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ZBA approves daycare use at Society Hill outparcel; Children's Den to relocate from strip mall
Summary
The Merrimack Zoning Board approved a variance to allow The Children's Den to operate a daycare at a Planned Unit Development outparcel at 729 Daniel Webster Highway, subject to amended PUD and site‑plan approval from the Planning Board.
The Merrimack Zoning Board on July 23 approved a variance allowing a daycare use at 729 Daniel Webster Highway within a Planned Unit Development (PUD), clearing the way for The Children’s Den to move from its split locations in a strip mall into a consolidated facility adjacent to Society Hill.
Matt Peterson of Keach Norsholm Associates presented and Samantha Shabock, owner of The Children’s Den, described the plan to relocate from 416 Daniel Webster Highway to a roughly 1.96‑acre outparcel near a signalized intersection. Shabock said the new location would provide a single, secure facility and a dedicated playground rather than the dispersed rooms the center currently uses.
Several parents and staff appeared in support. Amanda Whalen, a parent, said she was “very excited” to keep the center in Merrimack and move it out of a crowded strip mall. An employee said consolidation would improve safety and program delivery and noted families were willing to travel a short distance for a dedicated site.
Board discussion focused on access and whether covenants or ownership of adjacent parcels allowed the proposed access; the applicant said they would confirm access arrangements and pursue required site‑plan and PUD amendments. The board voted to grant the variance, subject to amended PUD and site‑plan approval by the Planning Board.
Next steps: the petitioner must pursue an amended PUD and site‑plan approvals and address access/covenant matters before construction or occupancy.
