Hooksett Planning Board Meeting – September 21, 2026

The Hooksett Planning Board met on September 21, 2026, with four members present. The meeting included approval of prior minutes, the introduction of a new town planner, two public hearings for one-year extension requests, a discussion of a Development of Regional Impact (DRI) from Auburn, a discussion on modifying conditions for the Brady Sullivan/College Park Drive project, an update on the Walmart application, a conceptual discussion for the Brady Sullivan North Parcel, and preliminary talks on zoning amendments and a potential data center moratorium.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of August 17, 2026: Approved unanimously (motion by Jim, second by Jared).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Samara Cabinetry Extension (267 Londonderry Turnpike):
  • Mark Cruzon (25 & 53 Farmer Road) expressed concern that the property is listed for sale, questioning whether the extension would be used to sell the approvals. He noted that waivers and variances were granted for a specific low‑impact business and that selling the approvals would transfer negative impacts to the neighborhood.
  • Claudette Brown (21 Farmer Road) agreed with Mr. Cruzon and stated the development is destroying property values.

Discussion Items

• Introduction of New Planner: Town Administrator Andre introduced Avery Oplin as the new town planner. James Veo of Southern New Hampshire Planning Commission was thanked for serving as interim planner.
• Samara Cabinetry – One‑Year Extension (267 Londonderry Turnpike):
  • Applicant Katie Weiss (Bedford Design Consultants) explained that the extension was needed because of delays in getting a DOT permit due to roadway damage from a crane. The property has a for‑sale sign, and the applicant confirmed the owner wants to sell the property with approvals. The board clarified that if the use changes, a new site plan review would be triggered. No variances were involved; only two waivers (sight distance and parking) were granted. The board voted 3–0‑1 to grant the extension to October 24, 2027.
• Durable Manufacturing – One‑Year Extension (10 Eastpoint Drive):
  • Katie Weiss again appeared for the applicant. The extension was needed because the New Hampshire Wetlands Bureau denied the wetlands permit after two years of work. The owner is considering reducing the third building or building only Phase 1, which would require an amended site plan. The board voted 3‑0‑1 to grant the extension to September 16, 2027.
• Development of Regional Impact – Auburn Excavation Permit (Map 6, Lots 187‑189, 80‑105 Dartmouth Drive):
  • Staff reported that Auburn had already conditionally approved the excavation (26+ acres, over 1 million cubic yards of rock, 7‑year duration, 100 truck trips per day). Hooksett staff had submitted interim comments regarding truck routes (avoiding Rockingham Road), stormwater, blasting, noise, dust, and raw water source protection. The board voted to approve the interim comments as the official comments of the Hooksett Planning Board (motion by Jim, second by Jared, all in favor).
• Chelmsford Properties / Brady Sullivan – College Park Drive (Condition Modification):
  • John Cronin and Bianca Carlson (Brady Sullivan) requested modification of a condition that tied occupancy of the Cigna (apartment) building to completion of the front commercial building to vanilla‑box standards. They proposed alternatives: either shifting the trigger to the third building or posting a completion bond. The board expressed openness to modifying the condition, but staff and legal cautioned about implications with the ZBA approval. The board asked the applicant to file a formal site plan amendment and work with staff on acceptable language. Developer noted a foundation permit for the commercial building has already been filed.
• Walmart Update:
  • Staff reported that Walmart missed a continued public hearing date. The project will require a new hearing process when they return. The board noted this was partly due to an administrative error.
• Brady Sullivan – North Parcel Conceptual Discussion:
  • John Cronin proposed forming a design review committee with members from various boards (Planning, ZBA, Economic Development, Heritage Commission, Town Council) to provide early input on the ≈60‑acre north parcel. The board supported the idea of an informal, invited workshop to gather feedback before formal submission. The developer will extend invitations.
• Other Items:
  • Upcoming TRC meeting for HK Power Sports on Route 3 (setback and water concerns).
  • Water/sewer outreach to Walmart.
  • Vicor purchased the former Ritchie Brothers site.
  • Workshop on September 28 to discuss zoning amendments for March ballot.
  • Board member Jared Williams raised interest in exploring a moratorium on data centers to allow time for regulation, but no formal action was taken.
  • Mr. Williams also presented data on performance zone parcels that are residential, suggesting future rezoning.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes Approved: Unanimous.
• Samara Cabinetry Extension: Granted (3‑0‑1) to October 24, 2027.
• Durable Manufacturing Extension: Granted (3‑0‑1) to September 16, 2027.
• DRI Comments Approved: Unanimous motion to send official comments to Auburn.
• Brady Sullivan Condition Modification: Board supportive of amending condition; applicant to file formal amendment and work with staff/legal.
• Walmart: Hearing process to restart with new public notice.
• North Parcel Committee: Developer will invite board members to a workshop; no formal town committee established.
• Workshop: Scheduled for September 28 to discuss zoning amendments; data center moratorium to be considered.

Next Steps: Brady Sullivan to submit site plan amendment for condition modification; Walmart to resubmit for new hearing; planning staff to prepare draft zoning amendments for workshop.