The Manchester Planning & Zoning Board on Jan. 16 approved site plan application PDSP 2024-004 and granted two requested waivers after staff recommendations, with Vice Chair Aaron George Kelly recused from the item.

The project approval followed board action to name Bob Gagne chair pro tem in the absence of the chair and vice chair. Vice Chair Aaron George Kelly read the board bylaw into the record before stepping away; board members then nominated and confirmed Gagne to serve in the chair role for the item.

Board staff told members there were two waivers requested for PDSP 2024-004: a waiver from Appendix C, Section 2 of the subdivision and site plan regulations to accept 24-by-36-inch plans where 22-by-34-inch plans are normally required, and a waiver from Zoning Ordinance 10.08(d) to allow a 26-foot driveway where 24 feet is permitted. Staff also reported ongoing coordination with the Department of Public Works about a previously discussed bump-out and said final sign-off from reviewing agencies would be noted in the file. Staff reported the Manchester Transit Authority had confirmed existing bus stops nearby and recommended striking a previously proposed condition requiring additional MTA contact because that item had been addressed.

Board member Brian Beaupre moved to approve the two waivers with staff recommendations; the motion was seconded and the board voted in favor. The board then voted to approve PDSP 2024-004 with findings of fact and staff recommendations. Board members noted that bike storage had been added to the revised plans and therefore was not included as a separate condition of approval.

The board offered brief thanks to the applicant and project presenters and returned to the remainder of the agenda.