Board OKs conversion of former restaurant space to 11 elderly-housing units at 57 Palm Street

The Nashua Zoning Board of Adjustment voted March 10 to approve a variance that will allow Palm Square LLC to convert former restaurant space at 57 Palm Street into 11 additional residential units for elderly housing.

Attorney Morgan Hollis, representing Palm Square LLC, told the board the 2006 approval allowed up to 140 elderly units because the building is large and elder units are typically small. Hollis said the proposed conversion would be mostly interior, require no exterior changes, and result in a density increase of less than 10 percent.

Hollis argued the restaurant space has a history of failed tenants and that the conversion would better utilize parking areas currently associated with the restaurant. "The proposed use is expected to be a low-impact operation with minimal traffic," Hollis said, noting sewer, water and parking are adequate for the change.

Board members asked whether the new units would match existing unit sizes; Hollis said they are nearly identical to existing units. After discussion about neighborhood character and parking, the board moved to approve the variance. The motion carried 5–0. The board again reminded applicants of the 30-day appeal period.

Because the board recorded no opposition at the hearing and staff indicated the change would not alter exterior appearance or parking patterns, the applicant may proceed unless an appeal is filed.