Nashua Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting - January 14, 2026

The Nashua Zoning Board of Adjustment convened on January 14, 2026, with a full complement of members including Chair Jamin Kara, Vice Chair Josh Neely, and members JP Boucher, Robert Shaw, Steve Lynell, and alternate Joseph Potri. The agenda included a request to continue a DPW water line application, three substantive variance requests, and the review of previous meeting minutes. The Board granted all variance requests after deliberations focused on neighborhood compatibility, traffic safety, and property hardship.

Consent Calendar

• The Board reviewed and approved the minutes from the previous meeting as amended, correcting typographical errors regarding street names (Dearborn vs. Dearbore) and clarifying the existence of public opposition during the prior hearing.
• Officer slate for 2026 established: Jamin Kara confirmed as Chair and Josh Neely as Vice Chair.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Christopher Delucia (Applicant, 12 Waltham Drive): Expressed support for his own request to build an 8x10 shed, stating he needs storage but has a small lot abutting Greenwood Park. He noted that 11 of the 18 houses abutting the park already have sheds within the setback line.
• Gage Armand, owner of 106 West Holloway Street LLC: Stated that the proposed basement apartment would not increase traffic or noise beyond existing levels, would be owned and occupied by the business operator, and would treat the property consistently with neighboring mixed-use buildings.
• Morgan Hollis, Attorney for Law Realty Co. Inc.: Explained the complex signage needs for a redevelopment involving three lots (338, 340, 350 Amherst Street). The applicant argued that the proposed locations were necessary for traffic flow and safety on a busy road and requested specific variances for sign size, location, and definition.

Discussion Items

• 25 Teak Drive (City of Nashua/Fire Rescue): The Board discussed a request to continue the wetland special exception application. The applicant noted a desire to update the waterline plan to reduce temporary wetland impacts and visual effects, aligning with suggestions made by Board Member Shaw previously. They sought to coordinate with the Conservation Commission meeting scheduled for February 3, 2026.
• 12 Waltham Drive (Christopher Delucia): Board members discussed the applicant's small lot size and the impracticality of building the shed in the center of the yard if the setback were not modified. Board Member Shaw expressed that the proposal was consistent with the neighborhood and that the fence backing the property to a public park further diminished any potential negative impact. Board Member Lynell supported the use of a fence as a mitigating factor.
• 106 West Holloway Street LLC (Gage Armand): The Board deliberated on a use variance for a live-work unit in a basement apartment. Board Member Shaw expressed strong support for owner-occupied units in commercial zones, noting it fosters neighborhood investment. Board Member Neely supported the request, stating he is a "big fan of a business owner putting down roots" and that the use fits the character of the RC zoning district.
• 350 Amherst Street (Law Realty Co. Inc.): The Board reviewed a complex request involving three variances related to ground signage for a multi-building redevelopment. Board Member Lynell questioned the traffic flow and the necessity of the proposed sign locations. The Board discussed the safety implications of having clear signage on a high-traffic road (Amherst Street/Whittier Highway), concluding that the proposed signs would prevent drivers from slamming brakes or missing turns. Board Member Neely commended the applicant's detailed planning and argued the variances were necessary to maintain traffic flow between the three interconnected properties.

Key Outcomes

• Continuance: The application for the water line at 25 Teak Drive was tabled and continued to February 10, 2026, upon motion by Mr. Neely and second by Mr. Lynell. All members present voted in favor.
• Variance Granted (12 Waltham Drive): Application by Christopher Delucia to encroach 4 feet 8 inches into the rear yard setback for an 8x10 shed was granted. The Board found the variance met all five criteria, including substantial justice and unnecessary hardship due to the small lot size. A motion to approve was made by Mr. Shaw and seconded by Mr. Boucher; the vote was unanimous. The applicant noted a 30-day appeal window.
• Variance Granted (106 West Holloway Street): Application by Gage Armand for a single residential unit in the basement of a commercial property was granted as a use variance. The Board found this met the criteria for public interest (housing stock, live-work character), spirit of the ordinance (preserving underused space), and hardship (owner-occupancy and unique building history). A motion to approve was made by Mr. Neely and seconded by Mr. Shaw; the vote was unanimous.
• Variances Granted (350 Amherst Street): Three variances for Law Realty Co. Inc. were granted: (1) to exceed the 100 sq ft limit for a ground sign (123.5 sq ft exists), (2) to maintain an existing sign within 75 feet of an intersection, and (3) to place a ground sign on 350 Amherst Avenue for the benefit of the adjacent 340 Amherst Street. The Board found these actions would not be contrary to public interest, would enhance safety, and would not diminish property values. A motion to grant was made by Mr. Shaw (Chair) and seconded by Mr. Potri; the vote was unanimous. A condition was suggested that no ground sign be placed directly on 340 Amherst Street, which the applicant accepted.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned following the approval of the new officer slate and the motion to adjourn, with the next meeting scheduled to cover the Orient Street agenda.