Planning board approves tow-lot plan at 915 Holt Avenue with six‑month screening condition

The Manchester Planning & Zoning Board approved a site plan Dec. 5 allowing a fenced tow‑lot at 915 Holt Avenue, subject to waivers and an explicit condition to improve perimeter screening.

Attorney Jason Craven and the proposed tenant, Ben Remoore, said the parcel has been used as a parking lot for many years and sits under a utility easement. The board granted waivers to rely on an earlier plan and from several submission requirements given the lack of exterior changes. Craven said the lot will be fenced, lit, and monitored; Remoore described plans to operate an office across Holt Avenue with escorted retrievals of vehicles from the lot.

Board and staff focused on screening and site security. The applicant proposed temporary mesh screening initially and agreed to a board condition to install more durable slats or equivalent screening within six months of occupancy (staff recommended six months after the start of operations). Planning staff also asked that the applicant replace/repair existing fencing as part of site stabilization before occupancy.

Public safety and operations: The applicant told the board the office hours would be roughly 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with on‑call coverage overnight and on weekends; customers retrieving vehicles would be escorted from the office to the lot via vehicle. Board members noted the police department welcomed the lot’s use as it will reduce nuisance activity on the parcel.

Next steps: The site plan was approved with waivers and the six‑month screening/slat replacement condition; staff will coordinate conditions and inspections prior to final occupancy and permit issuance.