Planning Board asks for concise phase‑1 plans, extends review of Colt Refining project

The Merrimack Planning Board voted to continue review of a phased amendment for a 97,600‑square‑foot Colt Refining industrial project so the applicant can submit a concise set of standalone phase‑1 plan sheets.

Colleen (planning staff) and Jason Hill of TF Moran presented the request to split construction into two phases: phase 1 would include all site improvements and roughly 65,282 square feet of building; phase 2 would add the remaining ~31,918 square feet. Hill told the board the team proposes to construct all site infrastructure in phase 1 and leave the phase‑2 building pad prepped and stabilized pending later buildout.

Board members sought clarity on how the interim condition would function: they asked whether the phase‑1 site could be stabilized with gravel or seed, how a 4‑foot grade transition at a future loading dock would be managed, whether temporary lighting would meet safety requirements where phase‑2 fixtures are omitted, and whether elements like generator and compactor pads would be provided in phase 1. "All of the drainage system would be put installed," Hill said, adding that the phase‑2 loading area could be paved with a binder course and counted as impervious for drainage design.

Members agreed they did not want to force an excessive number of new sheets but requested a limited, focused submission that shows the standalone phase‑1 build: a grading sheet, a site finishes/landscape sheet, a utilities sheet if necessary, and a lighting/stabilization approach. The board said those materials should be submitted so staff and the town engineer can confirm that phasing will not create unanticipated drainage, safety, or operational problems.

The board voted 6‑0‑0 to continue the item to the April 2 meeting (no further notice) to allow submission and review of the requested phase‑1 details. The board signaled it is open to conditional approval if the phase‑1 plan set addresses the issues raised and is administratively accepted by staff and consultants.

What’s next: The applicant will prepare a compact phase‑1 submission (several focused sheets: grading, site finishes, landscape, and utility/lighting as appropriate) and meet the town’s deadline for the April 2 agenda so peer review and staff checks may occur prior to the continued hearing.