The Hudson Planning Board approved a request to defer consideration of proposed improvements to an accessory garage on Old Derry Road and outlined plans for a joint meeting with the Zoning Board of Adjustment to review local zoning regulations.
The board discussed a deferral request from Nirel, LLC, for proposed improvements to an accessory garage on Old Derry Road. While such requests are often routine, board members noted that the matter has been postponed multiple times.
“This has been deferred several times,” said Board member Todd Boyer, who sought confirmation that the request remained a worthwhile project and not a poorly defined proposal likely to consume unnecessary time. “Is the Town Engineer and are town staff totally fine with this being kicked down the road?”
Town Planner Brooke Dubowik assured the board that the project remained worthwhile. However, other members expressed concerns about the pace of progress. The proposal was previously expected to come before the board in May before being delayed, and even that review involved modifications to a site plan dating back more than a decade.
“I know why we’re here after such a long duration, but I guess remaining improvements from the original plan are anticipated to be incorporated into the revised site plan. Is there going to be anything remaining from the 2014 plan, I believe?” asked Board member James Crowley. “What will happen when we get to November 18?”
Records indicate the property layout has changed since the 2014 plan, with additional modifications made in 2017. Few details were available at the meeting because no formal presentation was given.
“Just for clarification, the applicant has only requested a deferral so far. For now, we shouldn’t be discussing anything about the case itself,” said Board Chair Tim Malley, adding that the board would learn more when the proposal returns for review.
The board approved the request, rescheduling the presentation to Nov. 18.
Board members also discussed plans for a joint meeting with the Zoning Board of Adjustment to review the town’s zoning regulations.
“I think October 19, that’s a Monday, is what we’re looking at for our joint meeting,” Dubowik said. “I just wanted everybody a heads up on that. We haven’t formally set a time, but those are normally at seven. Once there’s an agenda, I will send it out.”
According to Malley, the meeting will be held at Hills Memorial Library.
“Hopefully we’ll have a copy of the updates at that time,” said Malley, who was informed that current updates should be available on the Nashua Regional Planning Commission website. “This whole thing is a combination of recommendation of Fuss and O’Neil and the NRPC, it’s a joint venture. They’re not rewriting the zoning ordinance; they’re just reallocating some things to make it flow better.”
Any changes resulting from the review process will be subject to at least two public hearings.
