Zoning board approves variance allowing Blue Coral Canal LLC to add a unit at 20 Canal Street

The Nashua Zoning Board of Adjustment voted to approve a use variance for Blue Coral Canal LLC on June 9, allowing the addition of one residential unit to an existing three-unit building at 20 Canal Street.

Chair Jam Carr read the application into the record before the applicant’s presentation, saying the request seeks relief from land use code section 190-15, table 15-1, number 15. Michael Carter, representing Benchmark Designs, told the board the revised plan adds a unit while creating improved internal stair access and a fire-safety walkway to address the building’s lack of a fire escape. Carter said the site has about 14 parking spaces to serve the building.

The board questioned the applicant about the new units’ size and layout. Carter said the three additional units under consideration include one 1-bedroom unit and two 2-bedroom units, with approximate sizes of 507 square feet (lower garage level), 759 square feet (upper garage/added space) and 615 square feet (new structure). "Adding in this additional apartment solves safety issues of this building," said Mr. Neely, a zoning board member, during deliberations.

After deliberation, a motion to approve the variance for Blue Coral Canal LLC (owner listed in the motion as Anand Mahendraar; property: 20 Canal Street, Sheet 42, Lot 47) was made and seconded; the chair announced the motion passed. The board noted there is a 30-day window for appeals.

The approval means the building may add the described unit under the terms read into the record; the board’s rationale emphasized consistency with neighborhood density, available parking, and improved fire egress. The hearing record includes updated plans and a property survey submitted by the applicant showing the proposed fire-safety walkways.

The board moved on to other business and adjourned the meeting.