The Heights at Haverhill building developed by Lupoli Companies in Haverhill, MA

The love affair between the City of Lowell and Developer Sal Lupoli had, for all intents and purposes, ended a long time ago. The only unanswered question was how messy the divorce would be and how wealthy the attorneys would get. Thankfully, the marriage ended about as amicably as could be expected given the strained relationship.

InsideLowell has learned a settlement has finally been reached, and that it was agreed to by the Lowell City Council in Executive Session Tuesday night.

Specifics about the drawn out negotiating process and the final terms remain scarce, but multiple sources tell us the two sides have agreed to a deal that allows Lupoli to sell his remaining parcels of land in the Hamilton Canal Innovation District (HCID) to another developer who will build a structure more to the liking of the City Council and Administration than the current five-story wood construction proposal on the table.

Questions regarding the price tag, who the new developer is, the size of the building and how much (if any) of the space will consist of commercial development are expected to be answered in the coming weeks.

But with the long, drawn out process finally in the rear view mirror, the city can now steer toward the road ahead without a protracted legal battle hanging over its head.

And with the potential of UMass Lowell’s LINC project and the United Nations Frontrunner City status, perhaps the HCID can once again hold the promise of additional economic development.