Hooksett ZBA approves special exception for wetlands crossing at 269 West River Road

The Hooksett Zoning Board of Adjustment on a 5-0 vote approved a special exception to allow construction of an access drive that will cross wetland buffers at 269 West River Road (Map 17, Lot 18) so the applicant can serve three new single-family lots.

The applicant team told the board the property is about 5.72 acres and is undeveloped, with upland at the rear of the lot separated from the road by wetlands and a preexisting crossing. Granite Engineering’s Joe Picarelli said the shared driveway layout “will result in approximately 6,444 square feet of wetlands disturbance.” He also said the site lies in FEMA Flood Zone AE and the design uses the 100-year flood elevation of 189 to set finished floor and garage pad elevations.

The board’s decision came after presentations from the applicant’s attorney, Eli Lano of Bernstein Sher, and engineer Joe Picarelli, public comment from nearby property owners, and questions from members about alternatives, drainage and town overlay rules. Lano argued the crossing is necessary to access the buildable upland and said the…