Hooksett Planning Board Meeting – February 2, 2026

The Hooksett Planning Board met on Monday, February 2, 2026, at 11:00 AM. The meeting covered several agenda items including a request to discuss impact fees for a proposed development, a public hearing and approval of a six-unit cottage-style condo project, a special exception comment for a wetland crossing, and three amendments to the town's development regulations. The board also discussed a regional impact notice and planner updates.

Consent Calendar

• None. The board did not approve the minutes from January 12, 2026, due to two abstentions and one abstention from a member not present (only three votes in favor, which did not pass). The minutes were continued to the next meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• 35 Edgewater Drive (6-unit condo project): Abutter Jason Hyde (36 Edgewater Drive) spoke in opposition. He stated the project would change the character of the neighborhood, diminish his use of his property, and cited concerns about density, noise, and his ability to continue activities such as target shooting and raising animals. He noted that the lot is non-conforming and that the zoning board had already approved variances. His wife, Kerry Hyde, also expressed opposition, stating that the purchase and sale agreement for the land they sold to the applicant was for a single home and a wedding venue, not six houses. The applicant's attorney, John Cronin, responded that the deed contains no restrictions and that the zoning board's decision is binding on the planning board. He emphasized that the project would have less environmental and traffic impact than the previously approved wedding venue.
• Public comment on 35 Edgewater Drive: A resident of 487 West River Road spoke in support, noting that development is inevitable and that the small homes would be a good addition to the area.

Discussion Items

• Chumcer Properties – Impact Fee Waiver Request (Map 9, Lot 341): Attorney John Cronin requested a workshop to discuss the calculation of school impact fees, noting that the existing building and public benefit should be considered. The board voted (4-1) to continue the discussion to a date to be determined by both parties. During the discussion, Cronin also raised concerns about a condition requiring submission of plans for phases 2 and 3 before the phase 1 permit could be issued, which he argued was causing delays and financial losses. The board acknowledged the concern but noted it was not on the agenda.
• 35 Edgewater Drive – Site Plan Approval: The applicant proposed six single-family homes under condo ownership, with each unit having 874 sq ft footprint, 1,275 sq ft gross floor area, two bedrooms, and porous paver driveways. The project includes a common parking lot across the street, boat ramp access, and septic fields. The board granted a waiver from driveway grade regulations (Section 11.08.1) by a 4-1 vote. After closing the public hearing, the board approved findings of fact (1-7) and the impact fees (traffic, public safety, parks & rec, school) totaling $50,514, both by 4-1 votes. The final motion to approve the site plan with conditions (including updating frontage on sheet 3 of 14) also passed 4-1.
• Martin Bernard, 325 Hackett Hill Road – Wetland Crossing Special Exception: The board discussed comments to forward to the ZBA regarding a wetland crossing and buffer impact. The applicant's representative, Damon Burt, presented a restoration plan and noted that work is ongoing to restore hydrology. Board members expressed concerns about stormwater runoff from existing impervious surfaces and the need to ensure that any future commercial use would undergo full site plan review. The board agreed to send a letter to the ZBA summarizing its comments, including the need for stormwater calculations and noting that the property has unapproved expansions of a non-conforming structure.
• Development Regulation Amendments: Three public hearings were held and all three amendments were approved unanimously:
  1. Part 1, Section 11.13 – Require fire hydrants to be labeled as public or private on site plans, with maintenance responsibility noted.
  2. Part 1, Section 12.02.11 – Residential subdivisions prior to certificate of occupancy (details not specified).
  3. Appendix – Site plan/subdivision checklist to include labeling of fire hydrants as public or private.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes from January 12, 2026: Motion to approve failed (3-0, with two abstentions and one abstention from a member not present); continued to next meeting.
• Chumcer Properties Impact Fee Discussion: Continued to a date to be determined by both parties (motion passed 4-1).
• 35 Edgewater Drive Site Plan: Approved with conditions (4-1). Impact fees set at $50,514. Waiver for driveway grades granted (4-1).
• Wetland Crossing Comments to ZBA (325 Hackett Hill Road): Board agreed to send a letter with comments, including concerns about stormwater and non-conforming use, to be reflected in the minutes. No formal vote.
• Development Regulation Amendments: All three amendments passed unanimously.
• Regional Impact Notice (Hidden Oaks, Manchester): Board agreed to send a request to Manchester/Northpoint Engineering for impact fees on 28 additional townhouse units that would exit onto Hooksett-maintained Hackett Hill Road.
• Planner Updates: Continued enforcement updates on 325 Hackett Hill Road and 3 Kate Road.