NASHUA, NH – A rehearing related to the 18-hole disc golf course at Roby Park is scheduled for Oct. 22 during the Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting in the auditorium at City Hall at 6:30 p.m.
After two hours of testimony on June 25, the board voted in favor of a wetland special exemption allowing for a proposed 18-hole disc golf course in Roby Park. Board members Rob Shaw, Jean-Paul Boucher, Efstathia Booras and Joseph Patry voted in favor. Joshua Nehiley was opposed.
Arguments made in favor of the disc golf course were that the disc golf course would have little to no impact on the wetland, the disc golf-community being respectful of the environment, that disc golf is a free, accessible activity for all ages, and that the course could be used by the Boys & Girls Club, Nashua PAL and other such organizations.
Three rehearing applications were received by Tony DeGregorio, Melinda Farley, and Denise Muccioli and the request was heard on Aug. 13.
The reasons stated for requesting the rehearing were that not all abutters were notified of the meeting – therefore not giving them the chance to speak at the hearing – and that the meeting was not in procedural appliance with Section E- City of Nashua Zoning Board of Adjustment By-Laws Rules and Zoning Procedure.
Section E reads: “The applicant or his/her presentative shall present his/her reasons for the hearing. At this time a lesser request than that advertised may be accepted by the Chairman. The applicant has a maximum time limit of fifteen (15) minus to present his/her case.”
According to Muccioli’s rehearing request, multiple applicant presenters were allowed to speak, and the applicant was allowed to present for 41 minutes while those speaking in opposition were held to their five minute time limit.
Attached to the rehearing request applications was a supplemental document showing a petition on Change.org, “Halt Disc Golf Course Construction at Roby Park Nashua, NH” that had 682 signatures. At the time this article was written, the petition had 716 signatures.
The petition stated reasons why the construction should be stopped, many of which were concerns also stated during the original hearing in June, including safety risks, destruction of wildlife and wetlands, and parking safety issues.