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Zoning board approves duplex at 67 Manchester Street despite one dissent
Summary
The Nashua Zoning Board of Adjustment granted a special exception to allow a two‑unit duplex at 67 Manchester St., citing lot shape and mixed neighborhood character; the vote was 5–1 with board member Josh Neely opposed. The developer said the units are intended for sale, not rent.
The Nashua Zoning Board of Adjustment voted to grant a special exception allowing a two‑family duplex at 67 Manchester Street, approving the proposal despite one member’s objection.
Paul Chisholm, an engineer with Keach Nordstrom Associates representing applicant Kevin Allard of Pathway Homes Inc., told the board the triangular, roughly 16,600‑square‑foot lot can accommodate a 2,400‑square‑foot building with two two‑story units, each offering about 2,000 square feet of living area. He said four off‑street parking spaces are provided and existing sidewalks and DPW permitting will address driveway safety.
The board’s discussion centered on whether the proposed duplex fits the character of the RA zoning district. Supporters, including Robert Shaw, said the immediate area shows mixed building styles and several multifamily properties and that the lot’s size and shape make a duplex a reasonable use. "It's a pretty straightforward application," Chisholm said, summarizing the applicant’s view that the design and parking meet the special‑exception criteria.
An abutter letter from Leslie Burnham and Tim Myers expressed a preference for a single‑family home and warned that a rental use could depress nearby home values; the applicant responded that the developer intends to build for sale and not to hold the units as rentals. The applicant also noted proposed driveways will be south of Gordon Drive and said he will work with DPW on final alignment.
After deliberation, Robert Shaw moved to approve the special exception; the motion was seconded and carried with one vote in opposition from Josh Neely. Chair Jamin Cara noted the 30‑day window for appeal.
The board’s approval allows the project to proceed to the building and driveway permitting stages, subject to any conditions in the final decision and applicable city permits.
