[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6533437,"mediaKeyId","3764671-b9bdfaeb9756334f54d8b183cc10fed0","parentId",3764671,"title","Developer seeks special exception for 3‑lot subdivision with 6,447 sq ft wetland impact; commission urges alternatives to reduce buffer disturbance","audioSeconds",1498,"startMs",3756000,"endMs",5254000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3764671-b9bdfaeb9756334f54d8b183cc10fed0&start=3756&end=5254","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3764671-b9bdfaeb9756334f54d8b183cc10fed0/thumbnail_3756000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6533437/Hooksett/Merrimack-County/New-Hampshire/Developer-seeks-special-exception-for-3lot-subdivision-with-6447-sq-ft-wetland-impact-commission-urges-alternatives-to-reduce-buffer-disturbance","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6533437-fa9e94c004ce655a0a177fec1094672a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775037485&Signature=IQJJf~~zoPXtrW32EnawLAnR8bEmNjw-RDVTkWbOkZsfpaxdrwK3bcjCpOBsDkAxGsQY8idzmLjcn216LKAR-ZS3oSvjdKjZiwsIXYFZRdTamOmvBVRu5cHd0uvjZT8LVvDKbE0sS2HdfRwYDC6aiyfYzkFa~5xSUv0xTHCYOgFk4aUxVC3mjpUFVMAWymGKsAhRVs-d9SpX4iIc3Id2GVZFmTuis4Zi2Zm4IZXihHjSljOUH0hNlElxcn~S5MVsF9~MwnNNTvC0ju0pLfeK-wMwXGSM9kXGkwjtyhVdzqo-4m0jJa3IWmOxA1XcrrZP6o3HAfBNBncmFSNNIlNzfg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Hooksett","date","2025-06-09T00:00:00Z","article","Granite Engineering told the Hooksett Conservation Commission on Wednesday that a proposed three‑lot subdivision at 4269 West River Road would require a wetland crossing for a shared private driveway and would disturb wetlands and wetland buffers.

Engineer Joe Piccurelli and project manager Kim Harrington described a 5.72‑acre site zoned for medium‑density residential that would be divided into two single‑family lots and one duplex lot served by a shared driveway. The driveway construction and associated grading would affect previously disturbed wetland areas and would require a 36‑inch HDPE culvert to reconnect two separated wetland pockets.

Piccurelli said the proposed wetland impact is 6,447 square feet and that the planned buffer impact is 21,061 square feet. The plan includes stormwater management measured inside the wetland buffers — curb and driveway controls, detention basins and treatment swales — because the lowest parts of the site are adjacent to the wetlands.

The engineer also noted that a portion of the parcel lies in a FEMA Zone AE special flood hazard area with a 100‑year elevation of 189, so the project must provide compensatory flood storage and avoid increasing downstream flood risk.

Commission members pressed the team on alternatives that might reduce disturbance. Several commissioners suggested shifting or regrading the driveway to avoid fragmenting wetland areas, and one commissioner asked the applicant to confirm whether town driveway permits or other access options might change the preferred driveway location.

After discussion, the commission approved a motion to forward a recommendation to the ZBA that supports consideration of the subdivision concept but asks the applicant to investigate alternatives to reduce both wetland and buffer impacts before DES and ZBA final actions. The amended motion passed by hand vote; at least one commissioner recorded a nay during a roll call, and one commissioner abstained.

Next steps
The applicant will submit the formal DES application for wetland impacts. The commission’s recommendation to the ZBA included a request that the developer re‑examine driveway siting and grading to minimize buffer and wetland disturbance; commissioners said DES review may also recommend alternative driveway locations.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Hooksett - Conservation Commission - Jun 09, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Granite Engineering presented a three‑lot subdivision proposal for 4269 West River Road that would cross wetlands; the plan lists 6,447 square feet of wetland impact and 21,061 square feet of buffer impact.","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},6533441,"Hooksett commission signs off on wetlands permit by notification for seasonal dock with condition on increased use",639,2686000,3325000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3764671-b9bdfaeb9756334f54d8b183cc10fed0&start=2686&end=3325","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3764671-b9bdfaeb9756334f54d8b183cc10fed0/thumbnail_2686000.jpg","/articles/6533441/Hooksett/Merrimack-County/New-Hampshire/Hooksett-commission-signs-off-on-wetlands-permit-by-notification-for-seasonal-dock-with-condition-on-increased-use","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6533441-99fcff4e6282e7b1bf3cc273fefca2e2/orig.mp4?Expires=1775037485&Signature=Cj01L5iVs6E-a289ns8M119eI5txSU3XMI4U2hCaKeZNDZMYO57WZQhWAtIRTarVP9XzfzjbkJD7NPPELpWzmt9TeWIUrsVFPYr-6nwMJDSiJf2uAVH2dgNAb3OtqhRPca54Y6jUbp8dlF4peDHL-J4tuVNrxDYqwpGabw32FO8~I-YZiChuXgz-Y-h0RoXEUFya-oVoC3pVTZO~NPfb~czOu0l~8LRp24Xdkqys-JrgRb5gX~7SwBYYOpgyns802wM2JIfrGAsc7LOBs0~k3XFsZkbP~K470ZS1fajqj1SUmC4k1qErNjlGStkR1x7UE4wsdTc6J3Cw0y0P5l6-Sg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hooksett Conservation Commission on Wednesday authorized staff to sign a wetlands permit by notification for a seasonal floating dock at 4269 West River Road, subject to a condition that any change of use or increased intensity of activity would require the applicant to return to the commission.

Alden Bochman of Keyland Enterprises told the commission his company owns river frontage and seeks a seasonal floating dock to serve private use and occasional seaplane operations. Bochman said the state allows a 6‑by‑40‑foot dock and that his wetland scientist determined there would be no wetland impact from the proposed structure.

\"It's a seasonal floating dock, so we have to pull it out every season,\" Bochman said. He described a modular configuration and said there are no plans for fueling or maintenance activities at the site.

Commissioners noted the Natural Heritage Bureau had raised questions about rare plants in the broader river corridor; Bochman said the flagged species were not on his site. The commission added a condition the applicant return if the use changes or if activity increases beyond the level described at the meeting.

Commissioner Phil Fitanides said he and others were concerned about potential contamination from fueling or maintenance and asked that any servicing or fueling trigger a municipal review. The commission’s conditional approval requires the applicant to seek further review if the use becomes commercial or if increased activity suggests an operational change.

At the meeting the commission clarified an operational limit: the dock as presented would hold one seaplane and, when the seaplane is present, up to two boats on the other side; if the plane is not present the dock could accommodate up to three boats. The commission unanimously voted to authorize signing the DES wetlands permit with the stated condition on increased use.

Votes and conditions
The commission authorized staff to sign the wetlands application and attached a condition that any change of use, fueling, maintenance, or a sustained increase in vessels at the dock would require the applicant to return to the commission for review.","A property owner on West River Road received conservation commission authorization to sign a wetlands permit by notification for a seasonal floating dock. The commission required a return for any change of use or increased activity, and limited initial activity to one seaplane and a small number of boats.",{"_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},6533443,"Developer asks conservation commission to back parking change and buffer reduction near Head Pond; commission tables decision",1983,601000,2584000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3764671-b9bdfaeb9756334f54d8b183cc10fed0&start=601&end=2584","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3764671-b9bdfaeb9756334f54d8b183cc10fed0/thumbnail_601000.jpg","/articles/6533443/Hooksett/Merrimack-County/New-Hampshire/Developer-asks-conservation-commission-to-back-parking-change-and-buffer-reduction-near-Head-Pond-commission-tables-decision","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6533443-5af54af7f40395042e0decffca644eeb/orig.mp4?Expires=1775037485&Signature=DJerEdDDRtE8lcInbwH42v1lTYqh6Q7A-5Z8LziGn-jbngZJ3~ojQenK6b7EIfkObplnR9dhISVERASILgpdi70GOaWVjV4ve1XkGljxrTTqBHTORIwnAtWwN7JlQEjBFcLZQrv3dNVe6Qeer5QzejLdz-kfqNfq~oA0B9GqyQxNxnmSG2lujUV4xxNfyquYv4UvKQFW0W6VID5sCy5~svOnqtjZ89-PDy-5ldIwc3~Yd~2WvB9I0fYxsjjtHEsuMctSfnXmVL7kK-wQh15r1W8ki8AryVQGNzpCwsv3MuEmbUki-UpWgqt2Kwi-latqrIbgm-Wr5FFaR6mwEQZjew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A developer seeking to advance the University Vista townhouse project asked the Hooksett Conservation Commission on Wednesday for a recommendation to the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) to allow parking around an existing cul‑de‑sac and a reduction in wetland buffer areas created by an expanded beaver pond.

Developer Jeff Berg said the project originally showed a parking area 500 feet into the woods but that the team now proposes about 15 parking spaces around the existing cul‑de‑sac to serve conservation trail access. He also told commissioners that beaver activity has raised the height of a dam and expanded wetlands, creating new buffer impacts on the project site.

\"We'd like your consent that you agree that, leave the Beaver Dam alone, and that the buffer impacts are okay with you,\" Berg said, summarizing the developer’s preference to avoid ongoing beaver removal and instead request a buffer adjustment. He and his team said the project’s remapped wetlands show approximately 5,000 square feet of one buffer impact and about 1,000 square feet of another area — a total the developer described as roughly 6,000 square feet of buffer reduction related to the beaver‑created pond.

Commissioners asked for clarifying information and told Berg the commission would consult the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES) and other technical resources before advising the ZBA. Commissioner Sheena Gilbert noted that the town's earlier approvals and master plan influenced parking expectations and asked whether state parking rules that recently changed affect the project’s residential parking supply.

The commission discussed whether the beaver dam should be modified, with several members saying removing or trapping beavers is only a temporary fix and noting conservation values. As one commissioner put it: \"They're doing what they do and we're trying to fight it.\" Others said DES guidance is needed about what permits, if any, are required to alter beaver dams.

Because the application materials and site maps were not provided in sufficient detail during the meeting, the commission voted to table the developer’s request and asked Berg to submit the maps and materials to the town planner. Commissioners said staff would reach out to DES for guidance on permit requirements and mitigation options; the developer will not need to present again in person unless requested.

The commission’s action preserves time for technical review before the body issues a formal opinion to the ZBA.

Votes and next steps
The commission did not approve the developer’s request at the meeting. Commissioners moved to table the recommendation to the next meeting and asked the applicant to provide site maps and to allow staff to consult DES and other reviewers. The commission will make a formal recommendation to the ZBA after that follow‑up.","Developer of University Vista townhouses asked the Hooksett Conservation Commission to accept parking built around a cul‑de‑sac and a reduction to wetland buffers caused by an enlarged beaver pond. Commissioners said they will consult state regulators and requested maps before making a recommendation to the Zoning Board of Adjustment.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6533428,"Commission hears updates on Pinnacle Park work, Head Pond access funding, Clay Pond stewardship and Riverwalk maintenance",2060,5323000,7383000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3764671-b9bdfaeb9756334f54d8b183cc10fed0&start=5323&end=7383","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3764671-b9bdfaeb9756334f54d8b183cc10fed0/thumbnail_5323000.jpg","/articles/6533428/Hooksett/Merrimack-County/New-Hampshire/Commission-hears-updates-on-Pinnacle-Park-work-Head-Pond-access-funding-Clay-Pond-stewardship-and-Riverwalk-maintenance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6533428-3340292f9d80677925b113d024003786/orig.mp4?Expires=1775037485&Signature=c1YjzttrvtIC9I1cSfAHlDtdO8soy2ggQfNKQR8j9I5VO2~VgEJD6vbHVtnpvkfC0DvSO1ECFlWNm02-vwybNz4wzFs6pIf-yiLL3nonYc~uM5az0vSt-jfQZAUpu14HcIbim7ePpWNoPcbVFNrfZc9qJujFEznmrn7-CYs4sREx2v8uO0jHGIT8rRRXXFulEbURqsXwwl3mJKAuV5IDfR3v9g1765r2idm5Z5vsMuhmqQ8KLRCTo2N1Uzs~edl4OiNB329bNJq0BMYDwNFkh6kTpUTFryd5Y0QSNjBtNfF2RPUcLbTtH5lQV4nCVRuCbgQag6GzTvmj935LdbrsBQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During other business the Hooksett Conservation Commission discussed multiple stewardship and public‑access projects.

Pinnacle Park and signs: Commission members praised contractor Keep It Native for substantial clearing work at Pinnacle Park and planned a volunteer installation day for new signs. The group purchased a bench for the summit and approved up to $100 for posts and rebar to secure new trail signs. Volunteers from Stantec are scheduled to help install signs and do stewardship work.

Head Pond Trail access: The commission reviewed a plan to make the Head Pond Trail entrance more accessible. Engineers told the commission an access‑for‑all ramp would need a maximum slope of 8 percent and rest platforms approximately every 50 feet; the required ramp length was estimated at about 200 feet and would likely be s‑shaped to meet grade constraints. Kiwanis offered to fund much of the work, including up to $20,000 toward construction and $2,100 toward engineering. The commission accepted a $2,100 donation from Kiwanis to cover engineering and voted to hire Stantec to perform design and survey work without issuing a public RFP for the engineering contract; the commission said an RFP will be issued for construction bidding.

Clay Pond stewardship: Staff reported that Clay Pond III was not included in the conservation commission’s existing stewardship plan; Moosewood Ecological will provide a cost estimate to add the parcel to the stewardship plan.

Riverwalk and boundary issues: Commission members reported follow‑up actions from a Riverwalk site walk. The list included installing additional boundary markers, addressing an abutter mowing into conserved land, confirming permissions for a farmer’s access road, and installing bollards and signage to discourage bicycles where the easement prohibits wheeled vehicles under the LCHIP conservation terms. Members also discussed ephemeral beaver blockage on trail drainage and plans for periodic mowing to preserve grassland bird habitat.

Staff and member notes: The commission recognized administrative assistant Katie Towne, who is leaving for graduate study, and thanked departing member Deb Myville for 12 years of service.","The Conservation Commission received several operational updates: Keep It Native’s invasive‑species work at Pinnacle Park; signs and bench installation; a Kiwanis donation and hiring Stantec to design a more accessible Head Pond Trail entrance; Clay Pond stewardship updates; and Riverwalk maintenance and boundary concerns.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6533433,"Conservation commission approves invoices, requests itemized billing and allocates up to $100 for Pinnacle Park sign posts",390,196000,586000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3764671-b9bdfaeb9756334f54d8b183cc10fed0&start=196&end=586","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3764671-b9bdfaeb9756334f54d8b183cc10fed0/thumbnail_196000.jpg","/articles/6533433/Hooksett/Merrimack-County/New-Hampshire/Conservation-commission-approves-invoices-requests-itemized-billing-and-allocates-up-to-100-for-Pinnacle-Park-sign-posts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6533433-48986c0c4d3f892600d593522f21ae9a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775037485&Signature=HkvftYwTf0dTgHX0s6P2jg3Ngs64vvW~AjwIq28U~Dx0ngoweZTNXbQtdyzD5QayuL1Q9K3Unz-qCIwUFVKd2TsAiS47aDOBvEqvd8063aGJezA~ZedWx08EqbGKhrG-cnQ6q-8whSJqaAPCh4-QPdaUhuQh-SHEIcB4DPbIEn-w3oRfVczlcKsRZfJbOI9~03PD86SrJq4KSg4jfWydSrSLdHtBO6od3d4~ye~jZolnwUJ3nCtOZbM2kWgBnuH5Wz3oj4QzZoHLysLhQXvPxroQpKVj8eHmLxsAmYUJGoc6FfBkx9vOrrQ-0KpRxukSk0aHV4AeMbpRxxdqKKPl7w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hooksett Conservation Commission approved several routine payments and voted to request more detailed invoices from contractors and partner groups.

The commission approved a $350 payment to Bear Paw Regional Greenways for stewardship support. Members discussed whether Bear Paw should provide itemized hours and agreed the town can ask for more detailed billing in future invoices.

A partial payment to Moosewood Ecological for work on the Quimby Mountain stewardship plan was approved; the invoice was listed in the meeting packet as \"QuimbyMountain1.\" Commissioners again asked for clearer, itemized descriptions of tasks on future invoices so the commission can track what work was completed for each payment.

The commission also approved payment of $2,400 to Keep It Native for work at Pinnacle Park and discussed the on‑site activities completed by the contractor. Members said Keep It Native cleared woody invasive species and left brush piles for later handling.

Under other business, the commission approved spending not to exceed $100 for posts and rebar to mount new Pinnacle Park signs and authorized volunteers to install them during a scheduled workday. The commission said it will attempt to source post‑hole diggers and larger tools from DPW or volunteers for the June volunteer day.

Commissioners emphasized they want more detailed invoices in the future so the commission can track hours and locations of stewardship work.","The Hooksett Conservation Commission approved routine invoices from partner organizations, asked vendors for more detailed billing going forward, and authorized up to $100 for supplies to install new trail signs at Pinnacle Park.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Developer seeks special exception for 3‑lot subdivision with 6,447 sq ft wetland impact; commission urges alternatives to reduce buffer disturbance

Hooksett commission signs off on wetlands permit by notification for seasonal dock with condition on increased use

Developer asks conservation commission to back parking change and buffer reduction near Head Pond; commission tables decision

Commission hears updates on Pinnacle Park work, Head Pond access funding, Clay Pond stewardship and Riverwalk maintenance

Conservation commission approves invoices, requests itemized billing and allocates up to $100 for Pinnacle Park sign posts