Hooksett Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting - August 19, 2026

The Hooksett Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDACT) met on August 19, 2026, at 4:30 PM to discuss the Marman business tax exemption, the TIF district sewer project, a meeting with Councilor Stevens, and next steps for infrastructure development. Key speakers included Jim Sullivan (Chair), Alden Boschman, Jim Petrie, Andre (Town Administrator), Ken (Sewer Commission engineer), and Brian (sewer staff).

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of July 15, 2026: Approved unanimously as presented.

Discussion Items

• Marman Business Tax Exemption: The committee reviewed the outcome of the Marman application (18 Leak Legends Drive). EDACT had recommended a 7-year, 30% exemption. The Town Council voted 3-3 on that motion (failed), then approved a modified 5-year, 25% exemption by a 5-1 vote. Members expressed disappointment, noting the TIF district confusion may have influenced the vote. Andre clarified that the ordinance allows up to 7 years and 30% on a case-by-case basis. The council’s decision stands, and no further action by EDACT is required.
• Meeting with Councilor Stevens: Anthony and Jesse (absent, but reported via Jim Sullivan) met with Councilor Stevens. Topics included moving the I-93 toll plaza south of Exit 11 to improve traffic flow, a potential cut-through road parallel to Hooksett Road connecting Route 3A to Route 3, and creating a village district in collaboration with Southern New Hampshire University. Councilor Stevens supported these ideas and offered to arrange a meeting with the state DOT.
• TIF District Sewer Project Update: Ken from the Sewer Commission provided an update. The TIF fund currently holds approximately $2.4 million. A $12.5 million bond for the full west-side sewer extension failed by 1% in March 2026. The committee explored breaking the project into phases. Ken estimated that a double-barrel siphon under the Merrimack River could be completed for ~$1 million using existing TIF funds. This would prove commitment to businesses and reduce future borrowing. The remaining project (pump station, lines to Bass Pro, Walmart, etc.) would require a bond of around $8–10 million. Bass Pro Shop is facing septic failure and is considering a $300,000–$400,000 replacement; Walmart and other businesses are similarly interested. The committee discussed private-public partnerships to share costs.
• TIF Informational Night: Scheduled for Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the library (time TBD) to present the sewer plan to the public and businesses.
• Engineering Status: Ken reported that the Thomson Avenue sewer line is largely complete. A 90% design for the north-end sewer (serving Heads Pond, Greens Marine, etc.) is ready for state approval, with minimal wetland impacts.

Key Outcomes

• Recommendation to TIF Committee: EDACT passed a motion (by voice vote with abstentions from members also serving on the TIF committee) recommending that the TIF committee take immediate steps to begin the first phase of the sewer project using existing TIF funds. This primarily means proceeding with the double-barrel siphon under the river.
• Next Steps: The TIF committee will meet on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, to consider the recommendation. Ken will provide updated cost estimates for the pump station and remaining infrastructure. The committee also agreed to invite key businesses (Walmart, Bass Pro, Market Basket, etc.) to a separate meeting to discuss contributions and private-public partnerships.
• Future Meetings: TIF Informational Night on September 8, 2026. The council may take up the TIF committee’s recommendation as early as November 2026.
• Village Water Issue: Alden Boschman raised that Village Water needs a new well source but is constrained by conservation restrictions on town-owned land near Heads Pond. The committee will seek ways to assist.

No other business was discussed.