A representative for the Carroll Court subdivision told the Rochester Planning Board on July 7 that the project has state approval for a five-year extension but remains stalled locally and that city planning staff have not responded to requests needed to continue construction.

The matter matters because the applicant says the project has substantial completed work, the city holds a $250,000 bond for the development, and the local building permit for one house is reportedly on hold less than a month before a stated completion deadline.

Lisonbee Jennings, who said she holds power of attorney for the property owner, told the board the state of New Hampshire granted a five-year extension and that the subdivision approval is valid through Aug. 5. “We’re formally requesting approval of our extension of the subdivision before the August 5 deadline as we’ve already received state approval,” Jennings said. Jennings said the foundation permit for one lot was issued Oct. 18, 2023, and that pipes, curbing, sidewalks and sewer work for phases 1 and 2 are complete or scheduled; she also said nine homes are already built on the development.

Jennings said the local hold came after an exchange with a planning staff member identified in the record as Seth and that she has received little or no follow-up after being told a punch list would be prepared seven weeks ago. “When Seth came back, he has now halted our progress, and we’ve been asking for clarification for why and what we need to move forward, with little response,” Jennings said. She asked the board for clarity on what remains to be submitted locally and for issuance of the building permit for 9 Diane Lane.

The board’s chair said the Carroll Court matter has been discussed earlier and is “currently involved with legal,” so there is limited information the planning office can provide at the meeting. The chair added that Jennings’s comments are on the record. The planning department also confirmed there has been prior public comment and internal review but did not present a staff recommendation to the board at the meeting.

Planning-related participants named in Jennings’s remarks included the general contractor Robert Talbot, a site consultant Scott Doyon, former planning director Shauna, and city engineer Al Dews; Jennings said those parties had previously discussed allowing additional lots on the same road but that later staff review halted progress. The applicant noted the city holds a $250,000 performance bond for the project.

No vote or formal action on Carroll Court took place; the board did not place the item on the agenda and staff said it could not provide further answers because the file is in legal review. Several board members and staff encouraged the applicant to continue providing documentation to planning staff and to the city attorney as needed.

The applicant said she is committed to completing the subdivision and is seeking guidance from the planning board so the local approvals match the state extension. The board did not set a public hearing or take direction to staff at the meeting.

Looking ahead, Jennings requested the board and planning staff provide the outstanding punch-list items and any requirements for issuance of local building permits before Aug. 5. Planning staff reiterated they could not discuss the matter further in the public meeting while the file is involved in legal review.