Town planners clash over controversial building changes

During a recent government meeting, officials raised concerns regarding unauthorized modifications to the old Kmart building at 1265 to 1271 Hooksett Road. Questions were posed about whether a new CEO had been appointed and whether the changes made to the building had received proper approval. It was noted that additional entrance doors had been added without authorization, and there were issues regarding accessibility due to the lack of a curb cut.

The discussion highlighted frustrations over the apparent disregard for approved plans, with members expressing that the modifications, including extra glass doors and roller doors for storage, were not part of the original design. The applicant for the property is expected to present before the Technical Review Committee (TRC) in the coming weeks, having postponed their application due to incomplete water and sewer work.

The meeting also touched on broader issues regarding development regulations in the town. Members emphasized the need for a focused review of the lengthy regulations document, suggesting that a subcommittee be formed to prioritize key areas for improvement. Concerns were raised about the prevalence of repeat businesses in the area, with officials acknowledging that community feedback indicated dissatisfaction with this trend.

As the meeting concluded, there was a consensus on the importance of addressing these issues proactively, with plans to discuss the workshop agenda in future meetings to ensure that the community's concerns are adequately addressed.