City of Nashville Planning Board Meeting - September 18, 2026

Note: The user-provided meeting date is 2026-09-18, but the transcript indicates the meeting was called to order on September 17, 2026. This summary uses the user-provided date in the title, with the transcript date noted. Additionally, the user referenced the city as "Nashua, New Hampshire," while the transcript consistently refers to the "City of Nashville." The board is the City of Nashville Planning Board.

The meeting began with roll call (all members present, quorum established), approval of corrected minutes from September 3, 2026, communications regarding packet updates and withdrawals, and a procedural overview. The board then considered four new business items, all of which were approved unanimously. No public testimony was offered for any item.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (September 3, 2026): The minutes were approved with corrections (removing attributions to Mr. Hudson who was absent). Motion by Mr. McIntyre, seconded, passed unanimously.

Discussion Items

1. Case 826-0178/0154: 78 Amherst Street – Putnam Place Condominium Expansion (Phase 2)

• Presentation (Paul Chisholm, Keach Nordstrom Associates): Proposal to expand existing six-unit condominium to ten units by adding two duplex buildings, demolishing a derelict single-family home, consolidating parcels, and increasing parking to 21 spaces. Three waivers requested: (1) off-site features within 1,000 feet, (2) overhead utility connections, and (3) exceed maximum parking (21 vs. 19 allowed). Staff noted the density of ~15 units/acre exceeds the 7 units/acre maximum, but a zoning board variance was already granted.
• Board Discussion: Members expressed mixed views on architectural compatibility with the historic neighborhood. Several members noted the existing development already departs from neighborhood character but supported the project as a logical completion of the site and an improvement over the current condition. Chairperson noted consistency with master plan housing goals.
• Votes:
  • Waivers: Motion by Mr. Green, seconded by Alderman Clee – passed unanimously.
  • Conditional Use Permit: Motion by Mr. Green (amended to correct code section to 190-133-F), seconded by Alderman Clee – passed unanimously.
  • Final Site Plan Approval: Motion by Mr. Green, seconded by Alderman Clee, subject to conditions A–P in the staff report – passed unanimously.

2. Case 826-0170: 310 Daniel Webster Highway – Nash Casino (former Sears) CUP Amendment

• Presentation (Morgan Hollis, attorney): Third extension request to August 15, 2027, due to ongoing negotiations with Zimmerman (signed agreement achieved that week) and three other parties (Macy’s, Target, Simon). Improvements limited to driveway access modifications. Applicant acknowledged delays but emphasized progress.
• Board Discussion: Members expressed support, noting the applicant’s consistent efforts and the complexity of multi-party negotiations. Staff clarified potential overlap with the Sheraton Tara project would not create significant traffic issues due to the small scope of Zimmerman work.
• Vote: Motion by Mr. Green to approve amendment as per staff report, seconded by Mr. McIntyre – passed unanimously.

3. Case 826-0164: 444 Amherst Street – Vehicle Repair Service CUP

• Presentation (Matthew Lara, TFRAN): Request for conditional use permit to operate a vehicle repair and detailing business in an existing building previously used as a machine shop and photography studio. No external changes proposed; waiver requested to avoid submitting a site plan. Staff noted a traffic contribution of $5,250 for the Amherst Street traffic fund, based on an estimated 21 additional vehicle trips per PM peak hour (after crediting existing use).
• Board Discussion: Questions about wetland or conservation overlays were addressed by staff (no trigger). Members agreed the application was straightforward and low-impact.
• Votes:
  • Waiver (site plan submission): Motion by Mr. Green, seconded by Mr. McIntyre – passed unanimously.
  • Conditional Use Permit: Motion by Mr. Green, seconded by Mr. Hudson, with condition to resolve DPW comments – passed unanimously.

4. Case 826-0186: 111 Northeastern Boulevard – Self-Storage Container Site Plan Amendment

• Presentation (Chris Swiniarski, attorney; Brad Westgate, attorney for buyer): Minor site plan amendment to place 36 self-storage containers on 36 existing parking spaces, reducing total parking from 53 to 15 spaces. No physical changes to the site. Applicant argued self-storage requires minimal parking (active loading/unloading) and cited similar waivers at three other Nashua self-storage sites. The future use is internal self-storage with outdoor containers.
• Board Discussion: Questions focused on parking utilization and traffic impact. A board member noted the building exterior could use cosmetic improvements (non-binding suggestion). Fire department concerns (hydrants, apparatus access) were resolved prior to the meeting.
• Votes:
  • Parking Waiver (190-198): Motion by Mr. Green, seconded by Mr. Hirsch – passed unanimously.
  • Final Minor Site Plan Amendment: Motion by Mr. Green, seconded by Alderman Clee, subject to conditions A–B in staff report – passed unanimously.

Other Business

• Tentative Agenda and Proposals of Regional Impact: Motion by Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Green, to determine no proposals of regional impact – passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• All motions (waivers, conditional use permits, site plan approvals, amendments) passed unanimously.
• Specific approvals:
  • 78 Amherst Street: Waivers granted, CUP approved, final site plan approved with conditions.
  • 310 Daniel Webster Highway: CUP extension to August 15, 2027.
  • 444 Amherst Street: Waiver granted, CUP approved with DPW condition.
  • 111 Northeastern Boulevard: Parking waiver granted, site plan amendment approved with conditions.
• The meeting adjourned at 8:13 PM.