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Nashua ZBA approves wetland special exception for DPW garage, allowing fill of ~3,992 sq ft of man‑made swales
Summary
The Zoning Board approved a wetland special exception for the City of Nashua’s proposed Department of Public Works garage at 848 West Hollis St., permitting the impact of approximately 3,992 square feet of man‑made drainage swales and requiring stormwater mitigation and subsequent DES permitting.
The Nashua Zoning Board of Adjustment on Dec. 9 granted a wetland special exception allowing the City of Nashua Division of Public Works to fill roughly 3,992 square feet of man‑made drainage swales so a consolidated DPW garage and maintenance facility can be built at 848 West Hollis Street in Ward 5.
Attorney Andy Pearlman, speaking for the city, said the affected areas are narrow, man‑made conveyance swales and described them as “low quality wetlands” whose primary function is stormwater conveyance. Project manager Ethan Beals told the board the two segments total about 3,992 square feet and that the proposal would replace existing open swales with a 30‑inch drainage trunk line and multiple subsurface stormwater best management practices designed and permitted under New Hampshire DES alteration of terrain rules. “The proposed project will contain several stormwater best management practices … providing formal qualitative and quantitative treatment of runoff,” Beals said.
Several local elected officials spoke in favor. Alderman Alicia Gregg said the garage is “necessary” to replace outdated DPW facilities and described phase‑two of the DPW facilities project as critical to worker safety and equipment preservation. Alderman Patricia Klee and Alderman Rick Dowd also urged approval, saying the consolidated facility would improve worker health and save the city money on equipment maintenance.
Pearlman told the board the Conservation Commission reviewed the plan and recommended approval with a condition; the applicant said it accepts that condition. Board discussion centered on whether the impacted swales provide meaningful wetland functions. Members noted the swales are man‑made drainage features that convey runoff from the landfill area and said the project will likely improve water quality by routing runoff through modern BMPs before discharge.
Board member JP Boucher moved to approve the special exception; the motion was seconded by Mr. Landau and passed unanimously. Pearlman noted the decision does not finalize other required approvals: the project still must go to the Planning Board and obtain New Hampshire DES permitting for alteration of terrain.
The board recorded no vote against the application. The city will pursue the follow‑on permits referenced at the hearing.
