Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Design Board requires lighting and landscape changes for proposed veterinary hospital expansion
Summary
Dr. Robert Treat sought approval for a 3,600 sq ft expansion to a Manchester veterinary hospital; the board approved the project 5-0 but required the parking light be reduced from a proposed 25-foot pole to the zoning maximum of 16 feet, limited fixture color to 3,000 K or lower, and revisions to landscaping to protect existing trees and screen headlights.
The Town of Manchester Design Advisory Board reviewed an application from Dr. Robert Treat on April 1, 2026 seeking a 3,600 square-foot expansion to an existing veterinary hospital. The board’s review focused on lighting and landscaping because the site is visible from Main Street; the board approved the landscaping and lighting with modifications by a 5-0 vote.
Architect William Wenchell said, “the plans were put together by the lighting engineer and shipped over to Chris Ponessi,” and the board and applicant acknowledged there had not been time to ensure the plans met the town’s lighting standards before the meeting. The proposed parking light was 25 feet, but the zoning district maximum is 16 feet; Dr. Treat indicated he was willing to reduce the pole to 16'-0" and the engineer will follow up with modified plans. The applicant had proposed 4,000 Kelvin fixtures; the board requested fixtures no hotter than 3,000 K.
The landscaping plan aims to preserve the existing large tree canopy and adds a row of arborvitae to protect adjacent properties (noted as 22 Treat Hill) and to screen headlights from the parking area. Board member Ray Nevin asked that the arborvitae be protected from deer using screening or spraying. Nevin also suggested a fixture style similar to those used at the nearby restaurant LOLA; he offered to provide staff or the applicant with the specific fixture information.
The approval was conditioned on the applicant submitting revised lighting plans that comply with the 16-foot maximum and 3,000 K limit and on staff review of chosen fixture style and landscaping details. The motion was made by Chris Conte, seconded by Ray Nevin, and carried 5-0. Staff follow-up is expected to verify amended plans and installation.
