Planning board grants preliminary subdivision approval for 65 Nahant/Manhattan Street

The Planning Board granted preliminary subdivision approval on April 28 for a proposal to split the property at 63–65 Manhattan Street (also referenced as Nahant Street) into two lots and a short roadway. The applicant told the board the site is roughly 28.75 acres in the Providence Highway zoning district; the plan proposes a 0.4‑acre roadway, a roughly 3‑acre lot and a remainder lot of about 23.35 acres.

David Mackwell of Kelly Engineering Group, who presented the proposal, said the preliminary approval allows the applicant to proceed to a definitive subdivision, at which time the board and town departments will examine detailed design, sidewalks, hydrant placement and truck turning radii. The board noted a similar application at this site had reached the preliminary stage in 2023 but had lapsed; the applicant said this filing follows the same general scheme.

What the decision means Preliminary approval does not authorize immediate construction; rather, it preserves the applicant’s ability to file a definitive subdivision plan. Planning staff reminded the applicant that state subdivision-control timelines apply: after preliminary approval, the applicant typically has a specified period to submit a definitive plan (the board noted seven months in discussion). The definitive submission will include additional technical details and any needed waivers; the board approved the preliminary plan at the public meeting.

Votes and next steps The board voted to grant preliminary subdivision approval; the applicant may proceed to prepare the definitive subdivision submission and coordinate required reviews with Planning Department staff and town departments (Fire, DPW).