Planning board approves two‑lot subdivision at 66 Concord Street after historic‑district review

The Nashua Planning Board voted unanimously to approve a two‑lot subdivision for 66 Concord Street, a property in the RB zoning district within the city's historic overlay. The applicant and project engineers said the proposal preserves the character of the neighborhood while restoring the existing c.1870 house and constructing a complementary new residence.

Paul Chisholm of Keach Nordstrom Associates described the plan and noted that the Historic District Commission (HDC) has already approved renovations to the existing house and the reconstruction of a carriage house; the proposed new residence has not yet gone before the HDC. "While these renovations to the existing house did have that HDC approval, the proposed new residence itself has not yet been reviewed," Chisholm said, adding the applicant expects to return to the HDC for architectural review.

Chisholm noted two waiver requests: one to limit the survey radius of existing features within 1,000 feet and another to allow overhead utilities. The board asked questions about tree removal, sidewalk refurbishment and landscape plans; the applicant said he would work with staff to preserve mature trees where possible and to coordinate additional landscape work. After discussion, the board granted the requested waivers and then approved the subdivision subject to conditions enumerated in the staff report.

The decision acknowledges prior case law and staff materials provided with the application. The applicant indicated the remaining steps include HDC review of the new house design and final engineering coordination with city departments.