Hooksett Town Council Meeting - February 18, 2026

The Hooksett Town Council met on February 18, 2026, at 9:30 AM (local time) to discuss several key topics: a recap of the recent Tax Increment Financing (TIFF) informational session, updates on the Hackett Hill Road/Route 3A and Route 3 widening projects, and ongoing development activities. The meeting was chaired by Anthony Poole, with Councilors Jim Sullivan, Michelle Ginnon, Matt Barrett, Dave Scarpe, Alden Boschman, and staff members Andre Grant and Kerry present.

Discussion Items

• TIFF Informational Session Recap: The council reviewed the February 18 TIFF public informational session, which drew 21 attendees. Councilor Jim Sullivan noted that voter approval currently stands at 56%, needing 60% to pass, meaning 48 additional “yes” votes are required. Staff member Andre Grant explained that if the TIFF were dissolved, the town would lose the increment (about 20 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, or roughly $100 per average single-family home) but still be obligated to pay existing bonds. The existing 2017 bond of $2.5 million is already being paid off by current increment; new development (e.g., Marman expansion) will generate additional increment (estimated $300,000 annually). The council discussed options for using surplus TIFF funds: prepaying bonds if no prepayment penalty, or returning surplus to the general fund to lower the tax rate. The Londonderry example was cited where surplus was redirected. The council agreed to produce simplified educational materials, including short video snippets, a “TIF Tidbits” article, and outreach to local media (The Bridge, Union Leader) to counter confusion about the TIFF mechanism. Councilors also discussed the possibility of holding signs at polling places on election day (March 10) to promote the TIFF ballot article (expected to be Article 3).
• Hackett Hill Road/Route 3A Roundabout Project: Councilor Jim Sullivan provided an update. The project, originally estimated at $4 million, has been re-evaluated by the state and increased to $11.8 million, now scheduled for engineering and construction in 2028. The preferred design is a roundabout with bypass lanes at the Hackett Hill Road/Route 3A intersection, which will preserve level of service (LOS C to B) compared to a signalized intersection (LOS C to D/E). One house will need to be acquired. The project remains in the state’s 10-year plan despite delays.
• Route 3 Widening Project: Sullivan also summarized a recent meeting with Executive Councilor Stevens and DOT Project Manager David Smith. The project to widen Route 3 from four lanes to five lanes (with median) between Alice Avenue and Whitehall Road is now a $34 million state-funded project. Two initially proposed roundabouts (at Alice Avenue and Mammoth Road) have been replaced with signalized intersections due to property impacts and concerns from businesses like Pro Technologies. The project is expected to begin preliminary engineering in 2029, construction in 2031–2033. The council reaffirmed its support for the project.
• Development Updates: Grant reported on several commercial projects: (1) HK Power Sports is planning an expansion of its showroom and cold storage on Industrial Park Drive; (2) Eversource is exploring development of a large parcel behind Marman, which could include a new road connecting Legends Drive to Martins Ferry Road; (3) the former China Dragon site (a brownfield) has potential for redevelopment, but discussions are stalled; (4) a new Town Fair Tire is planned for the old Rite Aid location; (5) Manchester Rowan is fundraising for a future building near the sewer treatment plant. The council also discussed the possibility of a bypass road to alleviate traffic on Route 3 north of Legends Drive, noting that a paper road exists but would require significant investment.
• Zoning Amendment: The council noted that a zoning amendment to limit new car washes will be on the March ballot, spurred by a proposed automatic car wash at the former Auto Wholesalers location.

Key Outcomes

• The council directed staff to post the video of the TIFF informational session on the town website and to create short, simplified TIF educational materials for distribution via local media and social media.
• Councilor Sullivan will coordinate with local journalists (Tony LaCasse at The Bridge, and Union Leader) to disseminate the TIF benefits summary.
• The council informally supported creating “Vote Yes on TIF” signs for volunteers to hold at polling places on March 10, pending coordination with the election officials.
• No formal votes were taken on the discussed projects; the meeting adjourned with a motion and second.

Next Steps

• Staff to finalize and post the TIFF video and simplified graphics.
• Councilors to reach out to media and business groups (e.g., Chamber of Commerce) for outreach.
• The town will continue to work with the state on the Hackett Hill and Route 3 projects, with the next milestones in 2028 and 2029 respectively.