Manchester Zoning Board of Adjustment approves variances for barns, massage shops, auto repair and a six‑story housing project

At its Jan. 2025 meeting, the Manchester Zoning Board of Adjustment granted variances or waivers for nine land‑use applications, approving accessory‑structure requests, two massage‑therapy offices, an automotive‑service conversion and a six‑story, 50‑unit downtown residential project while attaching operating conditions to some approvals.

The approvals included conditions addressing hours, licensing of practitioners, and screening or fencing in several cases. Board members and applicants discussed impacts on parking, neighborhood character and safety before voting; several applicants said the requested uses were continuations of prior commercial activity or were needed for operational or health reasons.

Votes at a glance

- ZBA2024-148, 48 Pratt Court (R1B): Motion to grant relief from section 8.29 A2 (accessory structures and uses) for a proposed 3,300 sq ft, two‑story barn in a side yard. Mover: Chair. Second: Ray Hebert. Outcome: Approved. Vote: board voice vote in favor. Notes: Applicant said wetlands and lot configuration prevented placing the barn in the rear yard. (Provenance: transcript opening and motion.)

- ZBA2024-149, 270 Amory Street (R2): Motion to grant relief from section 5.1 H2.1 (medical offices/healthcare practitioners) to allow Thai Body Works to operate a massage shop. Mover: Chair. Second: Catherine Boleski. Outcome: Approved with conditions. Conditions: hours 9 a.m.–7 p.m., Monday–Saturday; all employees licensed by the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification; no residential component on site. Vote: board voice vote in favor.

- ZBA2024-150, 151 Lake Avenue (R3): Motion to grant relief from section 5.1 H2.1 to allow a second Thai Body Works location. Mover: Chair. Second: Joe Prieto. Outcome: Approved with the same conditions as 270 Amory Street (9 a.m.–7 p.m., Mon–Sat; employees licensed; no residential component). Vote: board…