_ravennaroominghousexml.html

Good luck Bert. Based on the problem, I think you're really going to need it!

Does anyone else have something to add?

Turning single family homes into multiple apartments or rooming houses is happening all over the upper highlands of Lowell. Lowell Resident: the City of Lowell does nothing about it. It is useless to bring anything to Developmental Services because they either do not know the ordinances or simply do not care. Give it a few years and the upper highlands will look like a dump. It certainly is a sad state of affairs.

Get the fire department involved. "the Fire Department is charged with enforcing all the fire laws and codes of the commonwealth, as well as the codes and ordinances of the City"

Read more: http://www.lowellsun.com/Top/ci_25674367/Lowell-treatment-program-in-court-after

The Lowell Sun recently ran an article about a lodging/boarding house that was restricted because it didn't have sprinklers. This applies to this situation.

Sally,

If you're reporting valid violations, and Developmental Services is not helping then YOU need to escalate the problem.

Document the problems in detail with dates, and pictures. Pictures are the best. Details, details, details!

Go to a city council meeting, state your concerns and present evidence. Contact the Lowell Sun. Lyle Moran, lmoran@lowellsun.com covers local news.
Talk to the fire department about code violations.
Highlands Neighborhood Association

Don't "Give it a few years". Work on this now!

Lowell Resident, I have contacted Developmental Services many times to no avail. I have contacted the City Council many times to no avail. It is not my responsibility and I do not have the credentials to document or take pictures of these dwellings. It is up to the city to investigate and while there at it do something about the asphalt that covers the yards from front to back and all around which is a clear violation. i.e. City of Lowell Ordinance for Residential Neighborhoods.

Never forget that, ultimately, WE are our government. The city isn't our babysitter. We all have to do our part, and, in many cases, that means documenting things for which government folks can take action. And, when our government refuses, then it's on us to take it to the press, and then, when the press falls down (as our pitiful excuse for a local paper so often does) then it's up to us to spread the word ourselves. Acting like it's all someone else's responsibility is how most of these illegal things are allowed to continue and proliferate. It's OUR responsibility. If it were next door to me, you can be I'd be making a stink about it, as I have on several occasions with Robert Marsilia (the building inspector) about a property next door to me. I've found him to be engaging, responsive, and everything a public employee should be. I'm sorry you're not seeming to have the same experience.

Can anyone else help with this issue, add their experience, tips, etc.? Please, read the entire thread for the entire conversation.

I've had positive experiences working with the city of Lowell. The city employees have been able to answer all my questions, give suggestions, and provide other helpful information. Here's the key: YOU will need to do some work. Be specific and focused. Provide detailed information (visuals, paper documentation, other examples in the community, etc). Ask for their advice.

If these tasks are too difficult or are beyond the person capabilities, then find someone who can assist or advocate.

Sally,

Any updates on this issue? Clearly, something is going on in this area.

Four+ people were shot and wounded at 58 Midland St on 6/26/204. That's 4 houses from the area you're having problems with.

http://www.lowellsun.com/news/ci_26037435/four-people-shot-lowell-highlands

It is time to move out of the upper highlands it is becoming to dangerous to live here and I think that this is just the beginning of the decay of the neighborhood. When people are allowed to do whatever they want to property excessive paving, breaking up one family residential property etc. this leads to I can do anything attitude. The upper highlands is turning into an ugly and dangerous area. Per usual the City of Lowell has done nothing. Perhaps when it hits Belvidere something will be done. Good bye Lowell.

I have received no answer to my query regarding parking at 603 Stevens St., but I know the answer; it is not permissible to park a car , in that manner. There is no criteria , in the city's parking and driveway ordinance to support such parking. The house at 603 Stevens is a two family, with a long, wide driveway, with ample parking for all, the offending vehicle can park on the street, or on the driveway.
What is happening at 603 Stevens is happening throughout the highlands, on a regular basis. Residents make their own driveways, or parking lots, while the city plays dumb.
My fellow upper highlanders, Stevens St. will in a short time look like Wedge, or Wilder streets, streets that look like a down town area, not a traditional neighborhood.I blame the city for this mess as they don't enforce the ordinances.
Gun violence isn't the only thing that destroys neighborhoods.

I would suggest calling Development Services directly and explaining your concerns. Also, if you go down to City Hall, you can often talk to the inspectors directly (if they are in the office). That also makes them more accountable, I think. Good luck! I support what you have concerns about.

Thanks for your support. I have spoken to the former director of the DPD, but nothing much happened, a few people were fined, but the major deficiencies remain. The council has been alerted, and photos have been sent, but for some strange reason the parking, and driveway ordinances are never enforced.

Where is the outrage about shots fired on Wilder St., behind Keith Catholic Tuesday night????

no action taken

no action taken still

Bert, I'm afraid the city of Lowell doesn't care. There are similar situations throughout the Upper Highlands, and the city does nothing about it.

Still no change

The revolving door of tenants continues......................

And it will till an official, who actually knows his job regarding zoning, parking, and the state, and local building codes gets hired by the city of Lowell, and begins enforcement.

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Just gets worse and beginning to look like a slum

I personally think it is a good idea considering there is so many people in Lowell and not only people but alot of homeless that have trouble getting an apartment anywhere in MA because everything is obsurdly expensive. I have to live with a roomate because I simply can not afford my own place but turning these houses into rooming houses or apartments I think is needed in MA. Alot of people here can't afford even a studio because what they ask for rent in MA is rediculous. The people here just outweigh all the somewhat affordable places to live and something really should be done more to help those that are not a "Doctor". Shelters are full here, I constantly see people sleeping outside, it is really sad. We have alot more serious issues here than being against turning homes into a home for even more people and cheaper! I think its a great idea.

I think you guys should be lucky to have your own homes and space, let others do as they please. I am sure these people are not bothering anyone. Who cares if people come and go alot... people are supposed to just stay there and not allowed to order off amazon or anything all because it bothers you? C'mon people. We should really stop being so mean and just mind our own buisness. We all have our own demons to deal with.
Peace&Love♡

Honestly, I think this is just better left alone. Nothing will be done. You guys don't live in the best place either. If it really bothers you, just move.

That is not the point. Single family homes should not be broken up into rooms for rent. In fact their are city ordinances in place for these things not to happen. When these houses are broken up like that more cars come into the picture and they are parked all over the property even up to the front door. I do believe the City of Lowell will do nothing about this. To tell someone who owns a home to move is ridiculous. The people who are not following the City Ordinances should move.

I just don't see the big deal. If the owner of a home wants to renovate it into 4 different homes, so be it. I personally think it's a good idea for Lowell. Lowell used to be very nice but it's gone down hill and still is, I just think things like this should just be left alone I don't see anything changing here.There are way more serious things to be concerned and worried about today than people turning their house into a couple apartments, (there's alot of homes like this now), and worrying about parking to many cars by your place because YOU don't like them there and Fed-Ex or whatever coming to their house everyday, like really? Who cares. Be damn thankful you all have a place to even live!!
I am going to find a real issue to talk about/ worry about. Goodluck to you all!
Don't sweat the small things in life!!
Go to the gym or something, worry about yourselves and just move on.
Peace and Love Everyone!! ♡♡✌

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The point of the matter is the way these homes are being used today is bringing down the property value of the other homes close by to them. These homes were not built to house 30-40 people with cars parked all over the property not only is this ugly but it is truly dangerous with cars parked so close to these homes and even up to the front door is a serious FIRE HAZARD and should be cited as suck. Yes there are many things to worry about in this world today and that is one good reason a person wants to come home to a decent looking neighborhood and home.

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