The Peterborough Planning Board approved the proposal for a condominium project on Concord Street at the site of the former Woodman’s Florist on Monday night. The decision came after extensive public comment, several revisions to the site plan, and the approval of multiple waivers to the Traditional Neighborhood Overlay Zone 1 stipulations.
The proposed project would build a private loop road accessing 16 homes in the area currently occupied by the existing buildings at 69 and 75 Concord Street. Chairman Dario Carrara reminded the board that the project would replace a site with just three dwelling units, and a business that had been grandfathered and did not conform to the zoning code.
The Board granted a Conditional Use Permit and approved the site plan and subdivision proposal for the project. Permit conditions include merging the two existing lots, and prohibit the expansion of building footprints and paved driveway area beyond the current site plan.
Chad Branon, the representative for the applicant EAM Holdings, said that the project is still waiting on a couple state-level permits, but given this approval, they could break ground as early as the spring.
In a statement before the vote on granting a Conditional Use Permit, Board member Alan Zeller voiced his support for the development and described some public opposition to the project as “not just NIMBY”, but against development of any kind. “The demand for new housing is here,” he said, and noted that the Planning Board follows zoning regulations, rather than the whim of the public. “If a project meets zoning regulations with a minor variance or two, we must approve.”
No public comments were permitted during deliberations, but after the vote, resident Francie Von Mertens spoke out against the comments “dismissing” the nature of the public interest in the project. “Some suggestions for the project were very valid,” she said. “The dialogue makes for a better product.”
Previously voiced public concerns involved the density of the houses, the development’s situation on a busy road, and quality of life issues such as visitor parking, a place to deposit plowed snow, and a play area for children.
The Planning Board conducted the preliminary consultation and design review for the project on July 8, and received and accepted the application on Oct. 7. The hearing was continued on Oct. 14, when about 10 abutting residents presented their testimony, and again on Oct. 21.
In June 2018, EAM Peterborough Holdings LLC bought the Woodman’s property – 69 Concord St. – as well as the abutting property – 75 Concord St. – from the Stephen K. Palmer Trust for $450,000, according to town property records.