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Select Board backs Plan NH charrette application, supports 'housing champion' designation and economic development planning
Summary
The board approved a letter supporting a Plan New Hampshire community design charrette for the Railroad Square/Depot Street area (fee potentially waived by HOP grant) and voted to pursue the state 'housing champion' designation; staff outlined a draft economic development committee plan and next steps.
The Plymouth Select Board voted May 27 to support a Plan New Hampshire community design charrette application focused on Railroad Square/Depot Street and to back pursuing a Housing Champion designation with the state.
Molly (Planning Board member) and Joseph (planning staff) told the board that Plan New Hampshire — a nonprofit of design professionals — can offer a two‑day charrette that produces professional visualizations and recommendations. Town staff and the planning board agreed the Depot/railroad area ties to housing and downtown revitalization and said the town is eligible for a one‑time waiver of the program fee (about $6,500) because Plymouth received a Housing Opportunities Planning (HOP) grant, provided the application is submitted by May 30.
"We have a pretty strong connection there with that area of town," Molly said, summarizing the planning board's support and citing the area's mix of uses, a new pavilion and proximity to the river and railroad station.
The board approved a motion to sign a letter of support so staff can complete the application by the May 30 deadline.
On a separate but related item, Joseph described the state's Housing Champion program, which awards a designation based on a points matrix (zoning, existing planning, infrastructure, education, etc.) and makes designated towns eligible for future per‑unit and 80/20 infrastructure grants. The planning board already offered support; the select board voted to support pursuing the Housing Champion designation. Joseph said the designation does not obligate the town to accept grants, and he and staff will complete the application.
Nut Graf: The board authorized staff to proceed with the Plan New Hampshire charrette application and backed pursuing state Housing Champion status to make the town eligible for housing‑related grants; staff also outlined early steps to revive a sustained economic development effort including forming a committee and coordinating partners.
Additionally, staff said they are developing an economic development project plan: Joseph and Scott described plans to convene partners (UNH Cooperative Extension, North Country Council, Grafton County Regional Development Corporation and state economic development contacts) and present a draft committee charter to the board on June 23 with the goal of launching a standing committee by July or August. Town staff mentioned that Joseph will be promoted to planner and director of economic development in July and that a planning assistant will start concurrently.
Ending: The board approved both motions — to support the charrette application and to pursue Housing Champion status — and asked staff to return June 23 with a draft economic development committee charter and additional outreach updates.
