Hooksett Economic Development Committee Meeting - September 16, 2026

The Hooksett Economic Development Committee met on September 16, 2026 to discuss business tax incentives, TIF district progress, traffic improvements, sewer expansion for major retailers, a potential chip manufacturer, and concerns about a data center in Bow. The meeting was chaired by Anthony Poole with members Jim Sullen, Matt Barrett, Holden Bochman, Jim Petrie, and town staff Brian and Dana.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from the previous month were approved unanimously.

Discussion Items

• Marmon Wire and Cable Tax Credit: Town council approved a 25% business tax credit (not the requested 30%) for the Marmon facility at 18 Legends Drive. The 260,000-square-foot building is about halfway through steel erection and visible from the safety center.
• TIF Info Night: A TIF information night was held on September 8, but turnout was low due to voting day. The presentation from last year needs tweaks. Another info night is planned for early November; the date will be coordinated with Leanne.
• Traffic Improvements Recap: Members reviewed the previous month's discussion with Councillor Stevens regarding Hooksett Road, Route 3A, and toll plaza relocation. Stevens was receptive but noted limited state funds for non-state roads.
• Bass Pro Shops and Sewer Expansion: The Bass Pro septic system is failing, spurring urgency. The committee met with Bass Pro representatives (including the current manager and staff from Missouri and Arkansas) to discuss a sewer line under the Merrimack River. Bass Pro expressed willingness to contribute funds they would have spent on a new septic system. A dry line exists from the building to the road. Outreach has also been made to Walmart, Target, and Market Basket, all expressing interest in hooking up once pricing is available. Ken (sewer department) is developing per-acre cost estimates and may waive connection fees if businesses contribute to the main line. The committee plans to present to the town council on October 14, potentially with Bass Pro and Walmart representatives in attendance to demonstrate business buy-in.
• Vicor Chip Manufacturing at Exit 11: Vicor, a chip manufacturer from Andover, MA, has purchased the 54-acre Tebo property at exit 11 for approximately $7 million (closing occurred the prior week). They plan 300,000–380,000 square feet of facilities with 680–800 employees over three shifts. The site has water and sewer access via a nearby pumping station and underboring. They will need a variance because the current commercial zoning does not permit industrial manufacturing. The committee sees potential for leveraging the project to advance state road improvements and possibly toll exemptions for employees.
• Data Center in Bow: Chairman Poole raised concerns about a proposed data center in Bow at the old coal power plant. His research indicates data centers consume significant electrical resources (a small center can use 300 GW/year vs. 96 GW for an average region) and can cause regional rate increases. The committee discussed that if Bow's planning board deems the project a regional impact, surrounding towns like Hooksett would receive notification and could comment. Members resolved to monitor the situation.
• Other Development Updates: Brady Sullivan is purchasing the Heads Pond property (Manchester Sands) with plans for 1,200–1,400 residential units. Sewer capacity upgrades are underway, including a new 15-inch pipe on Thompson Road. A Brady Sullivan North parcel request for a design committee appears on the planning board agenda. The Pluid site (Lord's Sand & Gravel) remains idle. The old Texaco station is being demolished; testing found no contamination. The sign will be preserved.

Key Outcomes

• The committee will present the sewer expansion proposal (with business support) to the town council on October 14, 2026.
• Ken will provide pricing for the sewer line to Bass Pro, Walmart, Target, and other businesses.
• The next TIF info night is targeted for early November; date to be confirmed.
• Vicor's zoning variance request will be monitored; committee members may advocate for road improvements and toll relief in coordination with Councillor Stevens.
• The committee will track the Bow data center and participate in any regional impact process.
• The next regular meeting is scheduled for October 21, 2026.