The Manchester Conservation Commission on Dec. 23 recommended that Manchester Water Works’ plan to subdivide an 18.32‑acre parcel on Cohass Avenue proceed, adding a condition that placards be installed along the wetlands buffer at 25‑foot intervals.

The action concerned Planning Board case 2024‑012 for Tax Map 826 Lot 9, which the presenter said would be split to create two new buildable lots of roughly 51,837 square feet (Lot 9A) and 50,851 square feet (Lot 9B) in the R1A zoning district. A representative identified in the meeting as Michael Dahlberg said wetlands were surveyed and mapped, building pockets are located well away from Cohass Brook, and both lots are serviced by municipal water and sewer.

Commissioners discussed topography, steep slopes and the delineated wetlands. One commissioner noted that if future development remained single‑family homes in the R1A zone, the Planning Board would not need to review it (four or more units would trigger review). Commissioners expressed concern that the parcel has been in public possession since the 1800s and that selling town‑owned land reduces long‑term open‑space holdings, but agreed the immediate technical protections—clearly mapped buffers and visible placards—would help protect wetland resources.

Larissa Rovanov moved that the commission recommend the subdivision proceed provided placards are placed along the wetlands buffer at 25‑foot spacing; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously. The presenter agreed to add the placard locations to the plan before it advances.

Next steps: the Planning Board will receive the applicant’s subdivision filing; the commission’s recommendation and the placard plan will be part of the record. If a future developer proposes more than four units or a different use (for example duplexes), the Planning Board or Zoning Board review could return the proposal to the commission for additional review.

(Reporting based on the commission meeting transcript of Dec. 23, 2024.)