Hooksett Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) Meeting - July 15, 2026

The Hooksett EDAC met on July 15, 2026, to discuss a business tax exemption application, a proposed senior living and mixed-use development, and ongoing traffic and infrastructure planning for the Route 3 corridor. The committee voted to recommend a seven-year, 30% tax exemption for Marman Wire and Cable's new facility, and approved writing a letter of support for Catholic Charities' Green's Landing project. Substantial discussion focused on creating a parallel road network and a potential downtown vision on underutilized parcels including Eversource land.

Appointments

• Jim Petri was welcomed as a new EDAC member. He shared his background in economic development on Long Island and post-9/11 recovery work in New York City.

Discussion Items

• Marman Wire and Cable Business Tax Exemption: The committee reviewed an application from Marman Wire and Cable to construct a 354,000-square-foot facility at 18 Legends Drive (including a 99,000-square-foot mezzanine). The project is projected to add 80 employees by 2027 and 210 by 2029. The company is seeking a seven-year, 30% exemption on the increased assessed value, estimated to reduce the assessed value of the new building (approximately $40 million) by 30% for seven years. The property is within the TIF district. Discussion included impacts on traffic, timing of shifts, and competition with other communities. The committee voted unanimously to support the exemption.
• TIF Informational Night: The committee planned a TIF info night at the library on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM. The presentation will be updated to include recent TIF committee discussions on sewer contributions. The Chamber of Commerce will help promote the event.
• Catholic Charities - Green's Landing Project: Jeff Lefkovich, Executive Director for Real Estate and Housing Development at Catholic Charities, presented a preliminary concept for the former Green's Marine property on Route 3 (10.5 acres). The project proposes a mixed-use development including:
  • A 120-unit senior living community (independent and assisted living), with 100 one-bedroom and 20 two-bedroom units, serving middle-income older adults.
  • A repurposed "Commons" building with a market, restaurant, and possibly primary/urgent care, with an enclosed connection to the senior living.
  • A separate pad site for primary care.
  • Preservation of the historic Green family home.
  • Traffic improvements including turning lanes on Route 3. Access to the Commons would be from Route 3 only; senior residents could exit via Pleasant Street. The committee discussed traffic patterns, the dangerous Pleasant Street intersection, utility availability, and concerns about another 55+ community. A motion to write a letter of support to the Planning Board was approved unanimously.
• Traffic Discussion and Corridor Visioning: The committee provided an update on efforts to engage Executive Councilor John Stephen regarding Route 3 traffic issues; a Zoom meeting was attempted but not yet scheduled. Broader discussion centered on creating a parallel road to Route 3 from the GE area through underutilized parcels (Eversource, Manchester Sand and Gravel, Shaw's Plaza) to a controlled light. Ideas included a potential downtown commercial corridor on Eversource land, engaging Southern New Hampshire University, and pursuing a Plan New Hampshire charrette to develop a vision. It was decided to continue refining the vision at the next meeting and begin stakeholder outreach (Eversource, SNHU) after developing a clear concept.

Key Outcomes

• Marman Wire and Cable: EDAC voted unanimously to recommend a 30% tax exemption for seven years for the new facility. This will be forwarded to the Town Council for final approval.
• Catholic Charities Green's Landing: EDAC voted unanimously to write a letter of support to the Planning Board for the preliminary concept, with noted concerns about traffic at the Pleasant Street intersection and landscaping.
• Traffic Visioning: The committee agreed to refine the vision for a parallel road and potential downtown corridor, with members to bring ideas to the next meeting. No formal vote was taken. The committee will also attempt to contact stakeholders after developing a written concept.
• TIF Info Night: Scheduled for September 8, 2026, at the library.