Special Permit, 27 Marshland St

Mark Dickinson, (copied on this email) a property owner on Marshland Street, contacted the Council Office this afternoon regarding the special permit for 27 Marshland Street.

Mr. Dickinson wanted you to be aware there is tremendous opposition to this project within the neighborhood.

In addition to the required legal notice, the Applicant sent out mailings to property owners in the neighborhood detailing the Project plans and providing contact information if there were any concerns about the Project. The Applicant also went door-to-door the weekend of October 3-4, 2026, and spoke with several neighbors about the Project. Most were overall supportive of the project, but concerns about the availability of on-street parking were also communicated.

The alignment of the townhouses, and subsequent driveways is prohibited by Section 6.1.11.3. The proposed driveways take almost 100% of the front yard. Per code they cannot exceed 50% of the front yard,

Any two driveways leading to or from a street to or from a single lot shall not be within 30 feet of each other at their intersections with the front lot line.

Should the Council grant the special permit, the Applicant therefore plans to seek a variance from the Haverhill Zoning Board of Appeals to allow for greater driveway coverage and closer spacing than normally allowed by the Ordinance.

The proposed driveways are taking on street parking away from all abutters.

The Project provides for three separate driveways and two-car garages to serve each proposed townhome, supporting up to four parking spaces for residents and guests of each unit.

The Applicant believes that the ample off-street parking provided, which will not result in any additional on-street parking demand, addresses this concern.

Could you please provide a civil plan demonstrating compliance with the design standards found under C. 255, s. 6.3.3. I particularly review for compliance with 6.3.3.3, .4, and .5.

1/2" Storm Requirements

Driveway Drainage Concerns

Each townhome will be provided with separate stormwater management infrastructure, and pavement in both the front and rear has been reduced and pitched to provide for managed stormwater runoff, along with other minor changes to utility placement.

Please see attached plan which shows drainage calculations for the 1/2-inch storm.

The proposed driveways are to be crowned draining towards 12”x24” french drains that will run along both edges of the driveway to mitigate storm runoff.

ESGHWT Concern

The plan has been revised to now show the test pit data along with additional grading. Subsequently, the proposed stormtech systems each have a minimum of 2ft separation from ESGHWT to bottom of stone.

Zoning Impervious Coverage

Engineering Solutions Group does not perform zoning related work. Nonetheless, we have reduced the impervious coverage to alleviate this concern.

Utilities are not shown. Separate sewer and water service connections are required for each unit.

NEW 1" COPPER WATER, TYP.

NEW 6" SDR 35 PVC, TYP.

CUT AND CAP EX. SEWER SERVICE AT MAIN

CUT AND CAP EX. WATER SERVICE AT CORP

Tree Conflict

The proposed utilities have been relocated away from the tree to avoid any potential conflicts.

Erosion Control Measures

The erosion control limits have been added to the plan along with details. The additional details and notes will protect the construction area appropriately.

comments were received from the various city departments regarding … compliance with stormwater and landscaping requirements in Section 6.3 of the Haverhill Zoning Ordinance

The Applicant will plant four street trees along the frontage of the property along with additional landscaping, as well as additional tree plantings in the rear yard to provide shade and attractive vegetation in association with the Project.

An NFPA 13 compliant sprinkler system shall be required for this project. Each unit is to have its own feed.

The project will comply with all applicable provisions of the Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR), the Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code (527 CMR), M.G.L. Chapter 148, and all conditions of the Haverhill Fire Department, including the installation of an NFPA 13 automatic sprinkler system.