Hooksett Planning Board Meeting – March 2, 2026

At the regularly scheduled Planning Board meeting on March 2, 2026, the board addressed a minor subdivision application, approved regulatory amendments, and discussed several other planning matters. The main item was a public hearing for a three-lot subdivision at 269 West River Road, which was approved with conditions after discussion of traffic, landscaping, and maintenance concerns.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval – The board unanimously approved the minutes from January 12, 2026 (motion by Mike, second by Jim) and from February 2, 2026 (motion by Mike, second by Jim). Members who were absent at those meetings abstained.

Public Comments & Testimony

• David Damon (1 West Bank Road) – Expressed concerns about the traffic safety waiver, noting the high-speed curve, limited sight distance, and the need for a traffic study. He asked who would be responsible for maintaining sight lines, stormwater facilities, and snow removal, and whether an HOA could adequately enforce these obligations.
• Christopher Bilodeau (3 West Bank Road) – Questioned the potential for water backup from the retention pond and asked about signage for approaching the driveway. He also raised the possibility of partial construction halting, which was later addressed through bonding requirements.

Discussion Items

• Three-Lot Minor Subdivision (269 West River Road) – Applicant Granite Engineering (Joe Picarelli and Brent Cole) proposed a subdivision of 5.72 acres (MDR zoning) accessed by an 800-foot shared driveway. Each lot would have a 1,500 sq ft single-family home with attached garage. The project includes wetland buffer impacts (18,200 sq ft) and two detention ponds. ZBA special exceptions were granted in September 2025. The board discussed:
  • Homeowners Association (HOA) – Board members (Paul, Jared) strongly recommended an HOA for maintenance of the shared driveway, stormwater, and common areas. The applicant agreed to include covenants and restrictions.
  • Driveway Apron Widening – Board members, particularly Rob, requested widening the driveway apron on the south side to provide a pull-off for trash cans and mailboxes, improving safety on the state road (Route 3A).
  • Fire Hydrant – A new hydrant is proposed at the driveway entrance; it was clarified that it will be publicly maintained by the Hooksett Water Village Precinct. The board asked that its status be clearly marked on the plans.
  • Waivers Requested – The applicant requested three waivers: (1) from submitting a short traffic analysis (arguing DOT has jurisdiction and the three-lot project adds minimal trips), (2) from an outdoor lighting plan (standard residential lighting, no streetlights), and (3) from front landscaping plantings (driveway too far from road; natural state proposed). The board granted each after discussion.
• Amendment to Development Regulations (Section 8.01 – Preliminary Discussion) – The board reviewed a proposed two-tiered process: a conceptual consultation phase (no public notice) and a more detailed design review phase (with public notice). The amendment was presented by the town planner to allow structured early input. After a brief discussion, the board approved the amendment as amended (adding RSA citation to the design review phase).
• Other Business – The town planner updated the board on:
  • Coordination with SNHPC regarding Route 3A traffic congestion and a potential bypass road.
  • EverSource property interest behind Marmon; potential for a bypass road discussed but deemed premature for CIP.
  • CIP committee volunteers: Jared and Rob agreed to serve.
  • School impact fee discussion for College Park Drive (phases 2 and 3) – board suggested scheduling a joint meeting with attorney Cronin.
  • Occupancy review for Jersey Mike’s (1090 Hooksett Road) – concern about vehicles jumping the curb at Dunkin’ Donuts; board suggested asking code enforcement to address safety.
  • Updates on 267 Londonderry Turnpike (septic permit) and 325 & Kate Road (conservation commission letter, ongoing enforcement issues).

Key Outcomes

• Approval of Minor Subdivision (269 West River Road) – Motion to approve with conditions (13 original plus additional: HOA covenants, driveway apron widening, fire hydrant marked as public). Impact fees set at $25,257 (traffic, public safety, parks/school). Voting: unanimous (with one abstention from a non-voting member). Waivers for traffic analysis, lighting plan, and front landscaping granted individually.
• Adoption of Regulation Amendment (Preliminary Discussion) – Approved as amended (motion by Jim, second by Rob). The amendment creates two phases: conceptual consultation (no notice) and design review (with notice).
• Next Steps – The subdivision applicant must secure DOT driveway permit and submit final plans with conditions. The board will review school impact fee waiver for College Park Drive at a future meeting. CIP committee work begins in April.
• Adjournment – Motion made and seconded, meeting ended.