During a recent meeting of the Hooksett Conservation Commission, community members voiced strong concerns regarding potential overdevelopment in the area, particularly related to two town-owned properties. The discussion was sparked by public input from local residents, including Philip Fitanides and Mary Jo Paterra, who highlighted the implications of proposed housing developments on traffic and community resources.

Fitanides, a Hooksett taxpayer, raised alarms about plans to potentially build up to a thousand homes on land that is currently owned by the town due to unpaid taxes from previous owners. He emphasized that much of the land is wetlands, making it unsuitable for development, and urged the commission to consider the long-term impact on local traffic and infrastructure. He suggested that the town should draft a warrant article to allow residents to decide the future of this property, rather than leaving it in the hands of developers.

Paterra echoed these sentiments, sharing her own experience as a new homeowner in the area. She expressed her surprise at the lack of communication regarding the developments and stressed the importance of preserving conservation land for future generations. Paterra pointed out that the current traffic situation is already problematic and warned that adding more homes would exacerbate these issues, especially given the slow timeline for infrastructure improvements.

The meeting underscored a growing concern among residents about the balance between development and conservation in Hooksett. As the town faces pressures for growth, community members are advocating for more transparency and involvement in decisions that could significantly alter their neighborhood. The Conservation Commission is now tasked with considering these public inputs as they navigate the complexities of land use and community needs.