Hooksett Planning Board Meeting - June 15, 2026

The Hooksett Planning Board met on June 15, 2026, to discuss several agenda items including a wetland special exception for a Casey Drive subdivision, the FY2028-2033 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), a presentation from the Fire Department, and site plan applications for Elm Grove and Highland Street. The board approved minutes, granted approvals, and continued several items. The meeting began at approximately 6:00 PM and adjourned after 9:36 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The board unanimously approved the June 1, 2026 meeting minutes and the June 11, 2026 site walk minutes.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Highland Street Application (1416 Highland Street): Two members of the public spoke in opposition. Bob Barker, owner of lot 117, argued that the site distance standard cannot be met, density is bootstrapped on waivers, and setbacks and buffers fail Article 7 requirements. He also questioned the applicant's legal authority. Tony LeCast, a resident of 30 Dundee Avenue, raised concerns about density, traffic, a blind corner, and potential buried vehicles from a former junkyard on the property. Both urged the board to deny or continue the application.
• Elm Grove Application: No public comments were made.

Discussion Items

• Granite Engineering / Casey Drive Wetland Special Exception: Brent Cole of Granite Engineering presented a plan for a 16-foot driveway requiring 3,877 sq ft of prime wetland buffer disturbance, 206 sq ft of non-prime wetland impact, and other impacts. The board discussed the need for a variance from the prime wetland buffer, the history of the original subdivision, and the town's responsibility for inaccessible lots. After deliberation, the board voted to send a recommendation to the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) requesting a site walk and legal review of the special exception criteria and hardship. The motion passed 5-0.
• Fiscal Year 2028-2033 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP): Finance Director Christine Tooksberry presented the CIP, noting that tax-funded projects would increase from $2.6 million in FY2027-28 to $3.9 million in FY2032-33, largely due to two school bonds. Key projects included a statistical revaluation ($250,000), fire apparatus replacement ($250,000/year), and school phase 2 ($5.9 million) and phase 3 ($6.1 million). Non-tax projects included the TIF Route 3A ($12.5 million) and Martin's Ferry intersection ($3.5 million, with $2 million federal grant). Discussion focused on 20-year bonds, with board member Rob expressing concern about long-term debt. The board will vote on the CIP at the next meeting.
• Fire Department Presentation: Fire Chief Dave Nato and Captain Ian Tooksberry presented on two topics: (1) the value of requiring public safety fiscal impact analyses for large developments (e.g., Heads Pond), and (2) the technical review process for fire safety, including life safety, sprinklers, fire alarms, hydrants, fire lanes, and vegetation. The board expressed interest in requiring such studies for developments over 10-15 units. Captain Tooksberry also discussed the need for proper tree placement near buildings and the importance of fire lane access. The board agreed to place the topic on a future workshop agenda.
• Elm Grove Site Plan (512 Russe River Road): Brian Webster and Aaron Ravenel of Elm Grove Companies presented a plan to convert basement storage into six studio apartments (three per building), add roof-mounted solar, replace windows, install Hardy board siding, and add a dog park and paver patio. The board discussed egress window wells, parking adequacy (109 spaces, with ~70 registered vehicles), and landscaping. The board approved the plan with conditions: (1) fire department approval of egress wells, and (2) 500 sq ft of landscaping or cleanup along the front driveway. The motion passed 5-0.
• Highland Street Application (1416 Highland Street): Ian McGregor of North Point Engineering presented a continued public hearing for a 23-unit over-55 condominium development on a 10-acre parcel. Discussion included site distance (applicant's study showed 140-160 ft vs. required 445-385 ft at 40 mph), stormwater management (65% reduction in impervious area), building setbacks (units 1, 15, and 23 at 15 ft vs. required 20-50 ft), and density (reduced from 25 to 23 units). The board also noted concerns about snow storage, surety requirements, and Article 7 compliance. The board voted to continue the public hearing to July 20, 2026, to allow for further review of site distance, density, setbacks, and other issues. The motion passed 4-0.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Elm Grove amended site plan with conditions (fire department approval of egress wells and 500 sq ft landscaping).
• Continued: Highland Street application to July 20, 2026, for further review of site distance, density, setbacks, and public comments.
• Continued: Farmer Road site plan (Lori Apequet trust) to July 20, 2026, after accepting jurisdiction.
• No Decision: The board did not vote on the CIP or the Casey Drive special exception; comments were sent to the ZBA. The board will vote on the CIP at the next meeting.
• Direction: The board agreed to place a discussion on requiring public safety fiscal impact analyses for large developments on a future workshop agenda.