[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":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,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6560505,"mediaKeyId","3335271-d53783b9f982052be73cae4773bde340","parentId",3335271,"title","DOT says Route 3 design includes stormwater treatment and historic review; right‑of‑way appraisals, negotiation process explained","audioSeconds",445,"startMs",1487000,"endMs",1932000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3335271-d53783b9f982052be73cae4773bde340&start=1487&end=1932","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3335271-d53783b9f982052be73cae4773bde340/thumbnail_1487000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6560505/Hooksett/Merrimack-County/New-Hampshire/DOT-says-Route-3-design-includes-stormwater-treatment-and-historic-review-rightofway-appraisals-negotiation-process-explained","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6560505-46278cea74d95045a6da17078c71691f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152728&Signature=lDAUsBMqlB2jHPg5kqVWIy6~w9-J8ekLwTXVieOqVhBDIhtlhvQyQvMRHnjYEHo2k40F71LV--G6j0MoDzOSQ2nUiWxZ3Ksxc71IIoTBer9A2OHgD9dhzVF9gKVVVPQnRRIzqVfafDZeKF1SHVsBop7QizIjyY9mKd0RTXDk3T5GAjKpWXptXcu7YMbn1uiOXYWwztRFprFFI32bqU9oBaMryD31Jlsiehcdi25BWr2idkwlwaqL8jrou97wI25buGJQpVG3HPgZnxEqZ2XOYBvO3nuzgwhngN2fB6KC1h6slHvW-DmsjIGd70owalN9WdfEKYgf7BRnuej7E5eqwg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Hooksett","date","2025-05-15T00:00:00Z","article","At the May 15 public hearing, New Hampshire DOT staff summarized environmental reviews, permitting needs and the right‑of‑way acquisition process for the Route 3 project in Hooksett.

Environmental review: Mark Hemmellein, environmental manager with NHDOT's Bureau of Environment, told the commission that the department prepared a draft environmental document after coordinating with federal and state agencies including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services. \"The proposed project will require property impacts totaling 9.2 acres outside the limits of existing right of way, including 2.9 acres of strip impacts and 6.3 acres for implementation of stormwater treatment measures,\" Hemmellein said.

Noise and species reviews: Hemmellein said a noise analysis following Federal Highway Administration criteria found that under a 2045 build condition none of the adjacent properties would experience a substantial noise increase requiring abatement. Endangered‑species screening identified some species of concern in the region, but the project is not expected to impact the identified species; DOT staff said coordination would continue to avoid or minimize any potential impacts.

Historic resources and Section 106: Hemmellein said the project area contains identified historic resources including the Herbert House, the Union Hall Society Building and the Manchester Road School. Coordination under Section 106 with the Federal Highway Administration and the New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources concluded that the proposed project would not adversely affect National Register‑eligible historic resources.

Stormwater and basins: The design incorporates a closed drainage system and permanent stormwater treatment measures. The project includes three relatively large stormwater basins: one of approximately 2.6 acres (near Synergy Storage), another about 2.1 acres (north of Messer Brook), and a third roughly 1.6 acres behind the Bonneville parking lot, plus a smaller triangular BMP between local businesses.

Right‑of‑way and compensation process: Eric Sargent, administrator for the Bureau of Right of Way, described procedures for acquisitions and relocation assistance. \"The appraisals will reflect the fair market value of the property rights needed to complete construction,\" Sargent said. He explained that appraisals are reviewed before offers are made; if an owner accepts, conveyance documents are prepared and compensation is provided. If negotiations fail, the owner may bring the matter to the New Hampshire Board of Tax and Land Appeals and subsequently appeal to superior court if needed.

Permits and coordination: DOT staff said wetland impacts under state and federal jurisdiction will be minimized, mitigated and permitted prior to construction; the department will prepare a stormwater pollution prevention plan for construction. Documents including the draft environmental report will be available for public review after the hearing and DOT staff invited comments during a 10‑day comment period following the hearing.

Ending: DOT staff said they will continue agency coordination, finalize environmental documents and proceed with appraisal and right‑of‑way activities only after the commission’s finding of necessity and completion of required permits.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Hooksett - NHDOT Public Hearing Rt 3 Alice Ave to Whitehall Rd - May 15, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","NHDOT told a Hooksett hearing that its Route 3 project will require about 9.2 acres of property impacts, incorporate permanent stormwater treatment, and has been reviewed for noise, threatened species and historic resources under federal and state procedures.","taxTitle","Hooksett, Merrimack County , New Hampshire","taxId",68560,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6560514,"N.H. DOT proposes five-lane widening of Route 3 in Hooksett; hearing draws business and resident concerns",12156,336000,12492000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3335271-d53783b9f982052be73cae4773bde340&start=336&end=12492","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3335271-d53783b9f982052be73cae4773bde340/thumbnail_336000.jpg","/articles/6560514/Hooksett/Merrimack-County/New-Hampshire/NH-DOT-proposes-five-lane-widening-of-Route-3-in-Hooksett-hearing-draws-business-and-resident-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6560514-d26b74e370f4d6eaa474ed8f847b6f79/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152728&Signature=ic~leeZLIVPdHS1NQlrWYTpWQqHbJQKJqdYRRxYQIEBTNOllRd1HVBBoh~aMX0xFoUdLY83ywnA56MONg8szsKKiXEJrhEkGgOiFQQSFsGDETiLbBBwA2JS5F5GIMlqlbLrHUvaqKlF07TZo1GW1RbwBuWGYi~6DtpM~~NFUcHynUqpddvqsQ4GhAdj43cfv9F-rm3Pz0gnmxxJ30-Md1mR7Pqha8VPgLfmzHYvSGmUQxQztA7Dy40GxqB6BekEiHw6~pwu2W~ah-msAXHoHpDWmxBz7qGyRJaUahSqPU2QD2FdZm2FZTVMSb07r574BqmkLuHSrYTueujhRVmTMDA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Good evening. The New Hampshire Department of Transportation formally presented its preferred alternative for improvements to U.S. Route 3 in Hooksett during a public hearing on May 15, 2025, outlining a five‑lane typical section, new sidewalks and three stormwater treatment basins.

The hearing, convened by Commission Chairman Thomas Morgan and led by project manager David Smith, focused on a 1.4‑mile stretch of US‑3 from Alice Avenue north to the Whitehall Road/Martins Ferry Road intersection. \"The purpose of the project is to improve safety and mobility along this segment of Route 3 for all users,\" David Smith said during the presentation. The plan would add a travel lane in each direction, 5‑foot shoulders, 6‑foot sidewalks in selected segments, median islands at strategic locations and a closed storm‑drain system with water‑quality basins.

Why it matters: DOT officials said the improvements respond to congestion and safety issues on the corridor, citing an estimated 404 crashes over a 10‑year period and a pedestrian fatality in 2020. The project is listed in the state's 2025–2034 10‑year transportation improvement plan with an initial construction estimate of about $20 million, funded roughly 80% federal and 20% state. DOT staff said construction would not begin before 2028 and is expected to take about three construction seasons.

What DOT presented: Liviu Sincesco of design consultant WSP described proposed cross‑sections, noting uniform 5‑foot shoulders to accommodate bicycles, sidewalks on both sides between Alice Avenue and Mammoth Road and a single sidewalk on the west side north of Mammoth Road. He described median islands chosen to reduce conflict points and a series of retaining walls where grading requires them. Project maps shown at the hearing also identified a mix of strip right‑of‑way acquisitions and three larger right‑of‑way takings for stormwater basins.

Town position and roundabout debate: Andre Guerin, Hooksett town administrator and member of the project working group, told the commission the town council had voted in favor of the five‑lane section, signalized intersections at Alice Avenue and Mammoth Road, and sidewalks between Alice and Mammoth. \"The town fully understands that once those sidewalks are constructed, it will be the town's responsibility to maintain those sidewalks,\" Guerin said.

Several business owners and residents urged reconsideration of signalization versus roundabouts. Tom Osborne, representing Osborne's Farm and Garden and a member of the working group, asked the commission to reconsider a roundabout at the Mammoth Road intersection, saying it would improve traffic flow and provide landscaping opportunities. DOT staff replied that a roundabout at Mammoth had different right‑of‑way impacts than a signal and had been evaluated; a roundabout at Alice Avenue was not recommended because it would have required substantial grade changes and greater property impacts.

Environmental, utility and design clarifications: DOT said drainage will be upgraded to a closed system with permanent stormwater treatment and that the project will require wetland permits and coordination with agencies including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services. The presentation identified three historic resources in the corridor and said coordination under Section 106 found no adverse effect to National Register–eligible resources.

Next steps: DOT will accept written comments through May 27; the department said it will prepare a report of the commissioner and schedule a future finding‑of‑necessity meeting. The hearing record and plans will be posted to the project website, DOT staff said.

Less critical details: DOT staff said they will prepare appraisals and begin right‑of‑way acquisition and relocation assistance only if the commission finds in favor of the layout. Officials emphasized further design refinements remain and that utility relocations, final environmental permitting and the right‑of‑way process must be completed before advertising the contract for construction.

Ending: The hearing closed after roughly three hours of presentations and public testimony; the commission adjourned following a motion to close the meeting. DOT's project web page will list the transcript and allow for submittal of written comments through the stated deadline.","The New Hampshire Department of Transportation on May 15 presented a preferred five‑lane widening of U.S. Route 3 in Hooksett, proposing new travel lanes, shoulders, sidewalks and three stormwater treatment basins to address congestion and a history of crashes on a 1.4‑mile stretch from Alice Avenue to Whitehall Road.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6560509,"Hooksett businesses warn Route 3 widening will take frontage parking and impair operations; some say plan is a 'de facto taking'",2228,2391000,4619000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3335271-d53783b9f982052be73cae4773bde340&start=2391&end=4619","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3335271-d53783b9f982052be73cae4773bde340/thumbnail_2391000.jpg","/articles/6560509/Hooksett/Merrimack-County/New-Hampshire/Hooksett-businesses-warn-Route-3-widening-will-take-frontage-parking-and-impair-operations-some-say-plan-is-a-de-facto-taking","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6560509-c7214982f1fac9e475ac695b268f5c9e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152728&Signature=fqjf-VlFgyH7uoCRM~nRGdZcwAdKV89R6tfS8NjjUqWHFmETuoVGIZ5VMtgEB-OysJfmW9EosnYK6AQncoWb53aAk2tSPRwhWdhrtro3DbkP8ktlue7aO6VBgDJM3XES5TPtNWI-CtVtDPQK9FVtMiMGcPGQavC94k3vwF-jtuACyLOzY-pU1q5YI8OTFeicbt4baaNewggUPajJAhHfJ2bY~oRSmLtY0wEoWW70DOQiMVj-RL885umjBhHLOKRCx0IYbZZCGI8l39t0jaAppeWy41hnb6putLOd0yE8VIaFD6~3HRruhf0sOmlswUG6NAoBzx747UH8snkYaMSVPQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Hooksett business owners told the New Hampshire Department of Transportation at a May 15 public hearing that proposed widening of U.S. Route 3 would significantly harm operations along the corridor by removing frontage parking and changing driveway access.

Owners and attorneys described specific, business‑level impacts. \"I will lose everything I've worked for in Hooksett,\" said Steve Lawrence, owner of a building at 1234 Hooksett Road, who said the project would remove roughly 10 front‑row parking spaces and eliminate garage access. Lawrence told the commission the loss of frontage parking would make the building unusable for his tenant and could render the structure difficult to re‑lease.

Pro Technologies, a Hooksett security company, said the proposed layout would likewise eliminate customer parking and block its primary client entrance. \"Proceeding with the current project would equate to a de facto taking, of my client's entire building and parcel, rendering it a functional obsolescence,\" attorney Austin Michaelaitis said on behalf of Pro Technologies and the property owner. Michelle Canning, chief executive officer of Pro Technologies, said the company operates 24/7, serves thousands of accounts, and that a move would be \"extremely detrimental\" to growth and employees.

Other business owners described impacts and asked for mitigation. Steven Weiner, who operates an auto dealership at 1194 Hooksett Road, said the plan would take part of his front display area and asked DOT to consider a retaining wall to reduce property take. Tom Osborne of Osborne's Farm and Garden and other local proprietors urged reconsideration of a signal at Mammoth Road in favor of a roundabout, saying truck circulation and left‑turn movements for large delivery vehicles are part of the corridor's commercial reality.

DOT staff responded that some impacts are unavoidable under the proposed five‑lane section and that a reduction to a three‑lane layout would still require the same sidewalk, shoulder and utility placement that removes front parking in some locations. David Smith told the hearing that \"even a 3 lane layout ... would still impact the 10 parking spots along the frontage\" for the building at 1234 Hooksett Road.

Legal and procedural remedies discussed: Attorney Austin Michaelaitis and other property representatives raised zoning, ADA and functional‑use concerns tied to the changes, including steeper drive slopes and constrained parking. DOT staff and the Bureau of Right of Way said appraisals and offers for affected properties would be prepared if the commission finds the layout necessary. Eric Sargent, the bureau administrator, described the acquisition process and said appraisals will reflect fair market value, negotiations will be attempted, and unresolved matters may be filed with the New Hampshire Board of Tax and Land Appeals.

Business owners also raised construction‑period concerns including access during construction and the durability of pavement patches after utility relocations. DOT staff said business accesses will be maintained during construction and a construction administrator will coordinate daily operations, but acknowledged construction will be disruptive over the projected three construction seasons.

Ending: Business representatives asked the commission to reconsider intersections or design details to reduce property impacts; DOT said further design refinements and written comment responses will be included in the report of the commissioner.","Multiple business owners testified that the Route 3 design would remove frontage parking, block customer access and render some buildings unusable. Pro Technologies and building owner Steve Lawrence said the current design would eliminate key customer parking and may force relocation or closure.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

DOT says Route 3 design includes stormwater treatment and historic review; right‑of‑way appraisals, negotiation process explained

N.H. DOT proposes five-lane widening of Route 3 in Hooksett; hearing draws business and resident concerns

Hooksett businesses warn Route 3 widening will take frontage parking and impair operations; some say plan is a 'de facto taking'