01-03-2025
City Hall: Planning board shares concerns over Goffstown project; Lesniak loves a parade
Feb. 28—Members of Manchester's planning board have joined the growing chorus of Queen City officials concerned over a proposed development in Goffstown.
As previously reported, the Dubay Group Inc. and Allard Revocable Trust are seeking a variance from the Goffstown zoning board to subdivide a property for the purposes of building 34 lots for single-family homes within the Industrial Zone, which is not permitted per Section 3.11 of the Goffstown Zoning Ordinance.
Manchester officials and residents are keeping an eye on the project because the property is located off Riverview Park Road, on the border between the city and Goffstown.
Access to the proposed subdivision would be off of Phillip Street and Joseph Street Extension — streets located in the Queen City — creating a cut-through in what has historically been a very quiet Manchester neighborhood off Goffstown Road near Mount Calvary Cemetery.
A quick discussion on the proposal was held earlier this month at Goffstown Town Hall, with zoning board members there voting to determine that the project has regional impact — meaning the development proposal has potential impacts beyond Goffstown's boundaries.
As RSA 36:54-58 explains, a determination of regional impact affords the abutting communities and the regional planning commission the status of abutter. It is also an opportunity to broaden the scope of review and in doing so, gain additional input and technical support in the review of large, complex development proposals and evaluate potential effects on inter-municipal agreements.
Members of Manchester's planning board discussed the project at their last meeting, in preparation for notifying their neighbors to the northwest of their concerns via email or letter.
"My concern is that in order to get to the subdivision, you have to go through a very small street in Manchester," said planning board alternate Brian Beaupre. "And how are they going to handle plowing? Police, fire, garbage pickup?"
"I share your questions and concern because, like, they would be paying property taxes to Goffstown for services from Goffstown, presumably," Planning Board chairman Bryce Kaw-uh said.
Former city assessor and current planning board member Bob Gagne said it appeared to him the parcel in question has frontage in Goffstown, off Riverview Park Road.
"Why aren't they just accessing the subdivision off that street instead of through Manchester?" Gagne asked. "My understanding is the topography just doesn't let them get to the upper level of the site from the Goffstown side," Manchester Deputy Planning Director Nicola Strong said.
"I do agree though, Bob, if they could connect that way, that would have been preferable," Kaw-uh said. "The way it is now, all the impact is on Manchester."
Gagne said the lots being proposed appear to be "small."
"It's gonna have to be public water and sewer," Gagne said. "Where's that coming from? They're going to hook up to Manchester there as well. I mean, say, 'OK, you can do that, but we get all the taxes from these lots.'"
Board members agreed to send correspondence to Goffstown officials saying they aren't particularly concerned on residential use versus industrial use for the site — it's the connection to Manchester streets and the use of Manchester facilities and services, that is of potential concern.
Manchester aldermen held a very brief discussion Feb. 18 on the possibility of putting a gate or gates on Phillip and Joseph streets, preventing access from Manchester through those neighborhoods.
The Goffstown Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on the application Tuesday, March 4, at 7 p.m. in the Mildred Stark Room (Room 106) in Goffstown Town Hall, 16 Main Street.
Marshal, marshal, marshal!Erik Lesniak, business liaison for the city's Economic Development Office, has been named Grand Marshal of the 2025 Manchester St. Patrick's Parade.
Described by parade organizers as a "dedicated community leader, coach, mentor, and advocate for the Queen City," Lesniak — a native of Holyoke, Mass., with "deep Irish roots" — arrived in Manchester in the early 2000s when the New Haven Ravens were sold and relocated to New Hampshire, becoming the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.
Lesniak served in several leadership positions in the organization, including director of group sales, executive director of sales, and vice president of business development. In 2022, he took on his current role with the Economic Development Office.
Lesniak has given his time coaching with Manchester Little League (10 years and counting), St. Francis of Assisi basketball (four years), St. Joseph Jr. High basketball (current), Manchester South Jr. Soccer (eight years), and indoor soccer.
He's also volunteered with many civic and community organizations including the Lions Club, Kiwanis Club, Caregivers, Manchester Community College Department of Business Studies Advisory Board, Pastoral Counseling Services, Queen City Rotary Club, Manchester Downtown Committee, and the Leadership Greater Manchester Steering Committee.
"Erik's generosity and kindness can be seen in every corner of the community," the Manchester Saint Patrick's Parade Committee said in a statement. "Whether he's securing Christmas trees, food, clothes and decorations every year for families in need during the holidays, organizing community fundraisers, or serving meals at New Horizons/Families in Transition over the years, Erik is always ready to lend a helping hand"
Lesniak lives in Manchester with his wife, Kristen, and son, Jayden.
As always, the Queen City's holiday parades march to the beat of their own drum.
As is tradition, the parade will not be held on the actual day that others celebrate St. Patrick's Day, March 17. The 2025 Manchester St. Patrick's Parade will take place almost two weeks later, on Sunday, March 30.
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Contact City Hall reporter Paul Feely at pfeely@
