Merrimack Zoning Board approves two‑lot subdivision, several multifamily conversions and multiple sign variances

MERRIMACK, N.H. — The Merrimack Zoning Board on Wednesday approved a series of variances that will allow a two‑lot subdivision on Lawrence Road, convert several existing buildings into multi‑family housing units, and permit multiple commercial signs and an electronic message display to operate on faster intervals.

Attorney Steve Keach told the board the first request was a straightforward variance to allow Brian Lawrence to subdivide 54 Lawrence Road into two lots, each with 50,600 square feet of upland and about 215 feet of frontage where the R‑1 by‑map standards require 100,000 square feet and 250 feet of frontage. Keach said the parcel’s soil quality and long family ownership support the application and that the proposed lots would remain consistent with the single‑family character of Lawrence Road. With no public opposition, Rod moved to grant the variances subject to Planning Board approval; Ben seconded the motion and it passed 5‑0‑0.

Peter McClintock of APMK Ventures asked for a variance to allow a three‑unit conversion at 332 Daniel Webster Highway on a 26,136‑square‑foot lot where 120,000 square feet is required. McClintock said the building already contains two apartments and that the proposed studio would add much‑needed, relatively affordable housing. Board members asked about parking and occupancy; McClintock said the existing lot meets zoning parking calculations and that the site is served by town water and sewer. The board voted to grant the variance, conditioned on site‑plan approval, 5‑0‑0.

The board also considered a request by the owner of a large electronic message display at 526 Daniel Webster Highway to reduce the ordinance’s minimum static display interval from 10 minutes to roughly 10 seconds. Attorney Eli Lanow said the sign faces the Everett/Turnpike, is primarily visible to highway traffic, and that national industry practice and the applicant’s DOT permit support a shorter interval. Lanow told the board, “10 seconds is sort of the average for this type of sign.” Some members pressed him for a legal or regulatory source for a 10‑second standard; Lanow said the practice is common among sign brokers and that the sign has a state permit. After discussion about precedent and safety on different road types, the board granted the variance (motion by Scott, seconded by Rich), 5‑0‑0.

An application to convert a historic house at 8 Depot Street to a four‑unit building drew more discussion about parking and historic preservation. Attorney Daniel Mueller and principal Keith Anastasi said the conversion would reuse the existing 1876 footprint and that conceptual plans show about 10 parking spaces plus two garage spaces. Chuck, vice president of the Merrimack Historical Society, spoke in support, noting the applicants’ willingness to preserve the building’s architectural character. The board approved the variances subject to Planning Board approval; the vote was 4‑1‑0, with Ben opposed.

Two more commercial sign variances were approved. Fidelity Investments received relief to install an 86‑square‑foot externally lit ground sign at 1 Spartan Way (the parcel’s frontage is residentially zoned), with the board noting a similar approval in 2016; the motion passed 5‑0‑0. Vinaire (4 Center Street) was granted a 32.6‑square‑foot halo‑lit wall sign for its Daniel Webster Highway frontage; the board approved that variance 5‑0‑0.

All approvals included the standard condition that petitioners obtain the required Planning or sign permits, and board members reminded petitioners that decisions are subject to a 30‑day appeal period. No contested public testimony opposing any of the applications was recorded at the hearing.

What’s next: Applicants must secure the planning or sign permits specified as conditions of the approvals; any party wishing to appeal a variance decision has 30 days to file.

Votes at a glance: 54 Lawrence Rd subdivision (ZBA2020‑51) — granted (motion: Rod; second: Ben) 5‑0‑0. 332 Daniel Webster Hwy (ZBA2025‑06) — granted (motion: [board member]; second: Rod) 5‑0‑0. 526 Daniel Webster Hwy electronic display (ZBA2025‑11) — granted (motion: Scott; second: Rich) 5‑0‑0. 8 Depot Street conversion (ZBA2025‑12) — granted (motion: Rod; second: Scott) 4‑1‑0 (Ben opposed). Fidelity gateway sign (ZBA2025‑14) — granted (motion: Ben; second: Scott) 5‑0‑0. Vinaire/Vinair wall sign (ZBA2025‑15) — granted (motion: Rich; second: Ben) 5‑0‑0.

— Reporting by the Merrimack Zoning Board hearing transcript; the board adopted petitioners’ findings of fact as their own in each motion. Decisions are public records and may be appealed within 30 days.