The Hooksett Planning Board convened on October 6, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including the approval of minutes from previous meetings and a public hearing regarding landscaping plans for Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU).

The meeting began with the board approving the minutes from the September 15 meeting, with minor amendments regarding attendance. The board then moved on to a significant discussion about SNHU's landscaping plans for its athletic complex, originally approved in 2016. The university sought to amend its site plan to reflect changes in landscaping that had occurred since the original approval.

Lawrence, representing SNHU, explained that the university had maintained the spirit of the original landscaping bond but needed to update the plan to accurately reflect the current conditions. The board reviewed an audit that indicated some trees had been removed due to overcrowding, and there were discussions about the necessity of replanting certain trees in a parking lot island that had previously housed 13 trees but now had only two remaining.

Board members expressed concerns about the number of trees proposed for replanting, suggesting that 11 trees might be excessive for the space available. After considerable discussion, the board decided to remove the requirement for replanting the 11 trees, opting instead to approve the amended landscaping plan without that stipulation. This decision was made to ensure that the landscaping would be sustainable and appropriate for the area.

The board concluded the public hearing and moved to approve the amended site plan for SNHU, with the understanding that the landscaping would be monitored for effectiveness and that any necessary adjustments could be made in the future. The next steps involve scheduling a follow-up site visit to further evaluate the landscaping needs.

This meeting highlighted the board's commitment to ensuring that local developments align with community standards and environmental sustainability, reflecting the ongoing dialogue between the university and the town regarding land use and landscaping practices.