WOBURN - On the basis of safety concerns, the City Council at its most recent meeting unanimously voted to deny a special permit that would have allowed a research laboratory in East Woburn to expand its hydrogen testing facilities.

The rejection of a petition by Ztek Corp. at 300 West Cummings Park was not unexpected, after both the city's Fire Chief and Planning Board opined the area was too densely-populated to support such testing. Officials noted the lab is next door to a day care facility.

Also, Cummings Properties did not authorize the expansion of Ztek's facilities. The company wants to increase its focus on developing hydrogen vehicles.

Michael Hsu, representing Ztek, said his company would return at some point in the future with a petition for "a more suitable location."

10 Lowell St. - Sent to the council's Liaison Committee was a petition from Ward 3 Alderman Scott Galvin and Ward 4 Alderman James Dwyer to declare 10 Lowell St. a public nuisance.

While acknowledging the process has been a "long, arduous journey," Dwyer said the owner of the property has "limited resources" and is "reaching out to local service clubs" for assistance.

"I'm confident we'll be able to make some progress in the next 2-3 months," said Dwyer.

Dwyer also noted the owner "has been cooperative" as the council tries to get him to make repairs to the house.

247 Salem St. - Approved with minimal discussion was a special permit from Michael Colameta and Douglas Lynch that will allow for storage of three metal bins at 247 Salem St. in East Woburn.

The council added a condition that the permit is non-transferable, meaning if Colameta and Lynch ever sell the property, the new owner will have to come back to the council for a new permit.

Also, the council attached conditions from the Planning Board prohibiting the owners from moving or renting the storage bins. Also, the two bins on the easterly side of the building shall be screened from Salem Street.

Mishawum Road - Approved was a petition from NStar and Verizon to install 52 feet of conduit and replace a pole on Mishawum Road, near the Industrial Parkway, to provide utility service to the new Northern Bank & Trust headquarters at the former Mishawum MBTA/Logan Express terminal.

Last year, the council approved a proposal from Northern Bank & Trust for a 50,000-square-foot office building and 210 garden apartments at the site.

Two board members of the bank bought the 7-acre parcel from the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) for $7.2 million in July 2005. Construction is currently taking place.