Manchester ConCom Advances Discussions on SLV 40B Development 

Members of the community gathered online via Zoom for June’s meeting of the Manchester Conservation Commission.  The committee discussed and voted on five Notices of Intent; proposals from members of the public to be considered for their ecological impact to the community.

While the votes of the commission do not officially start any of the projects, passing the Notice of Intent is an important step forward towards their completion.

Before the meeting began, the Commission recognized the retirement of former member, Olga Hayes from the Commission, as well as congratulating the two new members of the commission.

First item on the agenda was that of the seawall along 18 Boardman Ave.  Additionally to repairs to the wall, requestor Jamy Buchanan Madesa Esq. proposed for the wall to be raised an additional foot to account for sea-level changes.  The contracted company for the improvements included several alternative plans to simply raise the wall as well, allowing for the town to choose its preferred option based on cost and impact to the environment. 

One such alternative was to do no work to the wall as well, should the town decide the improvements are not needed.  This proposal to select one of these options unanimously passed the Commission, progressing the sea-wall project along.

Similarly proposed was the addition of a seasonal ramp and float to a single-family home at 19 Proctor Street.  While alternatives were posed to the Commission, the issue was ultimately extended to the commission’s next meeting on July 21, as the Commission planned a site visit to properly assess which of the options best protects the natural wetland environment, while also constructing a ramp that is safe for use.

Finally, and most controversially, the commission discussed the environmental impacts of the proposed 136-unit 40B housing development to be built upon Shingle Hill on School Street in Manchester’s Limited Commercial District.  Thirty-four of the units (25%) would be listed as affordable.   

The board opened its public hearing of SLV’s filed Notice of Intent relative to portions of the work to construct the access driveway, pump house, and stormwater management that will be located within the 100-ft wetland buffer zone and within 200 feet of a riverfront area.  Under the 40B process, the ConCom will enforce the state’s Wetlands Protection Act rules regarding these areas, rather than local Manchester regulations.

“We are here only to discuss this issue insofar as it affects the conservation efforts of the town,” said ConCom Chair Steve Gang.  “Any possible implications to town planning or public safety are not germane to the conversation we are seeking to have today,” 

The Manchester Zoning Board of Appeals voted August 16, 2022 to reject SLV’s application under the state’s 40B regulations.  Jeffrey Engler, SLV’s managing partner, appealed the town’s rejection.  In October 2024, the Massachusetts Housing Appeals Committee (HAC) issued a 60-page decision overturning the ZBA decision and issued a comprehensive permit to SLV.  The town is currently appealing the HAC decision.

On Tuesday, Scott Goddard and Andrew Thibault of Goddard Consulting, wetlands specialists, led the presentation; Carlton Quinn of Allen & Major presented as the civil engineer consultant.

Ultimately, as the project spans over 92,000-sf and requires a comprehensive plan for landscaping, parking and outdoor utilities, the board resolved to take more time to review the application, which would focus on approximately 3,500-sf of land.  The board also resolved to conduct a site visit and agreed to seek out a peer review study of the SLV Notice of Intent with an outside environmental consulting firm.  They also asked for details on tree and fill removal expected during site preparation. 

The ConCom will continue its application review of the SLV project on July 21.