[{"_1":2,"_118":-5,"_119":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,96,106],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6251275,"mediaKeyId","3196000-cb47a43b7cef9dc44162a58620742db0","parentId",3196000,"title","Planning Board discusses RSA 155‑E, existing pits and local reclamation protections","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",9602000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3196000-cb47a43b7cef9dc44162a58620742db0&start=9602&end=9602","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3196000-cb47a43b7cef9dc44162a58620742db0/thumbnail_9602000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6251275/Plymouth/Grafton-County/New-Hampshire/Planning-Board-discusses-RSA-155E-existing-pits-and-local-reclamation-protections","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6251275-dc352c9769f302e507f113b50f31d29c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770933039&Signature=P7V~dJ2uYr7S4Ls~uNYphreVrkHb8Xv1SGFPEZ6QY2rMvfXyLNUmPTO651ByzqksEUHec56NFzoeTzlmYF8m0oOKzH7N7eds1KENL8jPx93pFzTsAOLl~wJ-gxWtEmEKdqN7lHtZ-wZG70kpXVsMxrv1X~n9w6x8P~-xUtB2pOFhro9TwR-qwwUUYP72bhgzrv3t5EAshVAhQZRhucfLpVVCzIgetWeDTo6~JlNoSgwXXkueP~INGbJiHGUP7GrZiebI4x2fdjgW9aCP0Rco0BT0EsY-tuX8NkD0Iazkw6gyviaLL3~u-Gz~I5Jqo-l3H99Kn3ECJQgclwnu6RREAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Plymouth, NH","date","2025-05-06T08:51:46.07Z","article","The Planning Board discussed state RSA 155‑E requirements for earth excavations after a board member raised questions about existing gravel pits and the town’s ability to require reclamation and financial surety.

Board members and staff reviewed the statute’s framework: a commercial excavation generally requires a permit under RSA 155‑E unless it qualifies for specified exemptions; the state Alteration of Terrain (AOT) permitting process and periodic renewals were described as parallel requirements. Staff noted that reclamation plans and engineered AOT submissions are typically prepared by licensed engineers and that towns can require additional protections, including a local reclamation bond or testing of nearby wells.

One board member pointed to statutory language that an excavation may be deemed abandoned if “no earth material of sufficient weight or volume … has been commercially useful … during any 2-year period,” and suggested the town could notify owners of historical pits and require them to report existing operations under RSA 155‑E’s notice provisions. Staff said one active pit in town had a renewed permit and that the town could add local criteria to address neighbor impacts, reclamation bonding and monitoring, and incremental reclamation as part of a permitting regime.

The board agreed the topic merited further review and that staff should compile existing pit records, review how other towns regulate reclamation bonds and well‑testing requirements, and draft options for local implementation. No new local regulation was adopted at the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Plymouth Planning Board - 5/1/25","oneSentenceSummary","Board members reviewed RSA 155‑E requirements for earth‑excavation permits, noted the state AOT (Alteration of Terrain) process, and discussed local options such as requiring reclamation bonds and a town inventory of existing excavations.","taxTitle","Plymouth, Grafton County, New Hampshire","taxId",61623,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6251281,"Planning Board confirms members for Capital Improvement Program committee",413,1787000,2200000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3196000-cb47a43b7cef9dc44162a58620742db0&start=1787&end=2200","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3196000-cb47a43b7cef9dc44162a58620742db0/thumbnail_1787000.jpg","/articles/6251281/Plymouth/Grafton-County/New-Hampshire/Planning-Board-confirms-members-for-Capital-Improvement-Program-committee","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6251281-f029cbaa3646180afb06040ea9d4d49c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770933039&Signature=nhAvuVny2p26TMWW~JMNjQVpfduCjJnLGcz31LVHRKyeb7p1bDYmHEFPt5jyzeFyuIXy2Jy-Uvb~dXcAz8DCkdPpRg7xY1Iw5Y48wvAWFN0mShRPdvX8stk2q9rz-3i5Hn~x6umR9rQ8jb2eca5dVCYgBqNxGb5-u06UpvdlU4uy9WVbOvQDYsvJPQZo8sRUwjvqOj4V5cu45nbcSNovEYVti5QTfJKgBBBnCHMplXOoqC~7ANvGiK~-lNlSaBLWhnefbirORWRY~1C-9CvNbhNICgq5HmGdRNELGHMYZ3oQKDupKuO5muUS~hS2~76Y0jhRgVFrHNyJJ3czn12oQw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Plymouth Planning Board reviewed nominations and agreed to move forward with appointments to the town’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) committee.

Board member Sue reported she had reached out to several candidates and proposed a slate that included Mark Halloran and Michael Currier (both noted as budget-committee members), Zach Tyrell, Joseph (staff), Anne Hebert and Scott Wheaton. Sue said she had contacted other potential members and would return to the board if additional names were available.

Board members discussed whether it was necessary to include people who are not already on other town committees, and noted that in towns without a town manager it can be helpful to include department heads. Sue said because Plymouth has an active town manager, that level of inclusion was less necessary but said she intended to reach out to department heads early in the year to engage them in CIP planning.

Members also discussed including the road agent and the road agent’s administrative assistant in outreach because highway and bridge work is a large share of CIP spending. The board signaled consensus for the proposed list and asked staff to continue outreach to department heads so the CIP committee could convene earlier in the year.","The Planning Board reviewed and agreed to names proposed to serve on the town’s CIP committee; members include town budget committee participants and residents, and staff will continue outreach to department heads.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":42,"_43":89,"_45":89,"_46":90,"_48":91,"_50":92,"_52":93,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":94,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":95,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6251286,"Regional planners prioritize North Main Street as top 10-year plan project",2183000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3196000-cb47a43b7cef9dc44162a58620742db0&start=2183&end=2183","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3196000-cb47a43b7cef9dc44162a58620742db0/thumbnail_2183000.jpg","/articles/6251286/Plymouth/Grafton-County/New-Hampshire/Regional-planners-prioritize-North-Main-Street-as-top-10-year-plan-project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6251286-f3bfa53c24ffd3bc2fa51e69b6d843e5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770933039&Signature=DhrhHtLlc1Dik3LZJX~RDUdOCavfKp8Sk5ZfP93fc8KNE2tH~KmZJzF3C06Q5HKfb7SsE23UGo6ZYn9LrrLyrNNOdxwu3WFFZxU~3oyzDA7BIj3mXDduGW7VLJjDkBztV1YyQAW7iokGl-MZwL~Mv7avhQ1-oeu-EaYpSscIRVU7yIdSvISGEkZDRaE7eaYvLA4LGwOpKH8-FUe6aHLK4Jcn8~zhC3f0RjZsVdpgOAY5eBV~zk~9ki36NC8Gsucdx-ARaW0fDG1bkxOFHp1E07FuvjRXo3oqZaOumJyLVrW3OP1g91~ZC9eOo2Omp1mQzB6pZvbYj0dZW1sBPVmmgg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representatives and board members updated the Plymouth Planning Board on a recommendation from the Lakes Regional Planning Commission (LRPC) to move North Main Street (Route 3) forward as the town’s primary 10-year plan project.

John reported that LRPC’s executive board and commissioners voted to advance the North Main Street project as their top candidate, with the town positioned in the regional program as a top project once the neighboring Laconia work completes. John said the plan would “redo[] regrading, straightening out the road north on Main Street…and have more room for multimodal transportation like bicycles and a sidewalk going all the way down across the bridge.” He added that phase two would continue pedestrian improvements past the Tenney Mountain Highway interchange toward Fairgrounds Road.

Staff and board members discussed funding and timing. John told the board that while matching funds are sometimes expected, towns outside urban-compact classifications can sometimes receive grants without a local match; he advised the town that if the project is accepted into the 10-year plan, the town will have years to negotiate matching requirements with the state Department of Transportation.

Board members raised safety and pedestrian concerns for segments where people currently walk along or near the railroad embankment and tracks. One member said he has observed “a lot of people walking those train tracks and it’s definitely not optimal,” and supported improved sidewalks and crossings.

John also noted state budget discussions that could affect regional planning funding; staff flagged a proposed state budget cut that would eliminate state funding for regional planning commissions as a point to watch. The Planning Board agreed to support regional advocacy to advance the North Main Street project through GACIT/GASSET and the Executive Council review processes.","The Lakes Regional Planning Commission recommended North Main Street (Route 3) as its primary project for the next cycle; board members said the proposal includes straightening and regrading the road to improve multimodal access and that state matching funds and timings remain to be negotiated.",{"_33":97,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":98,"_41":42,"_43":99,"_45":99,"_46":100,"_48":101,"_50":102,"_52":103,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":104,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":105,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6251291,"Planning Board begins housing chapter work; consultants advise broad engagement and policy options",2667000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3196000-cb47a43b7cef9dc44162a58620742db0&start=2667&end=2667","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3196000-cb47a43b7cef9dc44162a58620742db0/thumbnail_2667000.jpg","/articles/6251291/Plymouth/Grafton-County/New-Hampshire/Planning-Board-begins-housing-chapter-work-consultants-advise-broad-engagement-and-policy-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6251291-120889c1e74312a2e3c12af28c9838b8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770933039&Signature=fa5raZQ3RaKe5qctjJzhQu91iheNFdWF0XJUtIIqnZ7z8Dys9N7cBNZM2TlpC0Coq3xgJ0fXOKXScQLmpyW9w83UgPIMrYjkOWGN4M7GjMpSdu1T38l6ccGIa5rNaaesYJ8XF~5~y4rUbN8k3eJAA73vOWS42W2JKsriCeM2oX5NR2BBRUJYWKTgdX63-HlDeMMzjISXN0nUkeEBJ3zrgrbgKdbfdFsMLY2LIHDanbZyRjVnf8DoVm6mf6Jin8ZEdECFUFx-ACU~c-BO8ajtciriQed8TXtVz68Dm-FdUlRNexad3f~k5JcVFOhooYgHzZU2BS8Uc~DQtrWrk8cgdQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Plymouth Planning Board held an extended discussion with consultant Judy Barrett of Barrett Planning Group about a housing chapter that will feed into a future master-plan update. Barrett asked board members what they want the housing chapter to accomplish; board members and the consultant then discussed a range of options including “missing middle” housing, accessory dwelling units, downtown redevelopment, parking management, and tools other than zoning such as land trusts or local housing trusts.

Multiple board members said the town lacks housing for a range of incomes and ages. One planning board member argued the town needs “young people…young professionals…families,” and said housing options affect school enrollment and local economic vitality. The discussion emphasized housing types beyond single-family detached homes, including cottage courts, mixed-use buildings with apartments above first-floor commercial space, and conversion of underused downtown buildings to smaller units.

Members debated parking constraints downtown and possible responses: municipal parking management, shared-use arrangements with institutions, curb/time management, or new parking facilities. A planning board member said prior studies showed more downtown parking exists if people are willing to walk “more than a block,” and another noted that improved crosswalks, lighting and walkability could encourage use of more distant spaces.

Barrett recommended beginning with a broad “barometer” community engagement event (similar to previous HOP work) and follow up with targeted focus sessions. The board discussed online engagement tools; staff and the consultant recommended using an interactive platform (SocialPinpoint) and visual tools such as story maps or mural-style boards to help people visualize development scenarios. Barrett and staff said they would craft a community engagement plan to submit to funders and the board.

Board members also revisited unfinished items from prior master-plan work, including a proposed Fairgrounds Road overlay and a Tenney Mountain overlay. Some members said those topics had been well-vetted previously and should be put to voters; others asked for a careful re-evaluation, noting that late-hour edits during prior hearings had changed the proposals and eroded public trust.

No zoning changes were adopted at the meeting. Barrett said the housing chapter could also identify non‑zoning actions — for example, formation of a housing trust, partnerships with land trusts, or targeted grants for rehabilitation — that would support housing goals while zoning work and master-plan updates proceed.","Consultant Judy Barrett and board members discussed goals for a Housing chapter and how it should feed into a full master-plan update, focusing on missing-middle housing, downtown options, parking management, and community engagement.",{"_33":107,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":108,"_41":109,"_43":110,"_45":111,"_46":112,"_48":113,"_50":114,"_52":115,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":116,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":117,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6251296,"Planning Board endorses Plan New Hampshire charrette application for Railroad Square",1468,132000,1600000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3196000-cb47a43b7cef9dc44162a58620742db0&start=132&end=1600","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3196000-cb47a43b7cef9dc44162a58620742db0/thumbnail_132000.jpg","/articles/6251296/Plymouth/Grafton-County/New-Hampshire/Planning-Board-endorses-Plan-New-Hampshire-charrette-application-for-Railroad-Square","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6251296-81a711dec48c42b7e2b44d0ea045450a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770933039&Signature=AvBWf8kk~k6drStWQrZjhMrq52TJ7OwrD0kHLQuqi7Th5smaUyabnJ8NfenP8jInBR8t6LF9K3T0v81Wxzw~N7T23JkXZ~HDCmaBzmWAr39WZETcqEr-Bh4ZS4bo4L3KpeFlM83Lesl4uFfvdhuNobKmM31TNx1pdNR8rjpR9NKfb5wE0KKlTuRFdDzYtFeaQoBgdi68DQmyo7CR5LfWW5MR2O4I1YVnXrFXirMAv3u~QCleQPWeI6u8tjzNVaCQ1fmMKIBw8EFFLOqmaqKbxARtIgVk53xhjqY3Fy-fc3akp2mEcV9Iu4r4F6X6-7U1KkQTpcejiBHjGaGg6qCy7Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Plymouth Planning Board voted to move forward with an application to host a Plan New Hampshire Community Design Charrette focused on Railroad Square, approving a motion to prepare a letter of support and to follow up with the Select Board.

The vote followed a staff briefing from Joseph, who told the board the charrette program brings volunteer teams of architects, planners and engineers into a town to produce visual designs and recommendations. “It’s a $6,500 program fee, but it is waived for 6 HOP grantees over the next 3 years,” Joseph said, and noted the program requires towns to identify a project area at the time of application and provide a soft commitment from local leadership.

Board members discussed Railroad Square as a strong candidate because of recent housing development there and the complexity of the area’s infrastructure — ownership of roads, drainage and connectivity to downtown. One planning board member said Railroad Square has seen housing added “but the infrastructure down there is very, complicated.” Another member suggested alternate areas such as the West Plymouth/Mayhew Turnpike corridor, and board members acknowledged the charrette organizer’s stated preference for village-center projects.

After discussion, an unidentified board member moved to proceed with the Plan New Hampshire application for Railroad Square; an unidentified member seconded. The board voted in favor. Joseph said he would draft the application language and asked for volunteers to assist; the board agreed staff would take the item to the Select Board and seek a letter of support from the Planning Board as part of the application.

No zoning changes or funding commitments were made at the meeting. Joseph told the board that, if accepted, Plan New Hampshire could schedule the charrette anywhere from months to as much as three years out, and that the town would need to coordinate select-board involvement and community engagement if the program is awarded.

Planning board members and staff said they viewed the charrette as a low-cost way to get professional design visuals that could help inform infrastructure planning and future grant applications for the Railroad Square area.","The Plymouth Planning Board voted to support an application to host a volunteer-run Plan New Hampshire Community Design Charrette for the Railroad Square area, directing staff to prepare a letter of support and to coordinate with the Select Board.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Planning Board discusses RSA 155‑E, existing pits and local reclamation protections

Planning Board confirms members for Capital Improvement Program committee

Regional planners prioritize North Main Street as top 10-year plan project

Planning Board begins housing chapter work; consultants advise broad engagement and policy options

Planning Board endorses Plan New Hampshire charrette application for Railroad Square