Planning Commission weighs multiple proposed zoning-boundary changes

The Londonderry Planning Commission spent the bulk of its June 9 meeting reviewing proposed changes to zoning-district boundaries that would alter where commercial and residential uses are allowed.

Commissioners discussed extending the Commercial District from the Brown Enterprise/storage-unit area to Jamaica Cottage and the adjacent wood-chip operations and considered rezoning portions of South Londonderry (River Street, Winhall Hollow Road and Bungalow Road) from Village Commercial to Village Residential to avoid placing commercial properties in the flood zone. Paul Hendler voiced concern that "there would be no protection from the commercial enterprises in the residential areas," raising fears about incompatible uses near homes.

Members debated a proposal to reclassify Crescent Street as mixed-use if the street were extended from Middletown Road to the Town Office; commissioners noted topography and property-owner resistance could limit that option. The commission also discussed leaving most of the North Village as commercial, a proposal to make RR-1 Lot 004.000 along Route 11 Village Commercial, designating the Snodon Chalet/Hodge property (029.100) as Recreation Commercial, and whether the Powder Mill/Andover Line parcel should remain RR1 or be changed to RR3.

Zoning Administrator Will Goodwin said he will consult the Windham County Planning Commission about conservation boundaries and order maps to clarify parcel lines and whether the Depot Building appears in a historic district. No formal boundary changes were adopted at the meeting; commissioners directed staff to return with mapping and ownership information for further review.