Hooksett Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting - May 20, 2026

The Hooksett Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) met on May 20, 2026, at 9:00 AM. The meeting lacked a quorum, so no formal decisions or votes could be taken; members discussed agenda items and planned actions for future meetings. Key topics included committee vacancies, a proposed Plan New Hampshire community charrette for the Route 3 corridor, TIF district strategies, and updates on several development projects.

Discussion Items

• Committee Vacancies and Attendance: The committee noted that Jim Petri will join as a member on July 1, 2026. Lisa Lally’s business has moved to Manchester, likely creating a vacancy for a business representative seat. Anthony Poole indicated he would contact her and had a potential replacement. The lack of a quorum (only four members present) prevented approval of prior meeting minutes or any binding actions.

• Plan New Hampshire Charrette: Grant reported on a follow-up meeting with Plan New Hampshire regarding a community visioning session (charrette) for the Route 3 corridor from Legends Drive/Industrial Park Drive to the Kmart Plaza. The cost is estimated at $8,000–$10,000, with potential fundraising from local businesses. The charrette would be a two-day event, likely in spring 2027. Andre shared that a similar process in Londonderry resulted in 65–75% of recommendations being implemented. The committee discussed the need for a different perspective on traffic congestion, given state control over roads. No vote was taken, but members agreed to place a vote on applying for the charrette on the next meeting’s agenda.

• TIF District Update: Grant reported that the TIF bond question received 1,313 yes votes at the 2026 town meeting, a 16% increase from 2025. The TIF fund currently holds $2,451,093.66. Despite the bond not passing, existing funds can be used for projects such as the double-barrel pipe under the Merrimack River and pump station upgrades. The committee discussed holding informational nights in late September 2026 and early February 2027 to educate the public and council. Jim Sullivan noted the Town Council has two members opposed to TIF but indicated support from at least four members. The TIF committee will meet on May 26, 2026.

• Port One / Granite Woods Development (Map 17 Lot 7): Grant announced that Port One sold the development rights and approvals to a Connecticut-based company. The new owners assume all obligations, including off-site improvements and the private-public partnership for sewer/water infrastructure. Andre confirmed he spoke with the new legal counsel and emphasized that the existing agreement with the town remains in place unless altered.

• Other Development Updates: Marman Aerospace will likely seek a commercial-industrial tax exemption from the Town Council in the next month. HK Power Sports presented a conceptual plan to add space for off-road vehicle sales and parking. Jersey Mike’s received a parking waiver and is moving into a location. Gas Plus at 36 West River Road proposes demolishing the existing store, adding four pump islands, and building a new convenience store with a Dunkin’ Donuts drive-through; the planning board continued the site plan for landscaping improvements. The Otterson property (1821 Hooksett Road) is being marketed by the Norwood Group; Catholic charities expressed interest in assisted living at Greens Marine. The old Chinese food restaurant property (1601 Hooksett Road) may have brownfield issues.

• Trail System: Grant reported limited economic development potential from trails, but the Merrimack River Walking Trail is seeing significant use. The conservation commission has data on usage that could be shared.

• Safety Concern: A member raised a safety issue at Owens Marine on Bypass 28, where vehicles and boats are parked along the frontage without a proper driveway, creating a hazard. The state road jurisdiction limits town action.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes or approvals due to lack of quorum. The committee will vote on applying for the Plan New Hampshire charrette at its next meeting.
• The committee plans to hold TIF informational nights in late September 2026 and early February 2027.
• Development updates were received for Port One (sold to new company), Marman Aerospace, HK Power Sports, Jersey Mike’s, Gas Plus/Dunkin’ Donuts, and other properties.
• The safety issue at Owens Marine was noted for potential follow-up with state DOT.