Hooksett Planning Board Meeting - June 1, 2026

The Hooksett Planning Board held a regular meeting on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 7:00 PM (presumed) with seven members present. The board addressed multiple agenda items, including informational presentations, public hearings, and approvals for various development projects. Key topics included a CDBG grant application for workforce housing, a gas station and convenience store redevelopment, a lot line adjustment, a 23-unit age-restricted condominium project, and an eight-unit townhouse development. Votes were largely unanimous.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (May 18, 2026): A motion to amend the minutes by striking lines 234–238 regarding development regulations and approving as presented was made and seconded. The minutes were approved 7-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Elm Grove Properties (512 West River Road): Brian Webster presented an informational overview of a CDBG grant request for renovations and six new units. No formal public comment was taken as this was not a public hearing.
• UD LLC (36 West River Road): No public comment was offered during the hearing.
• Wood Family Revocable Trust (Lot Line Adjustment): Abutter Dave Lopata (77 Cross Road) expressed concerns about tactical shooting on the property, noise, and safety. He requested the town address the matter. No other public comment.
• Highland Street Project (14 & 16 Highland): Public comments were heard from multiple abutters. Terry (15 Highland Street) raised concerns about driveway location, sight distance, snow removal, stormwater runoff, and potential flooding. Bob Barker (lot 117) opposed the project, citing density, ecological damage, and safety. Several others echoed concerns about traffic and speed.
• DJ Development (1631 Hooksit Road): Abutters Sherry and Alan Bergeron (14 Pleasant View Drive) testified about numerous accidents at the intersection of Route 3 and Pleasant View Drive, urging safety improvements. They expressed concern about the driveway alignment adding to danger.

Discussion Items

• Elm Grove Properties (Informational): Board members discussed the CDBG grant process, workforce housing needs (70% currently workforce, 30% market rate; after re-syndication, 100% workforce), potential audit expenses, relocation of tenants (only three likely displaced), and the timing of site plan approval by July 27, 2026. Town Administrator Andre noted the town's fiscal sensitivity but found most concerns addressed. Board members Rob, Paul, Yuri, Jared, and Grant weighed in on parking, police calls, and utility burdens. The item was for information only; formal action will occur at the June 15 meeting.
• UD LLC (36 West River Road): Doug Broder presented updated architectural materials, landscaping changes (adding evergreens), and details on septic (clean solution system). The board discussed retaining wall materials, site distance, and conditions such as a sewer stub and sprinklers. The public hearing was closed, and the board moved to approval after discussion.
• Wood Family Revocable Trust (Lot Line Adjustment): Joe Wickert explained the 1.94-acre transfer via lot line adjustment to resolve litigation. Two waivers (wetland delineation and perk test on the gaining lot) were requested and granted 6-0 (member Williams recused). The board found the lots conforming and approved with conditions.
• Highland Street (Age-Restricted Condos): Ian McGregor and Jeff Lewis presented the 23-unit plan, highlighting seven waivers (site distance, erosion control, inspection, surety, renderings, landscaping, road interconnection). Board members expressed concerns about the high number of waivers (later clarified as seven), sight distance (despite traffic study showing 85th percentile speed of 16-19 mph), units too close to property lines, lack of surety, and retaining walls. A site walk was scheduled for June 11 at 5:30 PM, and the public hearing was continued to the regular meeting on June 15.
• DJ Development (1631 Hooksit Road): Doug McGuire presented a plan for eight townhouses with two-car garages, private trash, and stormwater wet pond. Two waivers (pond slope and hammerhead turnaround instead of cul-de-sac) were requested and granted. Board members discussed landscaping, fire truck access, and snow storage. The board approved findings of fact, impact fees ($27,744), and final approval with conditions (including adding trees near unit 1 and a no-parking sign at the end of the drive).

Key Outcomes

• Elm Grove Properties: No vote; informational only. Next step: formal hearing on June 15.
• UD LLC: Approved 7-0 for amended commercial site plan with conditions (1-15) and impact fees of $35,547.38 (traffic and public safety).
• Wood Family Revocable Trust: Lot line adjustment approved 6-0 with conditions (1-5). No impact fees.
• Highland Street Project: Public hearing continued to June 15 after a site walk on June 11 at 5:30 PM. No vote on approval.
• DJ Development: Approved 7-0 for multifamily residential condo plan with conditions (1-13 plus additional landscape and sign notes). Impact fees of $27,744 (traffic, public safety, parks, schools).