Planning board approves subdivision of 209 Route 101 plaza into two lots; town seeks easement documentation for future bridge work

The Planning Board on Jan. 13 granted subdivision approval to divide 209 Route 101 (the plaza often called Primary Plaza) into two lots, with one lot to retain the existing commercial plaza and a second lot as a buildable parcel across Riddle Brook.

Consultant Jason Lopez of Keach Nordstrom Associates said utilities and access for the newly created lot will rely on previously granted easements, including access negotiated during a prior lot-line adjustment and recent underground water main installations; he said both lots exceed five acres and do not require New Hampshire subdivision approval.

Department of Public Works staff asked that existing easements and the location of the newly installed waterline be shown on the subdivision plan, and requested a 30-foot easement east of the terminus of the discontinued Bedford Center Road so the town can reconstruct the Riddle Brook bridge when needed. The applicant and staff said a number of blanket and recorded easements already exist; the board made a precedent condition requiring the applicant provide evidence of easements sufficient for the proposed bridge construction to the satisfaction of the public works director and to convey any additional easements if necessary.

The board approved the subdivision subject to the standard precedent conditions and the easement documentation requested by DPW.

Votes and motion

- Motion to approve subdivision of Lot 20-39 (209 Route 101) and create one new lot per plans last revised Dec. 30, 2024, subject to staff conditions and provision of easements sufficient for proposed bridge construction over Riddle Brook to the satisfaction of the public works director: moved by Priscilla Malcolm; second by John Nelson. Outcome: approved.