WINDHAM —The Moeckel Pond Dam restoration project cleared its first hurdle.

The Zoning Board of Adjustment granted the variances necessary to move forward with plans to subdivide the property around the historic dam.

“It’s a little different application from the ones we’ve seen and one that we probably won’t see again,” said ZBA Chairman Mark Samsel.

Board members agreed that the project was unique because setback requirements would differ if the dam was restored and the pond returned to its previous levels. Decisions were based on the current conditions of the site.

Despite the uncertainty, board member Jim Tierney said he was comfortable with the application.

Joseph Maynard, of Benchmark Engineering, spoke on behalf of the Friends of Moeckel Pond. He explained the land will be subdivided into three lots. The first lot may be purchased by an abutter. The dam, which is located on the second lot, will be restored and the lot will be owned by the Moeckel Pond Village District. The third lot provides access to Deer Leap and will be used as conservation land.

“I think it’s a good thing for the town,” Maynard said.

While this is just the first step, Maynard said he applauds the hard work of the members of the friends of Moeckel Pond. The organization is currently fundraising to restore the dam, Maynard said.

Moeckel pond is a 40-acre waterway abutting 54 acres of town-owned conservation land called Deer Leap. It connects to 150 acres of conservation land owned by the town of Pelham.

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services felt the dam was too weak to withstand a severe storm and in 2010 ordered that the boards be pulled and the pond drained. It was discovered that the dam on the property needed about $300,000 in repairs.

In April, the Conservation Commission unanimously voted to purchase the land for use as a conservation parcel with public access. The land will be open for passive recreation such as kayaking, canoeing, fishing or hiking.

Money from the purchase will be used towards restoring the dam. The Friends of Moeckel Pond group is working with the Windham Endowment for Community Advancement, the Historic District Heritage Commission, and others to raise the remaining funds needed for dam repairs. When the dam restoration is complete the land will be turned over to the Moeckel Pond Village District, which was established to take responsibility for maintaining the parcel.

- - - - - - - -

Julie Hanson may be reached at Jhanson@newstote.com.