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Plaistow Planning Board continues 12‑lot subdivision review after revised road design and wetland impact discussions
Summary
The board reviewed a revised design for a proposed 12‑lot subdivision and a concurrent conditional use permit to fill about 1,400 sq ft of wetlands for a new roadway; engineering consultants said the new geometry appears to meet regulations, and the hearing was continued to July 15, 2026.
The Plaistow Planning Board continued public hearings on a 12‑lot residential subdivision (PB 26‑05) and a related conditional use permit to fill about 1,400 square feet of wetlands for a new access roadway (PB 26‑18). Board engineering consultant Steve Keach told members the revised plans submitted the day of the meeting "appear to meet the requirements of the subdivision regulations as presented" and that the new geometry "absorbs 1,300 SF of wetland impact."
Why it matters: the proposal would create 12 residential lots with on‑site wells and septic, and a new approximately 1,800‑foot roadway connecting to Hoyt Farm Road and Forrest Street. The road alignment and sight‑line geometry were central to the discussion because they determine safety for motorists and pedestrians and affect the amount of wetland impact the project would cause. Keach and the applicant's team said the current drawing should satisfy both safety and regulatory concerns but asked the Board to accept a single consolidated plan for review.
Board members debated whether to accept a waiver request tied to road geometry or to require the applicant to submit a single revised plan that shows a modest realignment and a land contribution from adjoining property owners. Keach and consultant Dan Garlington favored the revised geometry with limited wetland impact, while staff reminded the applicant the waiver application must specify both the required radius and any deviation in degrees. Local residents also urged caution: Anastasia Sheehan said residents feared drivers "would blow through the stop sign and the intersection will be problematic even with the safety adjustments being considered," and Dianna Huff asked the Board to consider speeding, pedestrians and delivery vehicles when evaluating the design.
Outcome and next steps: Applicant Al Couillard agreed to extend the 65‑day completeness review and the Board continued PB 26‑05 and PB 26‑18 to July 15, 2026 at 6:30 PM with no additional written notice. The Board instructed the applicant to submit a single, complete plan predicated on the design the applicant intends to pursue so staff and consultants can perform a focused review.
