Town Council OK's rezone request

By Suzanne Laurent
Staff writer

Fri, May 16 2008

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LONDONDERRY — A request to rezone the site of a development proposed for Route 102 by Berkshire Development at the intersection of Meadow Drive and Nashua Road was passed by the Town Council by a 5-0 vote.

Speaking at the April 21 council meeting, Councilor Brian Farmer raised the concern of creating another "South Willow Street look," referring to the lengthy stretch of malls and stores leading from North Londonderry into Manchester.

The eight-building project needed approval because its largest structure would be 50,000 square feet, almost twice what is currently zoned.

Councilor Kathy Wagner wanted reassurance that if this project was approved that it would only be for "this particular development and not be grandfathered into future developments."

Town Planner Andre Garron said it would only be approved for this project.

The councilors all agreed that the particular strip of Route 102 was dangerous as it narrows to one lane. The new development would require additional traffic lights. In addition, Berkshire Development agreed as part of the deal, to fund sewer extensions.

Councilor Paul DiMarco said that the new development would keep residents shopping in Londonderry.

In other business:

r The council approved the new conditions set for Murray's Auto Recycling on Hall Road, 5-0.

r The council approved the Police Department firing range in the northwest section of town, 5-0.

r The council authorized Town Manager Dave Caron to execute a partial mortgage discharge on the 0.19 acres granted to the Town by Wagon Wheel Tenants Cooperative Inc. to accommodate the state Department of Transportation reconstruction of the Mammoth and Litchfield Roads intersection, 5-0.

r The council agreed to transfer $90,000 from the Health Insurance Holding Account to fund the Mosquito Control Program for 2008-09, 5-0.

r The council approved the Town Treasurer to expend from the Highway Heavy Equipment Capital Reserve Fund the sum of $10,034 to purchase accessories and equipment necessary to provide winter maintenance of the multipurpose pathway from Moose Hill School on Pillsbury Road to Londonderry Middle School on Mammoth Road, 5-0.