EDAC Meeting Discusses TIF Bond, Exit 10 Infrastructure, and Old Town Hall – December 17, 2025

The Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) met on December 17, 2025, at 4:30 PM. The primary focus was on the TIF district bond warrant article, infrastructure planning for Exit 10, voter outreach, and a fundraising initiative for Old Town Hall. The committee also received updates on several commercial development projects in Hooksett.

Discussion Items

• Exit 10 Engineering Design Update: Grant McGregor, Town Planner, reviewed a map from Underwood Engineering showing an alternative sewer line route (green line) along Quality Drive, discussed at a previous meeting. Alden Bushman had marked the plan. Andre reported contacting Underwood; the project manager (David Mercier) is now president, and the contract needs to be amended to include additional work. The committee discussed that a decision on the alternative route (green vs. purple) must come from the TIF committee and ultimately the council.
• Financial Breakdown for TIF Bond Warrant Article: The committee reviewed the proposed warrant article for the TIF bond. The article seeks voter authorization for a $12.5 million gross budget, funded by $860,000 from existing TIF funds, $2.1 million from the Board of Sewer Commissioners, and a bond not exceeding $9.54 million. There was confusion over the sewer commission's contribution ($2.1 million vs. $2.9 million); the warrant language states $2.1 million. The bond requires a three-fifths (60%) vote. The committee noted that the bond would only be issued when sufficient TIF funds are available to service the debt, ensuring no taxpayer burden. A public hearing on the bond will be held at the January 14, 2026 council meeting.
• Public Outreach to Exit 10 Business Owners: The committee determined that outreach is at a standstill pending final cost estimates from Underwood Engineering. Andre noted that businesses are unlikely to contribute financially before the bond passes but may see value after infrastructure is in place (e.g., potential for increased property values and development).
• Voter Outreach PowerPoint: Grant McGregor presented a simplified PowerPoint focusing on the bond question, removing extraneous information. The committee suggested adding more slides (including historical context and a success story) and sharing the draft with members for further input. The final version will be used at the informational session and posted on the town website.
• Informational Night Planning: The committee has booked the library for January 26, 2026, 5:00-6:30 PM. The format will mirror the Hooksett 101 program with introductions, a slide presentation, and Q&A. The library's AV equipment will be used; a Zoom component may be available. Outreach will include posting on the town website, Facebook, and electronic signs. A walkthrough of the presentation is planned for the EDAC meeting on January 21, 2026.
• Old Town Hall Fundraising Update: Jim Sullivan reported on a meeting with Dave Scarpetti, Leanne, and a potential donor. The committee decided to make one more fundraising effort. An initial catalyst donation of a few hundred thousand dollars may be available, which could be used to leverage matching grants (up to $600,000). The goal is to raise $1.5–$2 million to make the building habitable. Limiting occupancy to 100 people would avoid expensive sprinkler requirements; parking is sufficient. The committee will pursue this before considering a sale to a nonprofit.
• Development Updates: Grant McGregor reported:
  • Two College Park Drive received conditional approval for the Signal building renovation into 81 apartment units; subsequent phases include a commercial building (possibly a restaurant) and another 80-unit apartment building, despite neighborhood opposition.
  • Marman will submit a site plan to the Planning Board.
  • Durable Trailers may still locate in Hooksett; an update is expected by Christmas.
  • Panera construction is progressing slowly, interior work underway.
  • A conceptual plan was presented for Mr. Gas near the Manchester line, proposing a new store, eight gas pump spaces, and a Dunkin' drive-through.
  • The car wash received final approval; auto wholesalers have been demolished.
  • The Planning Board approved a tweak to the performance zone to reduce over-saturation of similar businesses; it will appear on the ballot.
  • Old Dominion has started construction on Technology Drive extension, with blasting planned through winter.
  • Irving is renovating the former Dunkin' Donuts space at exit 9 into a grab-and-go restaurant.
• Recognition: The committee congratulated the wastewater department for winning the Plant of the Year award and the Hooksett Village water system for best tasting water award.

Key Outcomes

• The committee will forward the TIF bond warrant article to the council for a public hearing on January 14, 2026.
• An informational session is scheduled for January 26, 2026, 5:00-6:30 PM at the library.
• Grant McGregor will share the PowerPoint draft with committee members for review; final version to be presented at the January 21 EDAC meeting.
• The committee will proceed with fundraising for Old Town Hall, leveraging a potential catalyst donation to apply for matching grants.
• The meeting adjourned on a motion by Matt Barrett, seconded by Anthony Poole.