Zoning Board of Adjustment — May 5, 2026
The meeting featured a spirited public hearing with twelve speakers expressing significant opposition to a proposed development, centered on concerns of village character and zoning precedents.
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At the May 5 Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting, a decision was made that could fundamentally change the residential character of our village. The Board approved a variance for a developer (Echo Properties) to allow a detached duplex on a 0.5-acre lot by redefining what qualifies as 'multi-family' use.
During the hearing, several neighbors spoke out in strong opposition. They argued that allowing detached multi-family units on such small lots sets a dangerous precedent for densification and undermines the historic, single-family feel of the South Mast Road area. One resident noted that the project seemed driven by profit rather than the spirit of the existing zoning ordinance.
In response to these concerns, the Board maintained that their role was limited to interpreting the technical definition of the use, rather than acting as a 'design body' to control how buildings are constructed. By approving the variance, the Board has cleared the way for this project to move to the Planning Board for further review of its operations, grading, and drainage.
This is a pivotal moment for Goffstown residents who value our village's historic character. We need to monitor how the Planning Board handles this application next.
Public impact
Potential for increased residential density and changes to the historic character of the village.
The board approved the variance regarding the definition of multi-family use, allowing the project to move forward to the Planning Board.
The application proceeds to the Planning Board for review of conditional use permits, including operations, grading, and drainage.
Topics discussed
The board elected its leadership for the upcoming year and approved the previous meeting's minutes.
Denise Langley was re-elected as Chair and Jason Cody was re-elected as Vice Chair. The minutes were approved with one abstention.
A request for a variance to build a detached accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on a lot smaller than the required two acres.
The variance was approved as it was determined the request met all five criteria for a variance.
A request to demolish and rebuild a garage within the same footprint, located approximately three feet from surface water.
The variance was approved.
A request for a variance from the zoning definition of 'multi-family' to allow for a detached duplex on a lot with an existing single-family home.
The meeting segment ended during the discussion of this case; no final vote is recorded in this transcript segment. The Board voted to approve the variance regarding the definition of multi-family use.
The application proceeds to the Planning Board for review of conditional use permits (operations, grading, drainage, etc.).
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Jordan Dupree (Echo Properties) Multi-family Definition Variance
Clifford Norman ADU Variance
Community vs. board tension
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
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grok-4.3, gemma-4-26b, grok-4.20-0309-reasoning, grok-4-fast · analyzed 2026-06-07.
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