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Issue · Amherst, NH

Carlson Manor 52-Unit Housing Development

52-unit age-restricted housing proposal on Hollis Road triggers density, traffic, rural character, and court-remand constraints.

Overview

Carlson Manor is a proposed 52-unit age-restricted development at -6 Hollis Road that remains under court-remand constraints from a prior rejection. At the May 6, 2026 planning-board meeting the board continued the application to June 3 for additional studies while residents voiced strong opposition over density and rural impacts.

Background

The Carlson Manor proposal for a 52-unit age-restricted housing development at -6 Hollis Road first drew sustained board and public attention during the May 6, 2026 planning-board meeting.

Discussion centered on traffic studies, unit mix, density bonuses, trail access, and property maintenance, all framed by the board's legal constraint under a prior court remand that limited rejection on grounds used in an earlier denial.

Residents raised repeated concerns about loss of rural character, increased density, traffic safety, and ongoing site neglect including trash and squatters.

The developer is also negotiating land dedication with the Amherst Conservation Commission and addressing septic and water-system requirements.

After hearing public comment, the board approved a motion to continue the case to the June 3 meeting to allow additional departmental review and traffic studies, with the applicant required to waive deadlines.

This continuance keeps the project under active review while the court-remand pressure remains in place.

At the June 3, 2026 planning-board meeting the board granted a continuance on the Carlson Manor application, postponing it until July 15 with the applicant waiving the 65-day deadline.

How it unfolded
Board discussed the 52-unit elderly housing development at -6 Hollis Road, heard public comments on density, rural character, traffic, and site neglect, noted court-remand constraints, and approved a motion to continue the case to the June 3 meeting for further review.
2026-05-06Planning Board
Board postponed Carlson Manor (Magrella Gam Realty Trust) application until July 15th, with the applicant waiving 65-day deadlines.
2026-06-03Planning Board
Arguments against
The current building layout does not maintain rural character and feels more like an urban project.
planning-board 2026-05-06
Against
The development ignores the original rural residential design of two-acre minimums and risks well-water contamination from septic systems.
planning-board 2026-05-06
Against
The project will cause a significant increase in density with potential negative changes to traffic and rural character.
planning-board 2026-05-06
Against
Ongoing property neglect including trash, squatters, needles, and feces shows the developer's attitude toward management.
planning-board 2026-05-06
Against
Key voices
“The current building layout does not maintain any rural character and feels more like an urban project.”
Will (Resident)planning-board 2026-05-06
“The development is irresponsible as it ignores the original rural residential design of two-acre minimums.”
Jim (Resident)planning-board 2026-05-06
“Expressed frustration with the ongoing presence of trash and squatters on the property.”
Dave (Resident)planning-board 2026-05-06
“Questioned if the court actually mandated approval and expressed concern over the combative nature of the applicant's attorney.”
Jeannie (Resident)planning-board 2026-05-06
What's next

Continued hearing at the July 15, 2026 planning-board meeting.

Carlson Manorelderly housingdensity