Nashua Planning Board Meeting – March 6, 2026

The Nashua Planning Board met on March 6, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. with a quorum present (Mayor Donis, Bob Bollinger, Adam Barley, Maggie Harper, Alderman Patricia Clee, Amber Morgan, Cameron Green, Dan Hudson, Scott LeClair, Larry Hirsch, Benjamin Zoller). The meeting lasted approximately 37 minutes and focused on a seven-lot subdivision at 164 Tinker Road, including three requested waivers and public testimony.

Consent Calendar

• The board unanimously approved the minutes of the February 5, 2025 meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ben Workinger (12 Adela Drive, abutter) expressed support for the project but raised two concerns: (1) whether the existing 50-foot right-of-way between 12 and 14 Adela would be used for access (he was told it would not be), and (2) the extent of vegetation clearing near the rear property line, particularly regarding a buffer for neighboring properties.

Discussion Items

• Case 826-0006 – 164 Tinker Road Subdivision:
  • Applicant Paul Chisholm (Keach Nordstrom Associates) presented on behalf of owner Conney LLC.
  • Project details: A seven-lot residential subdivision on a 7.1-acre parcel zoned R-40. An existing single-family home and outbuildings will be demolished. A new 550-foot cul-de-sac (aligned with Fireside Circle) will serve the lots. All utilities (sewer, water, gas, electric, cable) will be installed underground. Stormwater management and sedimentation/erosion control plans are included. The site slopes approximately 30 feet from the southwest corner (higher) to Tinker Road (lower).
  • Three waivers requested: (1) Waive requirement to show existing conditions within 1,000 feet of property boundaries (standard waiver); (2) Waive sidewalk construction on the new street, with a payment in lieu of $17,500 (justified by existing sidewalk network on Tinker Road and challenges of maintaining a sidewalk on a short cul-de-sac); (3) Waive requirement for a lighting plan (a streetlight already exists at the intersection of Chimney Sackway and Tinker Road; applicant argued new lights would require significant infrastructure and maintenance with limited benefit).
  • Staff conditions: The applicant accepted all recommended staff stipulations.
• Board questions:
  • Chairman questioned sight-line easements (clarity on enforcement) and noted potential benefits of early vegetation clearing for construction safety.
  • Alderman Clee inquired about proximity to 158 Tinker Road and future tree buffers; applicant noted natural grade challenges would likely preserve existing vegetation.
  • Member Hudson emphasized that any future grading changes altering drainage patterns would require plan revisions.
  • Member Zoller pointed out precedent for lighting at the end of cul-de-sacs in the neighborhood (Fireside Circle). This led the board to briefly reopen the public hearing to allow the applicant to clarify that no new streetlights were proposed due to underground utilities and cost-benefit considerations. The board ultimately accepted the waiver after discussion.
• Reopened public hearing: The board voted unanimously to reopen the hearing for applicant clarification on the lighting waiver, then closed it again.

Key Outcomes

• Waivers approved (unanimous): Motion by Cameron Green, seconded by Dan Hudson, to grant all three waivers (190-282B9, 190-275, 190-212A1) finding that strict conformity would pose unnecessary hardship and not violate the spirit of the regulations.
• Final subdivision approval granted (unanimous): Motion by Cameron Green, seconded by Benjamin Zoller, to approve the seven-lot subdivision at 164 Tinker Road, finding it meets approval criteria under NRO 190-138G, subject to all conditions in the staff report (items A through H).
• Other actions: The board reviewed the tentative agenda and found no projects of regional significance. The Sam Code update was postponed to the next meeting due to a bare quorum.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m.