Londonderry planning board requires speed‑feedback signs for two townhouse projects, approves extension requests

On June 10, 2026, the Londonderry Planning Board voted unanimously to modify traffic‑mitigation conditions tied to two previously approved 12‑unit townhouse developments, replacing an undefined voluntary contribution with a requirement that each applicant install two 24/7 solar speed‑feedback signs at locations determined by town staff and the traffic management working group by Dec. 31, 2026.

The change affects site plans approved April 1 for developments at 295 Rockingham Road and 3 Page Road. Paul Chisum of Keech Nordstrom Associates, representing the applicant, told the board the developer remained "committed to cooperating with the town" but asked that the requirement be made a condition subsequent rather than a condition precedent so construction could proceed while the town and applicant finalize technical details.

Staff member Kelly explained why the town moved away from specifying a dollar amount for mitigation, saying an explicit sum would trigger a development‑agreement or exaction process that could consume most or all of a modest contribution: "the dollar amount being discussed was $15,000," she said, and that figure would be "not cost beneficial" once legal and processing costs were considered. Board members also cautioned they could not condition a site plan on a donation and emphasized the need for a definitive, time‑bound remedy rather than open‑ended language.

After discussion about appropriate remedies and where improvements might go — members noted a prior flashing beacon at the Mammoth and Page intersection — applicant counsel Brad Westgate proposed specific motion language requiring the installation of two solar speed‑feedback signs (or two flashing beacons at the town's discretion) at locations determined by the director of public works and the traffic committee. The board added a "no later than" deadline to avoid indefinite delays to certificates of occupancy.

The board approved the motion for the 295 Rockingham Road site in a roll‑call vote with all members voting in the affirmative. It then approved an identical modification for the 3 Page Road approval; both motions were recorded as unanimous approvals.

During the public hearing, a resident who identified himself as "Bob M" of Londonderry urged the board to consider driveway alignment that would route project traffic toward Mammoth Road and suggested preserving an existing house on the parcel; he also cited the development names Applebrook and Orchard View.

Earlier in the meeting the board granted two separate extension requests: an extension for a vehicle storage lot at 4 Nashville Road and 6 Londonderry Road to Aug. 9, 2026, and a one‑year extension for 25 Highlander Way to June 2, 2027. Both extensions passed by unanimous votes.

Board members and staff also discussed formalizing how the new traffic management working group provides input to the planning process; members favored written comments during design review so feedback remains available even if an individual committee member cannot attend a meeting. The meeting concluded with the board's adjournment and remarks thanking staff member Kelly for her service.

What happens next: the director of public works and the traffic management working group will determine exact sign specifications and locations; applicants must meet the installations by the Dec. 31, 2026 deadline as a condition subsequent to final approvals.