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On Sept. 4, 2025 the Town of Alton Zoning Board of Adjustment approved two special-exception applications for adjacent properties on Route 11 (Map 9, Lots 10 and 10-1) to permit a building-trade/HVAC shop and an automotive/truck repair garage, subject to required state approvals from the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Department of Environmental Services (DES).

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The board found both sites appropriate for light commercial uses near the Route 11 traffic circle, and members concluded the proposals met the zoning criteria (site appropriateness, compatibility with the master plan, utilities, and public safety), while conditioning approvals on DOT access standards and DES shoreline and septic permitting because parts of the lots are within the shoreline-protection area.

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Ryan Heath, partner and agent for Apex Land Solutions, presented both applications on behalf of owner Sand Street Investments LLC. He said the plan brings two existing local businesses into purpose-built buildings near the traffic circle: an HVAC-oriented “building trade” shop (proposed building 50×70, primarily to store company vehicles and equipment, with attic storage) and an automotive/truck repair garage (proposed building 60×80 with four vehicle lifts and rear-yard parking/storage).

Heath described shared access from Route 11, preliminary conversations with DOT, private wells and septic systems for utilities, and a shoreline assessment by a consultant (Stony Ridge Environmental) showing enough upland to site the buildings outside DES no‑impact footprints. He said the HVAC shop would house roughly eight work vehicles and store ductwork and materials; the automotive shop would perform customer service appointments and maintain a modest number of on-site vehicles in accordance with state environmental rules.

Board members discussed circulation, sight lines, and the need for DOT driveway standards; Paul Monzioni and others asked for conditions requiring DOT driveway approval and DES septic/shoreland permits. Members also discussed building aesthetics and noted the proposal to orient garage doors to the rear (river side) so the street-facing elevations will present more residential-style facades. Several board members emphasized that final plans and access details are DOT jurisdictional matters.

One abutter, Keith Chamberlain, said he supports the applications but flagged noise and visibility concerns for any future residential buyers on nearby lots; he suggested door placement and landscaping be considered to mitigate noise. No abutter testimony opposed either proposal; the board recorded that hearing input from abutters had not produced demonstrable facts opposing the use.

Motions to approve each special exception carried after the board reviewed the worksheet criteria. The approvals were recorded with the explicit condition that the applicants obtain required DOT access approvals and DES shoreland/septic approvals prior to final permitting and occupancy.

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The approvals keep both businesses in town on more suitable sites but tie final municipal permits to state approvals for access and shoreline/septic compliance. The planning and building departments will monitor follow-through on DOT and DES conditions before building or occupancy permits are issued.