The Derry Planning Board has accepted jurisdiction over a proposed two-lot subdivision on Lane Road, after learning that the developer and an abutter have worked out their issues regarding drainage.
Richard Murdoch, who is proposing to divide 23 Lane Road, Parcel ID 05074, appeared before the board Aug. 21 at a continuance from July 17. The 4.7 acre parcel is zoned LMDR (Low Medium Density Residential). It was formerly two lots, then became one in a “voluntary merger” several years ago, Tim Peloquin of Promised Land Surveying told the board. It has sufficient frontage and acreage for two lots, and Murdoch wants to split it into two again, Peloquin said. There is an existing house on the 2.7 acres of one proposed lot.
Issues were raised in the July 17 meeting by Patricia Norton, representing her mother, longtime Derry resident Elaine Rendo, who had lived at 19 Lane Road for 50 years. She had a problem with drainage and stormwater runoff when a former owner of Murdoch’s piece “rechanneled” the flow from his property onto Rendo’s land.
“The previous owner improperly regraded his site,” Peloquin said. Peloquin said the two parties brought in a wetlands scientist, who studied the problem, “and I believe it is solved.”
“Are the abutters okay with this?” Chairman David Granese said.
Norton, representing her mother, said, “I am confident we have resolved the issue.” To Vice-Chair John O’Connor’s question, “Is it amicable?” Norton replied, “Very amicable.” No other abutters spoke in the public hearing. The board voted 8-0 to accept jurisdiction of the subdivision.
