PETITION IN OPPOSITION TO PROPOSED 30-UNIT TOWNHOUSE DEVELOPMENT

Map 505, Lot 19A – Mammoth Road and Melrose Street, R-1B Zoning District, Ward 7

To: Manchester Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment, and City Officials

From: Concerned Residents of Ward 7 and Surrounding Neighborhoods

We, the undersigned residents of Ward 7 and the surrounding community, strongly oppose the proposed development of a 30-unit townhouse complex on the parcel identified as Map 505, Lot 19A, located between Mammoth Road and Melrose Street, in the R-1B Zoning District.

This petition is based on the following serious concerns:

1. Violation of R-1B Zoning Intent
The R-1B zoning district is intended for low-density residential neighborhoods, primarily composed of single-family homes. A 30-unit multi-family townhouse development directly contradicts the character and purpose of this zoning designation. Approval of this project would set a precedent for high-density developments in areas explicitly zoned for lower density.

2. Traffic and Safety Concerns
The addition of 30 housing units will significantly increase traffic volume along Mammoth Road, Candia Road, Ruth Ave, Talbot Street, Etc—all of which already experience congestion, especially during peak hours. Increased traffic heightens the risk of accidents, endangers pedestrians and schoolchildren, and diminishes the walkability and safety of our neighborhood. Talbot Street already has a daycare and a restaurant which brings its own traffic that we already struggle with.

3. Overburdened Infrastructure and Services
Our neighborhood infrastructure—including sewer, water, and electrical systems—is not equipped to support such a dense development. Public services such as snow removal, waste management, emergency response, and school enrollment will also be negatively impacted.

4. Neighborhood Character and Quality of Life
The proposed development does not align with the established aesthetic or layout of the surrounding neighborhood. Ward 7 is composed largely of single-family residences on modest lots. A high-density project of this scale will drastically alter the community’s character, reduce green space, and negatively impact property values.

5. Environmental and Drainage Impact
Development on this parcel could worsen stormwater runoff and drainage issues in an area already susceptible to flooding. Tree removal and impervious surfaces will degrade natural habitat and reduce air quality and shade coverage.

We, the undersigned, respectfully urge city officials to:

- Deny any request for zoning variances or special exceptions that would allow this project to proceed in an R-1B district;

- Reject the site plan for this proposed development;

- Prioritize the voices and wellbeing of current residents by preserving the integrity of our neighborhood.

We stand together to protect our community from overdevelopment and to uphold the zoning ordinances designed to guide responsible growth.