MEMORANDUM - Merrimack NH

MEMORANDUM
Date:      November 9, 2022
To:        Robert Best, Chairman, & Members, Planning Board
From:      Robert Price, Planning & Zoning Administrator
Subject:   Tony Crawford (applicant) and 598 DW Highway, LLC (owner) - Conceptual
           discussion of a proposed car wash. The parcel is located at 598 Daniel Webster Highway
           in the C-1 (Limited Commercial), Aquifer Conservation and Elderly Housing Overlay
           Districts. Tax Map 6D-1, Lot 028. Case #PB2022-42

Background & Project Description
Tax Map 6D-1, Lot 028 is located at 598 DW Highway in the C-1 (Limited Commercial) District. The
subject property is 0.6 acres in size and will be serviced by municipal water (MVD) and municipal
sewer. The lot is currently vacant, with the exception of a small garage (the previous structure last
used as office space was demolished several years ago), and is abutted by a mix of residential
properties (on Wheeler Street) and commercial uses (Charlie’s Diner, Tortilla Flat, and a small office
use).

In July 2021, the Zoning Board of Adjustment granted a Special Exception to permit residential use
of the property that is valid until July 28, 2023. Two petitions have gone before the ZBA under that
Special Exception: one for 8 multifamily residential units that was ultimately withdrawn prior to the
ZBA taking action, and the other for 6 multifamily residential units that was denied by the ZBA.

The current applicant comes before the Board with a conceptual plan to discuss a potential car wash
use for the property. Staff notes that the proposed use would require a variance from the Zoning
Board of Adjustment as it is not permitted in the C-1 (Limited Commercial) District. The plan shows
three proposed vacuum islands as well as a vending machine and dumpster. As for the car wash
itself, the plan shows two automatic wash bays, one self-service bay and an office space/mechanical
room. The Site Plan Regulations call for 4 stacking spaces per car wash bay, inclusive of any cars
within the wash bay itself, and the plan shows it can meet that requirement.

The plan also provides for a vehicular bypass lane around the back of the car was building, however
staff notes it varies in width between 10 and 16 feet and has concerns that the Fire Department would
find the 10’ aisle width acceptable. The applicant should indicate how large/emergency vehicles
would be expected to maneuver throughout the site. The Board may also wish to discuss the
applicant’s plans for lighting the property and mitigating any anticipated impacts of the proposed
use to the abutting residential properties (e.g. noise).

Black Diamond Holdings Site Plan                                                               2
11/15/2022 Planning Board Meeting

   Completeness
   Not applicable as this is only a conceptual discussion.

   Recommendation
   Listen to the applicant’s presentation and provide feedback and/or any recommendations for their
   consideration in order for them to proceed with formal applications. Please also discuss any typically
   required/recommended items that the Board would be expecting should a formal site plan be
   submitted in the future.

     cc:   File
     ec:   Tony Crawford, applicant
           Erik Poulin, P.E., Jones & Beach Engineers, Inc.
           Dawn Tuomala, P.E., Deputy Director of Public Works/Town Engineer
           Michael Gorman, Wastewater Division of Public Works
           Fire Department Staff
           Building Department Staff
           Merrimack Village District Staff

Nashua Regional Planning Commission                                                                                      May 5, 2022

                                  6D-1/28 - 598 DW Highway

                                                                                                            1" = 49.553023647410896 ft

                                                                                                Print map scale is approximate.
                                                                                                Critical layout or measurement
                                                                                                activities should not be done using
                                                                                                this resource.
                                         MAP FOR REFERENCE ONLY
                                          NOT A LEGAL DOCUMENT
                                 Nashua Regional Planning Commission makes no claims and
                                 no warranties, expressed or implied, concerning the validity
                                 or accuracy of the GIS data presented on this map.

                                 Geometry updated 11/16/2018
                                 Data updated 10/25/2018