Resident presses council over neighbor’s property; code enforcement says legal process underway

A Hooksett resident raised a longstanding property maintenance complaint during public input, describing persistent accumulation and potential safety concerns at a neighboring property. The council and town administrator told the resident the matter was being pursued by code enforcement with inspections, written notices and potential legal action if the owner does not comply.

The resident, who identified himself from Coker Avenue, said he had reported the property previously and that little had changed. He expressed concern about fire risk, vermin and the property’s effect on his ability to sell his home. Town staff responded that code enforcement had engaged the property owner multiple times and that, where voluntary compliance fails, the town follows a process of written warnings and, if necessary, court action.

Town Administrator Andre Garren and councilors described that typical enforcement steps include a 30‑day notice period followed by escalation and possible court hearings; the timeline can be slow because courts schedule hearings as availability allows. Staff said the town could pursue cleanup and then place a lien or cost recovery on the property if the town incurs cleanup costs. The resident requested more timely follow‑up; a councilor suggested the resident stay in touch with the administrator and with code enforcement to track progress and to attend any court hearings if one is scheduled.

Councilors thanked the resident for returning to the meeting to update the council and asked staff to schedule another enforcement visit if one had not already occurred.