The Manchester Planning & Zoning Board on April 3 continued the public hearing for PDSP2025‑005, a proposed townhouse development at 505 Brown Avenue, after staff and multiple departments raised unresolved stormwater and drainage concerns.

Applicant Meridian Land Services presented plans for a 1.57‑acre R‑2 parcel with 10 townhouse units arranged as one duplex facing Brown Avenue and two four‑unit buildings behind it, served by a 22‑foot access drive. The proposal includes subsurface infiltration systems and a small surface infiltration basin along Brown Avenue. The applicant said he performed test pits and located permeable sands in several spots but acknowledged a rock outcrop and variable subsurface conditions along portions of the site.

Engineering and DPW reviewers requested additional design revisions. Staff reported the city sought a one‑foot freeboard for the infiltration basin during a 50‑year event; the applicant said the basin footprint could not provide the regulatory freeboard without further changes and requested a waiver. DPW also asked the applicant to consider two catch basins at the road entrance to collect flows that currently run toward Brown Avenue. The applicant agreed the additional catch basins and tying to the municipal system were possible and said he would coordinate with DPW and EPD to meet pre‑ vs. post‑development rate and volume criteria.

Landscaping and screening were discussed; the applicant offered street trees and evergreen screening between the units and neighboring properties. Board members asked for a color palette for building finishes, snow‑storage locations, and a long‑term maintenance plan for subsurface infiltration chambers; the applicant said the project will be a condominium association responsible for maintenance.

Because DPW expressed technical objections to proposed stormwater waivers, the board decided to keep the public hearing open and set a date certain to continue the application at the board’s June 18 meeting so staff could evaluate revised drainage designs. The applicant indicated willingness to revise the plan and provide additional detail on stormwater, landscaping and snow storage before the continuation.