Edgewater Drive residents oppose Scarpetti's plan for seven new homes

The Hooksett Zoning Board of Adjustment convened on May 13, 2025, to discuss a proposed development on Edgewater Drive, which has sparked significant community interest and concern. The primary agenda item was the request for a zoning variance to allow the construction of seven single-family homes on a 3-acre lot, a plan that has raised questions about its impact on the neighborhood.

The meeting began with a presentation detailing the proposed development, which includes four parking spaces per cottage—one in the garage, one in the parking lot, and two across Edgewater Drive. The design of the parking lot is similar to that previously approved for a nearby wedding venue, which has since been amended. The developers noted that a shared dock and boat ramp would be included, along with parking for boats, adhering to state Department of Environmental Services (DES) regulations regarding setbacks and impervious surfaces.

Jason Hyde, a resident of Edgewater Drive and a direct neighbor to the proposed site, voiced strong opposition to the development. He expressed concerns about increased traffic, the potential for diminished property values, and the overall change in neighborhood character. Hyde highlighted that the road is narrow and struggles to accommodate more vehicles, raising fears about safety and accessibility. He also pointed out that the proposed homes would be built in a flood-prone area, questioning the environmental implications of installing multiple septic systems near the river.

Hyde's testimony underscored a broader sentiment among residents regarding the density of the proposed development. He argued that the addition of seven homes would significantly alter the quiet nature of the area, which has historically featured larger lots and fewer neighbors. He also raised issues about perceived inconsistencies in zoning regulations, noting his own difficulties in combining lots for development while the current proposal seemed to bypass similar restrictions.

In response, the developers defended their project, emphasizing that the homes would be smaller in size and designed to meet current housing trends. They argued that the development would not require flood insurance due to its location outside the designated floodplain, and they expressed confidence in their planning to mitigate traffic concerns through adequate parking provisions.

The discussion highlighted a tension between the desire for new housing developments and the preservation of existing neighborhood characteristics. The board members acknowledged the concerns raised but also recognized the potential benefits of the proposed homes in addressing housing needs in the area.

As the meeting concluded, the board did not reach a decision, indicating that further deliberation would be necessary. The outcome of this proposal remains uncertain, with community members keenly awaiting the board's final ruling on the matter.