Revive Recovery, a Manchester-based peer-led nonprofit, asked the Planning Board Aug. 6 to approve a site plan and conditional use permit to convert 633 Second Street into an 18-bed, level-3 recovery residence for women.

The organization said the house will be professionally staffed around the clock and offer peer support and structured supervision for women exiting treatment, incarceration or homelessness. The applicants said residents will not keep cars on-site; parking demand is expected to be limited to staff and visitors.

Under the zoning rules, congregate housing requires one parking space per bedroom, which would total 10 spaces for an 18-bed/10-bedroom house. The applicant asked to provide seven on-site stalls and argued that the reduced supply is adequate because residents will not store vehicles and staff numbers are limited.

“This project represents a significant and urgently needed step forward,” said Revive Recovery’s executive director at the hearing, citing the need for gender-specific transitional housing and 24/7 peer support.

Applicants noted an existing off-site parking resource the organization operates on Blaine Street that could accommodate overflow if needed, and they pointed to a nearby Manchester Transit Authority bus stop at Second and Schiller as local transit access.

The application also included a waiver request for stormwater improvements because the site’s small footprint limits opportunities for additional on-site stormwater treatment; the applicants said removal of some paved areas to add landscaping will improve existing drainage and infiltration.

Why it matters: Dedicated recovery housing for women is scarce in the region. The applicant said the residence will fill a demonstrated service gap and reduce risks of relapse and homelessness after treatment.

Next steps: The Planning Board voted to close the public hearing and will issue a decision at its Aug. 21 business meeting. Applicants will address minor technical comments from planning and utility staff ahead of the decision.