Planning and Zoning Commission — March 9, 2026

The meeting featured significant debate over housing density, multiple split votes on key amendments, and a failed motion to close a public hearing.

Date Monday, March 9, 2026 Duration 4.0h Speakers 19 Public comments 2 Decisions 12 Spirited

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The Manchester Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on March 9 revealed significant internal division and community concern regarding the future of our residential neighborhoods.

Two major issues dominated the discussion: housing density and lot standards. The Commission voted 7-2 to approve 'Option 6B,' a proposal to reduce minimum lot area and frontage requirements. While officials stated this would help bring many existing properties into compliance, the split vote reflects a lack of consensus on how much density Manchester can handle.

Furthermore, residents expressed strong opposition to allowing more multifamily and two-family conversions in RC zones, citing potential increases in traffic, noise, and loss of neighborhood character. The board itself appears split on how to proceed; a motion to close the public hearing regarding these conversions actually failed 3-6, indicating that the Commission is not yet in agreement on the impact of these changes.

Technical concerns were also raised by the Water and Sewer Administrator regarding the risks of multiple housing units sharing a single service line. The Commission has requested more detailed data, including maps and statistical impacts, before moving forward. The next public hearing on these matters is scheduled for April 6.

Mar 9, 2026 4.0h long 19 speakers 2 public comments 12 decisions Spirited

❝ Notable statements ↔ Drag to browse

“The issue here is that it's the use that's nonconforming not the building or structure... we have to remove that language because it's problematic [and makes the town vulnerable to a lawsuit].”

— Francisco Gomes · Explaining why the amendment to non-conforming use regulations is necessary to align with state statute. ▶ 14:01

“I also feel that we have to be fair to existing neighborhoods... [the RC section] already is impacted and to add on the additional ability to put in multi-family housing... I think that's asking a lot of RC.”

— Mary Fish · Public testimony expressing concerns about density, traffic, and noise in the RC residential zone. ▶ 1:03:23

“It is problematic to have two separate properties with single service lines.”

— Shannon Miles · Concerns from the Water and Sewer Administrator regarding potential new multi-family or two-family developments having shared service lines. ▶ 1:17:48

“I think we're squeezing RC... I just ask that you specifically look at the zoning maps... and think about, should this particular zoning thing... be in other areas of towns that have much more room?”

— Unidentified speaker · Expressing concern that concentrating multifamily development in RC/RB zones might negatively impact existing neighborhoods. ▶ 1:27:57

“The state has experienced a very well-documented shortage of housing units... the shortage is particularly important in this middle housing, the missing middle housing.”

— Unidentified speaker · Providing broader context on why the housing amendments are being proposed in response to state-wide demand. ▶ 1:31:25

“The state says we can't actually use that word, character, so it's probably better to remove it.”

— Unidentified speaker · Explaining the reasoning for removing the requirement that conversions must not 'impair the character of the neighborhood' from the regulations. ▶ 2:24:35

“The purpose of these amendments is to ensure that the regulations don't pose a barrier to housing that's otherwise appropriate.”

— Unidentified speaker · Explaining the intent behind the comprehensive amendments to residential standards. ▶ 2:49:09

“I think when we start to limit things that are essential parts of life... we do a disservice to reality. I don't think junkyards should only be allowed in certain towns.”

— Unidentified speaker · Commenting on the decision to prohibit junkyards as a prohibited use rather than a special exception. ▶ 3:40:55

“As long as the commission strongly feels that this is not going to result in people starting to maximize building on lots... and not introducing more density into RC.”

— Unidentified speaker · Public comment expressing conditional support for reducing lot size requirements in the RC zone. ▶ 3:32:33

“I definitely agree with the policy of reducing non-conformities... it's a good idea to reduce and eliminate nonconformities wherever possible.”

— SPEAKER_07 (Mr. Kennedy) · Discussing the impact of outdated standards on Manchester residential lots in B and C zones. ▶ 3:53:52

“A good chunk of the work that we're doing... is to get rid of a number of these pieces of language that create barriers to people building houses, renovating houses, maintaining houses, as well as... getting rid of the roadblocks for businesses.”

— SPEAKER_04 (Chair) · Explaining the goals of the current zoning regulations review and the subcommittee's mission. ▶ 3:55:16

This meeting — choose a section

Public ⁠impact

Issues from this meeting with documented community impact.

What was discussed

Broad impact affecting housing supply, neighborhood density, property development rights, and lot compliance requirements townwide.

Topics ⁠discussed

Each topic expands to quotes and full context.

Speakers: Michael Stebe, Francisco Gomes, Eric Prowse, Robert Schanbaum

What was discussed

A proposal to add 'junkyard' to the townwide prohibited uses list and provide a clearer definition for 'gas manufacturer'.

Speakers: Michael Stebe, Francisco Gomes, Danielle Luna, Eric Prowse, Robert Schanbaum, Mary Fish

What was discussed

A comprehensive proposal to increase housing diversity and supply by allowing nurseries in AA zones, two-family and multifamily housing via special exception in specific zones, and restoring room renting as a permitted accessory use.