The future of 2 Litchfield Road remains uncertain as town officials weigh rezoning and development plans for the historic property. At a recent Planning Board meeting, discussion centered on a proposed conditional use permit (CUP) and a potential zoning change that could reshape the site.
Laura Gandia, representing the property owner, explained that in 2006 the Town Council voted to rezone the parcel from AR-1 to C-III and placed a historical overlay along with a preservation easement deed.
Gandia noted that the owner is now seeking to remove the easement and convert the property into a multi-family development with six units.
Assistant Town Manager Kellie Caron clarified that the requested CUP is tied to the property’s current C-III zoning.
“Under the Londonderry Zoning Ordinance, the Planning Board is authorized to grant, grant with conditions, or deny a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) following a public hearing,” Caron wrote in a memo. She outlined six criteria the Board must consider:
- Public Need or Convenience: The use must meet a demonstrated public need or provide community benefit.
- Public Interest: The use must not adversely impact health, safety, or welfare.
- Suitability of the Property: The parcel must be reasonably suited for the proposed use.
- Impact on Surrounding Properties: The use must not create substantial adverse effects on abutters.
- Traffic Impact: Traffic must align with roadway capacity and safety.
- Access & Safety: Access must ensure safe ingress/egress and avoid congestion.
Traffic concerns dominated the discussion, with board members citing outdated traffic studies. Ultimately, the Planning Board voted 4-3 to deny the CUP.
The meeting also included a public hearing on rezoning the property back to AR-1. Caron reminded attendees that in September the Town Council unanimously approved two actions:
- Remove the Historic Preservation Easement for 2 Litchfield Road and authorize the Town Manager to execute its removal.
- Begin the rezoning process from C-III to AR-1, including Planning Board review and required public hearings under RSA 675:3.
However, Gandia argued that the hearing lacked proper statutory notice, prompting the Board to continue the matter to Dec. 10.
To keep the process moving, the Town Council waived the first reading and scheduled its own public hearing for Dec. 15, pending the Planning Board’s recommendation.
The outcome could determine whether the property remains commercial or reverts to residential zoning-a decision with long-term implications for development and preservation in Londonderry.