The Alton Zoning Board of Adjustment on May 1 approved a revised application for a manufactured‑home development on Route 140, allowing a plan that totals 38 sites — 37 manufactured-home lots plus one single‑family residence for the owner. The project, led by Treasure Coast SPLE LLC (applicant) with TF Moran as engineer, had previously been approved in August for 40 sites; the applicant returned with a revised layout after updated wetlands mapping and ledge observations reduced developable area.

Why it matters: The vote preserves the developer’s path toward site plan review and state permitting, and clears a local zoning hurdle for the proposed community. Opponents warned of groundwater and traffic impacts; proponents and the applicant said the revised plan reduces disturbance and meets zone criteria.

Project description and change: The revised plan reduces density to 38 sites because additional wetlands and ledge were identified in more detailed field surveys. The new layout replaces an earlier loop road with a main spur road and three short stub roads. The applicant told the board the project proposes HUD‑compliant manufactured homes and community amenities, including walking trails, a community room and open areas.

Water, septic and sanitary provisions: The applicant said the development would rely on a shared water system — likely one primary well and a backup — and on clustered septic systems sized to serve groups of homes. "We would need to draw 16,000 gallons a day for the project," a project engineer told the board; the applicant said they would design multiple, clustered systems and bring detailed designs to the planning board and state regulators.

Public comment: The hearing included extended public comment. Dozens of neighbors cited noise, truck/vehicle traffic, tree clearing and potential impacts on wells and aquifers. Several speakers asked that the board require conditions limiting access to Route 140 only (no access to Dudley or Tibbets roads), doing work within reasonable hours and preserving the required 75‑foot perimeter buffer. Supporters argued the town needs additional housing options and that the revised plan disturbed less land than conventional subdivision alternatives.

Board review and conditions: The board examined the required special‑exception criteria and the variance request to allow slightly higher density under the manufactured‑home provisions. Board members discussed frontage, buffer strips, water and septic design and the need for planning‑board site plan review, DES approvals and a DOT driveway permit. The board said many of those infrastructure details would be reviewed at planning‑board level and by state agencies; the ZBA’s approval was conditional on those subsequent reviews.

Formal actions recorded: The board accepted the revised application as an amendment to the prior approval, then found the special‑exception criteria satisfied for the amended layout and approved the requested variance for density. Board members emphasized that final construction would require planning board site plan approval and state DOT and DES permits.

Next steps: The applicant will continue with planning‑board site plan review and the state permitting process. The ZBA noted that conditions imposed previously (DOT approval of the Route 140 driveway, no access to Dudley or Tibbets roads, and necessary NHDES septic approvals) would remain applicable.