Hooksett committee recommends up to $18,000 to restore Van Dyne property after Exit 11 sewer work

The Town of Hooksett TIF Committee voted to recommend that the Town Council approve up to $18,000 from TIF funds to complete restoration work at 3 Bayview Terrace, the Van Dyne property, following installation of a deep sewer main as part of Exit 11 work.

Town engineer Bruce Thomas told the committee the sewer main installation required a deep trench and prolonged dewatering that left an extended construction disturbance on the Van Dyne property. Thomas said the town paid for an easement on the lot, installed a driveway and sewer service, and provided a $2,500 payment, but that property owners later sought additional repairs. "Frankly, I think we have a responsibility to return the property the way we found it, which includes the fence," Thomas said as he outlined requested fixes including grading, replacing trees, cleaning a swale and burying and sealing an old septic tank.

Kevin Connerty, the town wastewater superintendent, reminded the committee that easement rules limit what can be installed or planted within the easement footprint. "Per our regulations and per state regulations, you cannot plant anything within an easement ... You're not permitted to fence and gate those locations from us," Connerty said, adding that easements must remain accessible for town crews.

Thomas presented two contractor quotes for the restoration work: one at $19,000 and a second for $19,950; he recommended a local contractor, Ernie's Excavation, and asked the committee to approve the work and funding from TIF money. Committee members discussed removing the fence from the scope because a fence in the easement would be prohibited, and settled on a recommended not-to-exceed budget to leave room for negotiation.

Dave Scarpetti moved to recommend the Town Council approve the restoration work at 3 Bayview Terrace with a budget not to exceed $18,000; Mike Summers seconded. The committee voted in favor with no recorded opposition. The recommendation will go to the Town Council for final approval.

The committee did not adopt specific specifications for planted screening outside the easement during the meeting; Connerty and Thomas noted trees may be planted outside the easement but that the town cannot permit plantings or fences inside the easement itself. The contractor selection and final contract terms will be negotiated before the council takes up the recommendation.