Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.
The Hooksett Planning Board met on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 7:00 PM (local time) to consider several agenda items, including a public hearing for Walmart's amended site plan, a conceptual discussion for a subdivision on Valley View Drive, and a negotiation regarding impact fees for Brady Sullivan. The board also approved a voluntary lot merger and received updates on upcoming zoning amendment deadlines and a proposed data center moratorium.
Walmart Amended Commercial Site Plan – 3 Commerce Drive (Map 37 Lot 43): Applicant Mara McKenzie (Colliers Engineering) presented an ~8,000 sq ft building expansion for curbside pickup. The applicant agreed to rescind the ZBA application for storage containers and remove all outdoor storage containers. Five waiver requests were discussed: (1) topographic features, (2) parking (64 spaces below code), (3) stormwater management, (4) separate stormwater plan, and (5) fire protection documentation. The board granted all waivers (motion by Paul Scarpetti, seconded by Denise Bushettle, all in favor). Findings of fact were adopted (motion by Mike Summers, seconded by Jared Williams, all in favor). Impact fees were imposed: $16,006.25 traffic, $10,156.25 public safety, total $26,162.50 (motion by Paul Scarpetti, seconded by Jared Williams, all in favor). The plan was approved with conditions, including removal of storage container sheet C-101 (motion by Jared Williams, seconded, all in favor). The board noted the removal of shipping containers as a net benefit to the town.
Conceptual Subdivision – Valley View Drive (Dennis Murray): Attorney Eli Lano and engineer John Roket presented a 19- or 20-lot subdivision extending Valley View Drive, previously withdrawn due to dead-end road length restrictions. They cited new state law (Senate Bill 564) that limits towns' ability to cap dead-end road lengths if NFPA fire standards are met. Discussion included concerns about safety, connectivity, and flag lots. Board members Rob and Mike Summers expressed opposition, citing a preference for a loop road and future connectivity. Yuri Williams expressed support for dead-end street living. The board advised the applicant to first meet with the fire department to address NFPA compliance before proceeding. No vote was taken; the discussion was non-binding.
Brady Sullivan Impact Fee Negotiation – 2 College Park Drive: John Cronin (representing Brady Sullivan) discussed waiving impact fees in exchange for a donation toward a roundabout at Route 3A and Main Street. After discussion, the board voted to waive all impact fees (school, public safety, recreation, traffic) in lieu of a $225,000 donation earmarked for the rotary (motion by Paul Scarpetti, seconded by Yuri Williams, passed with one opposed). The motion is conditional on town council acceptance and legal review. Chair Jim Sullivan will write a letter to the council explaining the rationale. The board noted the donation is an in-kind contribution, not an exaction, and that the school impact fee could not be effectively used due to lack of capital improvement plans.
Zoning Amendment Schedule & Data Center Moratorium: Avery provided deadlines: citizen petition amendments accepted November 9–December 9; final public hearing must be by February 1, 2027. A proposed temporary moratorium on data centers (from Lynn Powers) was noted and will go to the Land Use Subcommittee. The board discussed scheduling public hearings for December 7 and January 4.
Thank you. How are you doing? Okay. That's just like it's one little thing on there. Yeah, yeah. Chris, do I have time to duck into the bathroom? Oh go ahead, sure, absolutely. Yeah, it's it's on this, uh, yeah, because it shows it here, shipping containers like on this. Which page? Well, I have it on these on these e documents here. It's on this the one it's on the my files called. I believe it'll be Walmart hooks at the Hampshire-Alta. I believe it's on sheet C one oh one. Okay, thank you. Yeah, I can tell you the actual sheet. I don't think we have those. Oh, there it is. Oh, yeah. Yeah, just like kinda is out there in the middle of the parking lot. So it's like you're not doing it. Oh, we'll scale the old sort of thing. Oh, we just waiting to call us to order for the agenda for this making. Yeah, Denise went to the bathroom. Mike said he was looking at it. So, uh, you know, like the town wide country. That's been an option. I wrote that to you. Did you get my response? Uh no, not yet. I had to work with Leanne because I did not have permissions to make changes there. I'm not sure who was tasked with. Hi, Mike. But I was able to do a hundred miles an hour. So I'll be able to keep on talking about going forward. Is this it?