Former Hudson dairy farm could be site of homes

HUDSON – The former Nadeau Farm could become the site of single-family homes and housing for elderly.

The Planning Board reviewed conceptual plans Wednesday for the former dairy farm, which was sold more than a year ago.

The property was sold in two parcels with Etchstone Properties purchasing about 50 acres. The remaining land, more than 100 acres, across the street was sold to QROE Farm.

The goal is to preserve the property’s character, developer Kevin Slattery said outside of the meeting. Under early conceptual plans, the dairy barn would be preserved and contain several businesses such as cabinet restorers.

“We’re trying to retain the rural character as best as possible,” Slattery said.

Any final plans would require site plan approval.

There would not be any retail businesses in the farm, engineer Richard Maynard told the board.

The plans also show single-family homes along Old Derry and Putnam roads. Further, would be elderly housing.

The developer met with the board to get its input on shared driveways, which require a waiver from the Planning Board.

Under the proposal, there was one road connecting all the homes to Old Derry Road and a road exiting onto Putnam Road, which would be gated. Shared driveways would prevent too many driveways on Old Derry Road, the developer and engineer said.

“I’ve never been a fan of shared driveways, but in this case it makes sense,” Planning Board member Suellen Quinlan said.

Several residents spoke in favor of shared driveways, saying it would prevent too many cars from using Putnam Road.

Some residents said they spent time talking to the developer and sharing their thoughts on the early plans.

Slattery said he’s been working with neighbors for about eight months.