Hooksett Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting – March 18, 2026

The Hooksett Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) met on March 18, 2026, to review the recent TIF bond vote (which failed by 1%), analyze community feedback, and develop a strategy for the next ballot. Members discussed traffic concerns, zoning changes, and potential development projects, including plans to engage property owners and improve inter-board communication.

Discussion Items

• TIF Bond Vote Recap: The TIF bond failed to achieve the required three-fifths majority, losing by approximately 1% (59% voted in favor). Chair Anthony Poole noted the improvement from a 4% deficit in the prior year. A poll by Poole (30 respondents) found 18 people opposed growth at Exit 10 and 12 did not understand TIF. A separate open-ended survey by Jesse Tringelli received 21 responses, with common themes: traffic on Route 3A, enough development already, and concerns about big corporations paying their own sewer costs.
• Traffic Concerns: Multiple members emphasized that traffic is the primary community objection. The town has a 10-year plan for Hackett Hill Road/Route 3A intersection improvements (design in 2028, cost rose from $4.4M to $11.8M). The state is contributing 80-90% for that project. For Route 3A, the DOT is fully funding the Alice Avenue to Whitehall Road project. Members discussed whether to ask the state to add Route 3A to the 10-year plan. There was debate about whether a traffic study is needed; some argued the existing data is sufficient.
• Zoning and Development Type: Members suggested modifying the zoning in the TIF district (MS-3) to limit warehouses and car dealerships, responding to voter concerns. The recent ballot included zoning changes that passed by simple majority. The committee wants to emphasize that TIF enables sewer, which could attract restaurants and mixed-use development rather than just industrial.
• Current TIF Fund Balance: Approximately $2.4 million remains in the TIF district. There was discussion about using some funds to extend sewer from the west side of the river to the east side, even if the full bond did not pass, to demonstrate progress.
• Planning Board Updates (from Alden Boschman):
  • The Signature (formerly Cigna) project: first phase underway; second and third phases expected for April planning board approval; overall 400+ units.
  • Hedge Pond project: 50-55 homes vested.
  • Over-55 development off Thames: still pending.
  • GE investing $12 million in its facility (inside work only), which supports 700 jobs with average payroll of $1,753/week.
  • Marman considering a 255,000 sq ft expansion, potentially adding 200 jobs and $400,000 in taxes.
  • The Tebow site (old Ridgeside Plaza) has a large developer circling; the site is already approved for 500,000 sq ft distribution (potential $1M+ tax revenue).
  • Catholic Charities is back in town for a multi-use development near the library.
  • Jersey Mike's proposed at a corner may face parking shortages; code enforcement is involved.
• Inter-Board Communication: Jesse Tringelli reported that Planning Board member Jared Williams is supportive of TIF and wants better communication between boards. The committee agreed to meet with planning, ZBA, conservation, and council to align on development goals. Council members have requested quarterly meetings with EDAC.
• Toll at Exit 11: Several members argued that removing the toll at Exit 11 would stimulate development and reduce traffic on Route 3A. They suggested engaging state legislators and studying how Merrimack and Bedford eliminated tolls.

Key Outcomes

• Strategy for Next TIF Vote: The committee will start messaging immediately, not wait until election season. Plans include: creating a simple whiteboard video explaining TIF, holding multiple informational meetings (fall and spring), and framing the message as “a plan to lower taxes” rather than just a TIF explanation.
• Zoning Review: The committee will examine the MS-3 zoning at Exit 10 to see if restrictions on warehouses, auto dealers, and storage can be tightened, building on the recent ballot measures.
• Property Owner Engagement: Invite major landowners (Target/Cole’s plaza owner, GE, Shooters, Bass Pro, etc.) to discuss development plans and demonstrate TIF’s potential.
• Traffic Communication: Use the existing 10-year plan and DOT projects to show traffic improvements are coming. Consider inviting DOT representatives to explain plans.
• Immediate TIF Action: Explore using the $2.4 million TIF balance to begin sewer work across the river, even without the bond, to show tangible progress.
• Inter-Board Cooperation: Chair Anthony Poole will meet with Planning Board member Jared Williams to improve communication; EDAC will also schedule joint meetings with other boards.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned by motion and second.