[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6145888,"mediaKeyId","5530019-e9bc52465ab7c771fdad9d0559f30d3f","parentId",5530019,"title","Conservation commission appoints Cliff Laverne as full member of Wildcat subcommittee through 2027","audioSeconds",324,"startMs",2097000,"endMs",2421000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5530019-e9bc52465ab7c771fdad9d0559f30d3f&start=2097&end=2421","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5530019-e9bc52465ab7c771fdad9d0559f30d3f/thumbnail_2097000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6145888/New-Hampshire/Conservation-commission-appoints-Cliff-Laverne-as-full-member-of-Wildcat-subcommittee-through-2027","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6145888-69f03e74bb95debe2dc6b4ebd72df044/orig.mp4?Expires=1773584079&Signature=Y0ebbA-FNYbv0cLdv6qZeAH18Kqc2qABjiU2JBVYxAxykJC~-p-rtox9KY-Qr8DG6F89YWYoJZhfry2hzehojQvpC1S0ldTVpG8UwVDwW8GO-2eSNQ9DD3xtrzPN3Bu4UH~GeN6kjG2R2fCVkgI81Lg2le0F7LJfOvBTfm6nsX3tFafWnGpUE-IOfuF9V3Yd4YB~prlxXik1Nsmdh9wQRkWKtFowlfCcO1ZLayNuFlhnw0bXSI3gXbzhI-ijui~PG8wbDiZY2ggIVZla0apCNEd0hkBLWJ5hqHdDpIcgEJBgxmG0VjsnXLWlrfl11On1lSOMQ~zFbQyEUFqEOGX2RA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town Council of Merrimack NH","date","2025-08-04T19:28:14Z","article","MERRIMACK, N.H. — The Merrimack Conservation Commission appointed longtime volunteer Cliff Laverne to the Wildcat Conservation Area Subcommittee as a full member through June 30, 2027, voting unanimously on April 28.

Commission members noted Laverne’s years of volunteer work, including trail maintenance and construction projects in the Wildcat area. A commissioner described Laverne and the Michael Laverne Memorial Foundation as active partners in maintaining the area and cited specific contributions, including trail cleanups and a heavy‑bench relocation.

Motion and vote: a commissioner moved to accept Laverne’s application as an alternate member with a term expiring June 30, 2025; after discussion and an amendment offered by the mover, the motion was revised to appoint Laverne as a full member with a term expiring 06/30/2027. The motion was seconded and passed 7–0.

Why it matters: the Wildcat subcommittee manages trails and stewardship activities on Wildcat Conservation Area parcels. Commissioners noted the subcommittee currently has vacancies and that Laverne’s appointment helps fill full member positions.

Next steps: staff will add Laverne to the subcommittee mailing list and provide him with contact information for the commission liaison.

Speakers: [{\"name\":\"Cliff Laverne\",\"role_title\":\"Applicant / Volunteer\",\"affiliation_type\":\"citizen\",\"affiliation_name\":\"Laverne Memorial Foundation\"},{\"name\":\"Andrew\",\"role_title\":\"Commissioner (mover)\",\"affiliation_type\":\"government\",\"affiliation_name\":\"Merrimack Conservation Commission\"},{\"name\":\"Dage\",\"role_title\":\"Commissioner (seconder)\",\"affiliation_type\":\"government\",\"affiliation_name\":\"Merrimack Conservation Commission\"}],

authorities:[],

actions:[{\"kind\":\"appointment\",\"identifiers\":{},\"motion\":\"Appoint Cliff Laverne to Wildcat Conservation Area Subcommittee as a full member, term to expire 06/30/2027\",\"mover\":\"Andrew\",\"second\":\"Dage\",\"vote_record\":[{\"member\":\"Andrew\",\"vote\":\"yes\"},{\"member\":\"Dage\",\"vote\":\"yes\"}],\"tally\":{\"yes\":7,\"no\":0,\"abstain\":0},\"legal_threshold\":{\"met\":true,\"notes\":\"Simple majority for appointment met.\"},\"outcome\":\"approved\",\"notes\":\"Amended motion originally proposed as alternate appointment; final motion appoints full member through 2027.\"}],

discussion_decision:{\"discussion_points\":[\"Laverne and foundation have assisted with trail maintenance and installations (bench relocation) for many years\",\"Subcommittee currently low on full members; appointment fills vacancy\"],\"directions\":[\"Staff to add Laverne to the Wildcat subcommittee mailing list and provide contact information\"],\"decisions\":[\"Appoint Cliff Laverne as full member through 06/30/2027; unanimous vote 7–0\"]},

proper_names:[{\"name\":\"Wildcat Conservation Area Subcommittee\",\"type\":\"organization\"},{\"name\":\"Michael Laverne Memorial Foundation\",\"type\":\"organization\"}],

clarifying_details:[{\"category\":\"term\",\"detail\":\"Term expires 06/30/2027 (amended motion)\",\"value\":\"2027-06-30\",\"units\":\"date\",\"approximate\":false,\"source_speaker\":\"Andrew\"}],

community_relevance:{\"geographies\":[\"Wildcat Conservation Area\"],\"funding_sources\":[],\"impact_groups\":[\"trail users\",\"volunteer stewards\"]},

meeting_context:{\"engagement_level\":{\"speakers_count\":5,\"duration_minutes\":40,\"items_count\":1},\"implementation_risk\":\"none\",\"history\":[{\"date\":\"2025-04-28\",\"note\":\"Appointment voted 7–0; staff to update mailing list.\"}]},

searchable_tags:[\"Wildcat\",\"appointment\",\"subcommittee\"],

provenance:{\"transcript_segments\":[{\"block_id\":\"transcript_block_2097.76\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":220,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"That moves us on to the appointment of Cliff Laverne to the Wildcat Conservation Area Subcommittee as as an alternate member with a term to expire on 06/30/2025...\",\"tc_start\":\"00:2097.76\",\"tc_end\":\"00:2114.375\",\"text_sha256\":\"\"},{\"block_id\":\"transcript_block_2414.13\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":220,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"All in favor? All opposed? All abstaining? Motion passes 7 to 0 0.\",\"tc_start\":\"00:2414.13\",\"tc_end\":\"00:2421.829\",\"text_sha256\":\"\"}]}

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Conservation Commission: April 28, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","After amending an initial motion to appoint him as an alternate, the commission voted 7–0 to appoint volunteer Cliff Laverne as a full member of the Wildcat Conservation Area Subcommittee with a term expiring June 30, 2027.","taxTitle","Merrimack Conservation Commission, Merrimack, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire","taxId",70560,"location","New Hampshire","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6145894,"Commission clears amended site plan for phase‑2 changes at 7 Crows Nest Circle with no new stormwater concerns",292,1794000,2086000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5530019-e9bc52465ab7c771fdad9d0559f30d3f&start=1794&end=2086","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5530019-e9bc52465ab7c771fdad9d0559f30d3f/thumbnail_1794000.jpg","/articles/6145894/New-Hampshire/Commission-clears-amended-site-plan-for-phase2-changes-at-7-Crows-Nest-Circle-with-no-new-stormwater-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6145894-6e0cca008c5cd4e481372d5babeff6c6/orig.mp4?Expires=1773584079&Signature=Nqy~h90B6i5C1W2v6koGZ6SJq5sodTqjPntcMOim9lcDeExlho~RnDJQ2XZdr2~TS0rKPvsY7mwMIoDvO~3UYnZW04AhsT3UHw~BS7QqdqQr43vIoQQjZyUmE6xVQeSPAoygLsBJI0ptvXU3BHukHlqht07-Qz0yawWX58TBr8d0HftrIy65QG3aZ19AEajonvFE1EGAICheDw-j5ljO0gxcAGsjVTYEoCDAPOz3gWQ~RAWNyMgc72ChZVPLpPZwqNZc~y6JuyBmkPjOTCn4Aq6L-G3Z0XtyJ6kNKsAeu4Xx2VBihKdg69~vQFyxSYHb7NGg13suWws3-hr6IgijtA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","MERRIMACK, N.H. — TF Moran presented an amendment for phase 2 of a previously approved warehouse/manufacturing project at 7 Crows Nest Circle; conservation commissioners said the changes — reduced unit depth, larger mezzanines and 57 additional parking spaces — do not create new stormwater concerns because the originally approved systems were designed with capacity for the full buildout.

Tom Burns, senior project manager at TF Moran, told the commission the first phase (three units, supporting stormwater infrastructure and septic) has been constructed and that the approved sanitary and stormwater systems have capacity to accept runoff from the additional parking spaces without modification. The amendment proposes no change to site circulation or the previously engineered stormwater design and does not increase total impervious area in a way that requires new treatment features.

Commission comments: the commission noted prior recommendations have been incorporated into the plans, including use of straw rather than hay for erosion control, no salt or chemical deicers on site, winter maintenance by a Green Snow Pro–certified contractor and use of slow‑release, low‑phosphate nitrogen (with soil testing to determine need). Any invasive species removed during construction are to be chipped or burned on site per the notes added in earlier reviews.

Decision: Commissioners said they had no further concerns and that staff would inform the planning board that the conservation commission had no objections to the amendment as presented.

Speakers: [{\"name\":\"Tom Burns\",\"role_title\":\"Senior Project Manager, TF Moran\",\"affiliation_type\":\"business\",\"affiliation_name\":\"TF Moran\"},{\"name\":\"Commissioner\",\"role_title\":\"Commissioner\",\"affiliation_type\":\"government\",\"affiliation_name\":\"Merrimack Conservation Commission\"}],

authorities:[{\"type\":\"policy\",\"name\":\"Previously approved stormwater management report and AOT permit (as applicable)\",\"referenced_by\":[\"commission concurrence\"]}],

actions:[{\"kind\":\"referral\",\"motion\":\"Commission will email planning board stating no further conservation concerns for the amended site plan (phase 2 reductions in footprint, added mezzanines, 57 parking spaces) and that previously approved stormwater treatment has capacity\",\"mover\":\"Commissioner\",\"second\":\"unspecified\",\"tally\":{\"yes\":0,\"no\":0,\"abstain\":0},\"outcome\":\"approved\",\"notes\":\"Advisory concurrence forwarded to planning board.\"}],

discussion_decision:{\"discussion_points\":[\"Phase 1 constructed; stormwater/septic systems in place\",\"Amendment reduces building depth, increases mezzanine, adds parking — no new impervious impact to stormwater treatment capacity\",\"Notes about no deicers, straw, invasive species disposal, low‑phosphate fertilizers remain in plans\"],\"directions\":[\"Staff to email planning board that commission has no further concerns\"],\"decisions\":[\"Commission concurs with amendment; no further comments beyond existing plan notes\"]},

proper_names:[{\"name\":\"7 Crows Nest Circle\",\"type\":\"location\"},{\"name\":\"TF Moran\",\"type\":\"business\"}],

clarifying_details:[{\"category\":\"scope_change\",\"detail\":\"Building depth reduced by ~13 feet on phase‑2 units; mezzanine square footage increased to retain overall unit area\",\"value\":true,\"units\":\"feet\",\"approximate\":true,\"source_speaker\":\"Tom Burns\"},{\"category\":\"parking\",\"detail\":\"57 additional parking spaces proposed along easterly boundary; stormwater system designed to accept the runoff without modification\",\"value\":57,\"units\":\"spaces\",\"approximate\":false,\"source_speaker\":\"Tom Burns\"}],

community_relevance:{\"geographies\":[\"Crows Nest Circle industrial area\"],\"funding_sources\":[],\"impact_groups\":[\"local businesses\",\"nearby wetlands\"]},

meeting_context:{\"engagement_level\":{\"speakers_count\":2,\"duration_minutes\":20,\"items_count\":1},\"implementation_risk\":\"low\",\"history\":[{\"date\":\"2022-10\",\"note\":\"Original site plan reviewed by Conservation Commission; planning board approved Nov 2022; phase‑amendments previously filed.\"}]},

searchable_tags:[\"Crows Nest\",\"phase amendment\",\"stormwater\"],

provenance:{\"transcript_segments\":[{","Commissioners reviewed a planning‑board amendment to reduce building depth, increase mezzanine area and add 57 parking spaces at the Crows Nest Circle warehouse/manufacturing site; the commission found no new stormwater or landscaping issues beyond the previously approved treatment systems and winter‑maintenance notes.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6145898,"Commission accepts Ferris warehouse plan with strict winter‑maintenance and no‑chemical notes near wetlands",381,1248000,1629000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5530019-e9bc52465ab7c771fdad9d0559f30d3f&start=1248&end=1629","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5530019-e9bc52465ab7c771fdad9d0559f30d3f/thumbnail_1248000.jpg","/articles/6145898/New-Hampshire/Commission-accepts-Ferris-warehouse-plan-with-strict-wintermaintenance-and-nochemical-notes-near-wetlands","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6145898-0e7afad2c8b5fd558cc9f5cbd946848c/orig.mp4?Expires=1773584079&Signature=d1~mCeNMNooy~Zi0Y2uGagkqKE6CVxGlWE2JeiCiR8DseaNS1wDlwU9kgcUutu5FJ30UrtT2AhLuumZGw6NzxGyIHO~GYhlt7PEzBQNQ56cVm5reLJ4Iuf7skF6TezhUsYkH3ldV4amlLCQTnLTUnWpAAIn2Tr22hdu~NzfINBH-qeUFdJYfNT4sFgbaCXNBYvDEBDEgX9oEhS21qI1eMKsEEyoH3neUDOTQ96R5tDyldf9MNd7Ux9Ky1KJ9BC-IeTcQzzs9hSEI4ZBA206mpdqtkKxyUK4uPgOKtATD8CQWSIBSZpUBZMsqiFXBjXXHcb3NJ7Kv33xNFQ5ETkHiZA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","MERRIMACK, N.H. — Fieldstone Land Consultants and the owner of Ferris Enterprises presented a revised site plan for a 9,870‑square‑foot warehouse at 101 Herrick Street, and conservation commissioners said the project’s current erosion‑control and stormwater measures address their usual concerns for sites adjacent to wetlands.

Chris Guida of Fieldstone described a site that will capture stormwater coming off Daniel Webster Highway into two culverts, treat on‑site runoff through a detention/bioretention basin and discharge across a stabilized outfall. Guida said the plan includes stormwater capture for on‑site flows and incoming off‑site flows; commissioners confirmed they had received the stormwater management report and engineering materials.

Commission priorities: commissioners emphasized the site’s proximity to wetlands and the Merrimack River, and reiterated prior conditions added to plans: no salt or chemical de‑icers on site, winter maintenance performed by a Green Snow Pro–certified contractor, erosion control using straw rather than hay, disposal of invasive species material on site by chipping or burning per the approved notes, and low‑phosphate slow‑release nitrogen fertilizer or, where appropriate, no‑phosphate fertilizers for landscaping.

Guida confirmed the project will not include chemical storage outside the building and that no vehicle maintenance bays are proposed. Landscaping questions included the sedum species to ensure noninvasive selections; commissioners asked the applicant to consult the New Hampshire Cooperative Extension list to avoid invasive sedums.

Outcome: Commissioners said the package addressed their usual concerns and that staff would notify the planning board the commission had no further comment beyond the existing notes. The applicant was told staff would email planning board that evening confirming the commission’s recommendation.

Speakers: [{\"name\":\"Chris Guida\",\"role_title\":\"Civil engineer / Fieldstone Land Consultants\",\"affiliation_type\":\"business\",\"affiliation_name\":\"Fieldstone Land Consultants\"},{\"name\":\"Matt Ferris\",\"role_title\":\"Owner / Applicant\",\"affiliation_type\":\"business\",\"affiliation_name\":\"Ferris Enterprises LLC\"},{\"name\":\"Commissioner\",\"role_title\":\"Commissioner\",\"affiliation_type\":\"government\",\"affiliation_name\":\"Merrimack Conservation Commission\"}],

authorities:[{\"type\":\"policy\",\"name\":\"Aquifer Conservation District / wetlands adjacency notes\",\"referenced_by\":[\"no‑chemical deicers; low‑phosphate fertilizer notes\"]}],

actions:[{\"kind\":\"referral\",\"motion\":\"Conservation Commission will email planning board that no further concerns remain beyond previously incorporated notes (no salts/chemical deicers, Green Snow Pro winter maintenance, straw erosion control, low/no‑phosphate fertilizer; invasive species disposal notes)\",\"mover\":\"Commissioner\",\"second\":\"unspecified\",\"tally\":{\"yes\":0,\"no\":0,\"abstain\":0},\"outcome\":\"approved\",\"notes\":\"Advisory comments confirmed; applicant to proceed to Planning Board.\"}],

discussion_decision:{\"discussion_points\":[\"Site will capture off‑site stormwater from Daniel Webster Highway and treat on site\",\"No chemical storage or vehicle maintenance proposed\",\"Landscaping should avoid invasive sedum species; confirm species with NH Cooperative Extension\",\"Existing plan notes about no salts/chemical deicers and Green Snow Pro winter maintenance should remain\"],\"directions\":[\"Staff to email planning board that commission has no further concerns beyond the existing notes\"],\"decisions\":[\"Commission had no outstanding objections and will forward its concurrence to planning board.\"]},

proper_names:[{\"name\":\"101 Herrick Street\",\"type\":\"location\"},{\"name\":\"Fieldstone Land Consultants\",\"type\":\"business\"},{\"name\":\"Ferris Enterprises LLC\",\"type\":\"business\"}],

clarifying_details:[{\"category\":\"stormwater\",\"detail\":\"Off‑site stormwater from Daniel Webster Highway captured through two culverts; treated in on‑site basin before discharge\",\"value\":true,\"units\":\"boolean\",\"approximate\":false,\"source_speaker\":\"Chris Guida\"},{\"category\":\"winter_maintenance\",\"detail\":\"No salts or chemical deicers; winter maintenance by Green Snow Pro‑certified contractor noted on plans\",\"value\":true,\"units\":\"boolean\",\"approximate\":false,\"source_speaker\":\"Commissioner\"}],

community_relevance:{\"geographies\":[\"Herrick Street corridor\",\"Daniel Webster Highway runoff area\"],\"funding_sources\":[],\"impact_groups\":[\"wetland ecosystems\",\"downstream water users\"]},

meeting_context:{\"engagement_level\":{\"speakers_count\":3,\"duration_minutes\":45,\"items_count\":1},\"implementation_risk\":\"low\",\"history\":[{\"date\":\"2025-04-28\",\"note\":\"Commission reviewed updated plan; recommended notes retained; staff to advise planning board.\"}]},

searchable_tags:[\"stormwater\",\"wetlands\",\"Green Snow Pro\",\"sedum\",\"Ferris Enterprises\"],

provenance:{\"transcript_segments\":[{\"block_id\":\"transcript_block_1248.01\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":748,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"My name is Chris Guida with Fieldstone Land Consultants... There's been a couple of reiterations... stormwater coming off DW Highway... drop basin... treatment basin...\",\"tc_start\":\"00:1248.01\",\"tc_end\":\"00:1362.89\",\"text_sha256\":\"\"},{\"block_id\":\"transcript_block_1559.9951\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":260,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"Note 27... No salts or chemical deicers are to be used for winter maintenance on-site. Winter maintenance will be performed by a Green Snow Pro certified contractor...\",\"tc_start\":\"00:1559.995\",\"tc_end\":\"00:1575.51\",\"text_sha256\":\"\"}]}

","The Conservation Commission reviewed a proposed 9,870 sq ft Ferris warehouse at 101 Herrick Street and said previously required stormwater, no‑salt/no‑chemical de‑icing, Green Snow Pro winter maintenance and low‑phosphate landscaping notes satisfy its concerns; the commission expects treatment basins to capture off‑site roadway runoff.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6145902,"Commission recommends low‑phosphate, straw erosion control for 3‑unit plan at 44 Daniel Webster Highway",286,685000,971000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5530019-e9bc52465ab7c771fdad9d0559f30d3f&start=685&end=971","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5530019-e9bc52465ab7c771fdad9d0559f30d3f/thumbnail_685000.jpg","/articles/6145902/New-Hampshire/Commission-recommends-lowphosphate-straw-erosion-control-for-3unit-plan-at-44-Daniel-Webster-Highway","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6145902-aa2de02d1835043fd93e38a93d11fd9e/orig.mp4?Expires=1773584079&Signature=AGB8vuoXoPa79vmwtiMDN51TZo45dmoeHLKBjukRxo9kPAosW0~WA2A8rirhL8xPzk6Ubxok6jFXHpQyjAQ1x-qAFxWtGx45m46~z-PrWNiSwxBueX9evVRCRloHALMy0tkgEUUlkGU4nwoSxyizNFsYOGcGg7xC--7zZYNJxiaFCeicioXirKrQbmkb6XAitKhckza4odqM0oO~hHP-f4i3HvjXzxNF756G~XQxUMSb-IJ6FXMLEzlBVmeHHO3VtSMgxdxgy63k8teP325BhvYgXreT-c9x7F142yVR0XxC-pu5xpxBWrMSXDinJbpr7s62QZAofdlYZmFGKQ~wgA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","MERRIMACK, N.H. — The Merrimack Conservation Commission reviewed plans to raise an existing single‑family house and construct a three‑unit building at 44 Daniel Webster Highway and asked the applicant to revise landscape and erosion‑control notes before the planning board review.

Jim Donison, the civil engineer representing the applicant, described a 13,000‑square‑foot parcel where the proposed three‑unit building will have six parking spaces, water and sewer service, and a leachfield system to intercept and treat drainage before it reaches the road. The applicant told the commission all on‑site drainage will be directed to leaching chambers.

Why it matters: the parcel sits in an Aquifer Conservation District and planned residential overlay, so the commission recommended conservative landscaping and fertilizer practices to protect groundwater.

Conservation concerns and recommendations: commissioners asked that the project remove references that allow hay mulch and instead require straw or other acceptable erosion control; they also requested a revision to clarify that only slow‑release, low‑phosphate (or no‑phosphate where appropriate) fertilizers be used and that soil tests be performed before applying any fertilizer. “We prefer to have the slow‑release phosphorus… the middle number just needs to be as low as possible and slow release,” the commission advised; later the commission asked to change the note to “no phosphate, slow‑release nitrogen” for parcels close to wetlands.

Other design points discussed included the proposed building footprint, retaining wall details (the proposed retaining wall is expected to be about two feet high), and confirmation that most of the site’s remaining area is currently permeable (grass/trees) aside from the driveway. The applicant confirmed he would present the revised notes and plans to the planning board next week.

Next steps: The commission chair said staff will email the planning board with the commission’s requested edits and otherwise had no outstanding concerns, allowing the applicant to proceed to the next stage of review after the notes are updated.

Speakers: [{\"name\":\"Jim Donison\",\"role_title\":\"Civil engineer representing applicant\",\"affiliation_type\":\"business\",\"affiliation_name\":\"Northeast Engineering\"},{\"name\":\"Commissioner\",\"role_title\":\"Commissioner\",\"affiliation_type\":\"government\",\"affiliation_name\":\"Merrimack Conservation Commission\"}],

authorities:[{\"type\":\"policy\",\"name\":\"Aquifer Conservation District (local overlay)\",\"referenced_by\":[\"fertilizer/landscaping recommendations\"]}],

actions:[{\"kind\":\"referral\",\"motion\":\"Commission will email the planning board recommending edits to erosion control and fertilizer notes (straw not hay; soil testing prior to fertilizing; low/no‑phosphate slow‑release nitrogen) and otherwise has no objections\",\"mover\":\"Commissioner\",\"second\":\"unspecified\",\"tally\":{\"yes\":0,\"no\":0,\"abstain\":0},\"outcome\":\"approved\",\"notes\":\"Advisory comments to Planning Board\"}],

discussion_decision:{\"discussion_points\":[\"Proposed conversion of single‑family to three units with leaching chambers for drainage\",\"Erosion control should use straw rather than hay mulch; test soils before fertilizer\",\"Prefer low‑phosphate or no‑phosphate slow‑release nitrogen in aquifer/wetland adjacency\"],\"directions\":[\"Applicant to change notes: no hay; use straw; soil testing; low/no‑phosphate slow‑release nitrogen\"],\"decisions\":[\"Commission will forward these comments to the planning board and had no other outstanding concerns.\"]},

proper_names:[{\"name\":\"44 Daniel Webster Highway\",\"type\":\"location\"},{\"name\":\"Northeast Engineering\",\"type\":\"business\"}],

clarifying_details:[{\"category\":\"drainage\",\"detail\":\"All on‑site drainage directed to leaching chambers before discharging\",\"value\":true,\"units\":\"boolean\",\"approximate\":false,\"source_speaker\":\"Jim Donison\"},{\"category\":\"erosion control\",\"detail\":\"Replace 'hay mulch' note with 'straw; no hay' for on‑site erosion control\",\"value\":true,\"units\":\"boolean\",\"approximate\":false,\"source_speaker\":\"Commissioner\"},{\"category\":\"fertilizer\",\"detail\":\"Change note to specify 'no phosphate, slow‑release nitrogen' where near wetlands/aquifer\",\"value\":true,\"units\":\"boolean\",\"approximate\":false,\"source_speaker\":\"Commissioner\"}],

community_relevance:{\"geographies\":[\"Daniel Webster Highway corridor\"],\"funding_sources\":[],\"impact_groups\":[\"nearby residents\",\"groundwater users\"]},

meeting_context:{\"engagement_level\":{\"speakers_count\":2,\"duration_minutes\":30,\"items_count\":1},\"implementation_risk\":\"low\",\"history\":[{\"date\":\"2025-04-28\",\"note\":\"Applicant scheduled to appear before Planning Board next week; commission to email edits.\"}]},

searchable_tags:[\"fertilizer\",\"straw mulch\",\"leaching chambers\",\"aquifer\"],

provenance:{\"transcript_segments\":[{\"block_id\":\"transcript_block_677.24\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":511,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"Jim Donison, Northeast Engineering representing the applicant... convert tax map 2 e lot 1... drainage will be directed to leaching chambers...\",\"tc_start\":\"00:677.24\",\"tc_end\":\"00:727.535\",\"text_sha256\":\"\"},{\"block_id\":\"transcript_block_900.31\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":260,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"Use of slow release, low phosphate shall be used... We'll change note b to that...\",\"tc_start\":\"00:900.31\",\"tc_end\":\"00:968.925\",\"text_sha256\":\"\"}]}

","Engineers seeking to raise an existing house and build a three‑unit building at 44 Daniel Webster Highway heard conservation recommendations to avoid hay mulch, test soils before fertilizing, and use low‑phosphate slow‑release nitrogen where necessary; drainage will go to leaching chambers and the applicant will bring revisions to planning.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6145907,"Conservation commission urges snow-storage, fertilizer limits for proposed church at 420 Daniel Webster Highway",0,1481000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5530019-e9bc52465ab7c771fdad9d0559f30d3f&start=1481&end=1481","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5530019-e9bc52465ab7c771fdad9d0559f30d3f/thumbnail_1481000.jpg","/articles/6145907/New-Hampshire/Conservation-commission-urges-snow-storage-fertilizer-limits-for-proposed-church-at-420-Daniel-Webster-Highway","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6145907-3e0e037690c4222e37fef0a10c14c9f6/orig.mp4?Expires=1773584079&Signature=BgHKe21pHcHLNv6ij5MFj2ceD50GAyCXbkBTddcdFrZUUHVtR-iGCMfMK2PGGsGqVEU~-yd31PMzuNyZBbdTFdL7Bo9XgANTh2DT5BQnPZWIoWI6xu-5nPmfpiZjgBMVyabofrFgmw0dw-HYqeQOWA~cTaI6fQxPFhLewGMrhUIgsOj69lUseItNJNAzZbFtpgJsUU5qvgid163BCt4TkUbXmK2X-7qIqvz2-1a1PLyLecWDC81ZMZaWlhUIU5r1DDzSCxyDqVF8WBlFM0ByL42NfuVld7wHuk1dT0F705OcB9PlLiv-soIxEaTNtXHfIVEfpeHrrUI63NL58LNZEQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","MERRIMACK, N.H. — The Merrimack Conservation Commission told a prospective applicant it will forward a recommendation to the planning board for a change of use at 420 Daniel Webster Highway only if the applicant addresses snow-storage, winter maintenance, and fertilizer restrictions.

The commission reviewed Felipe Goncalves’s application on April 28 to waive full site‑plan review and change a parcel’s use from a pharmacy to a church. The parcel sits in the C-2 Commercial district and in Aquifer Conservation and wellhead-protection overlay areas.

Commissioners said their principal concern is where plowed snow will be stored and how meltwater will be managed so contaminants do not drain to the nearby river. “We were concerned about the location of snow removal because we believe that part of the property slopes down to the river. And we don't want the snow to melt into the river because it often contains contaminants,” said a member of the commission (public record attribution: Commissioner). The commission recommended the applicant avoid storing snow where runoff would flow off-site and instead use paved parking areas or off-site rental spaces the applicant has already explored with adjacent plaza management.

Why it matters: meltwater from parking lots can carry road salt, sand and vehicle residues into the river and aquifer. The parcel’s location inside an aquifer protection district raises the commission’s caution about any practice that could increase pollutant loads to groundwater or surface water.

The commission also asked that winter maintenance be done by a Green Snow Pro–certified contractor and that any future landscaping use no phosphate fertilizer. “We recommend no phosphate fertilizer,” the commission chair instructed; commissioners also urged use of noninvasive plantings. The commission said it will email the planning board its recommendation “provided some storage is addressed so that it does not drain into adjacent properties,” and requested that the applicant have engineers show how snow storage and parking could be adjusted to avoid channeling meltwater toward the river.

What was discussed: Goncalves told the commission the church expects variable parking demand — low most weeks and larger occupancy for occasional services — and has discussed short-term rental of nearby plaza spaces to handle overflow rather than using on-site areas that drain toward the river. Commissioners suggested moving proposed snow storage toward paved middle parking stalls or leasing spaces in neighboring lots to minimize on-site melt runoff.

Next steps: The commission said it will email its comments to the planning board that evening and work with planning staff to ensure required notes about winter maintenance and fertilizer appear on any plan sent forward. The applicant indicated he had already appeared before planning and zoning and was awaiting the commission’s recommendation.

Speakers: [{\"name\":\"Felipe Goncalves\",\"role_title\":\"Applicant\",\"affiliation_type\":\"business\",\"affiliation_name\":\"Premier Commercial Properties LLC\",\"first_reference\":{\"timecode\":\"00:24.42\",\"transcript_line_range\":[1,6]}},{\"name\":\"Commissioner\",\"role_title\":\"Commissioner\",\"affiliation_type\":\"government\",\"affiliation_name\":\"Merrimack Conservation Commission\",\"first_reference\":{\"timecode\":\"00:24.42\",\"transcript_line_range\":[1,6]}}]

authorities:[{\"type\":\"policy\",\"name\":\"Aquifer Conservation District / wellhead protection overlays (local planning designations)\",\"referenced_by\":[\"Conservation commission recommendation\"]},{\"type\":\"policy\",\"name\":\"Green Snow Pro winter maintenance certification (recommended)\",\"referenced_by\":[\"Conservation commission recommendation\"]}],

actions:[{\"kind\":\"referral\",\"motion\":\"Conservation Commission will email the planning board recommending approval provided snow storage is addressed so runoff does not drain into adjacent properties; require Green Snow Pro winter maintenance and no‑phosphate landscaping notes on the plan\",\"mover\":\"Commissioner\",\"second\":\"unspecified\",\"tally\":{\"yes\":null,\"no\":null,\"abstain\":null},\"outcome\":\"approved\",\"notes\":\"Recommendation to planning board, not a formal permit decision.\"}],

discussion_decision:{\"discussion_points\":[\"Applicant seeks waiver of full site plan review to change use from pharmacy to church at 420 Daniel Webster Highway\",\"Commission concerns about snow storage location and meltwater draining to adjacent river/wetlands\",\"Request that landscaping avoid invasive species and use no‑phosphate fertilizer\",\"Applicant has contacted adjacent plaza to rent overflow parking spaces for peak services\"] ,\"directions\":[\"Staff to forward commission comments to planning board tonight\",\"Applicant asked to have engineer show alternative snow‑storage/parking layout to avoid runoff\"],\"decisions\":[\"Commission will recommend to planning board conditional approval subject to snow storage and fertilizer/maintenance notes\"]},

proper_names:[{\"name\":\"420 Daniel Webster Highway\",\"type\":\"location\"},{\"name\":\"Premier Commercial Properties LLC\",\"type\":\"business\"}],

clarifying_details:[{\"category\":\"zoning\",\"detail\":\"Parcel is in C-2 Commercial and Aquifer Conservation (wellhead protection) overlays\",\"value\":true,\"units\":\"boolean\",\"approximate\":false,\"source_speaker\":\"Commissioner\"},{\"category\":\"recommendation\",\"detail\":\"Require Green Snow Pro–certified winter maintenance\",\"value\":true,\"units\":\"boolean\",\"approximate\":false,\"source_speaker\":\"Commissioner\"},{\"category\":\"recommendation\",\"detail\":\"No phosphate fertilizer for landscaping\",\"value\":true,\"units\":\"boolean\",\"approximate\":false,\"source_speaker\":\"Commissioner\"}],

community_relevance:{\"geographies\":[\"Daniel Webster Highway corridor\"],\"funding_sources\":[],\"impact_groups\":[\"river/aquifer users\",\"downstream property owners\"]},

meeting_context:{\"engagement_level\":{\"speakers_count\":3,\"duration_minutes\":40,\"items_count\":1},\"implementation_risk\":\"low\",\"history\":[{\"date\":\"2025-04-28\",\"note\":\"Applicant presented; planning and zoning previously seen application.\"}]},

searchable_tags:[\"snow storage\",\"aquifer\",\"Daniel Webster Highway\",\"Green Snow Pro\",\"fertilizer\"],

provenance:{\"transcript_segments\":[{\"block_id\":\"transcript_block_24.415\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":311,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"Good evening, everyone. It is 06:30PM. This is the April 28, Merrimac Conservation Commission meeting... Review for recommendations to the planning board regarding a waiver of full site plan review to change the use of a site from a pharmacy to a church...\",\"tc_start\":\"00:24.415\",\"tc_end\":\"00:68.920\",\"text_sha256\":\"\"},{\"block_id\":\"transcript_block_142.19\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":280,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"I saw, the added snow storage location... we were concerned about the location of snow removal because we believe that part of the property slopes down to the river...\",\"tc_start\":\"00:142.19\",\"tc_end\":\"00:171.01\",\"text_sha256\":\"\"}]}

","The Merrimack Conservation Commission signaled conditional support for a waiver of full site-plan review to convert a former pharmacy at 420 Daniel Webster Highway into a church, asking the planning board to require snow-storage that does not drain to the river, Green Snow Pro winter maintenance, and no-phosphate landscaping.","actionData","errors"]

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