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Board pauses review of Amazon off-site parking amendments after neighbors object to trailers and portable toilets
Summary
An amendment to the approved site plan at 400 Technology Drive to formalize office trailers, storage containers and portable toilets used by Amazon service providers drew neighbor objections and was continued so the applicant can revise the proposal and provide additional information.
The Hooksett Planning Board accepted jurisdiction and opened a public hearing on a proposed amendment for 400 Technology Drive — an off-site parking lot used by Amazon delivery contractors — but continued the matter after neighbors raised objections to unpermitted office trailers, storage containers and portable toilets currently in use on the site.
The property owner’s counsel said the application seeks formal approval of site elements that had been placed by the tenant and their service providers: several portable toilets, shipping containers (used as temporary offices/storage) and a trailer used for on-site driver coordination. The applicant said a small building exists on the site with two restrooms, but drivers and subcontractors have used additional on-site structures to stage operations; the applicant characterized the amendment as a regulatory step to formalize what has been in use and to resolve code-enforcement concerns.
Neighbors expressed strong opposition. Residents attending the hearing called the trailers, containers and portable toilets an “eyesore” and warned that approving such elements could set a precedent across other commercial parking lots. Several speakers urged the board to require the tenant to provide permanent restroom facilities and to pursue on-site building expansions rather than formalizing temporary structures. Members of the board and staff also noted that some architectural standards cited in the town’s regulations do not permit office trailers; energy and service connections for the trailers had not been documented in the application.
Planning staff and the applicant agreed the application requires further coordination. The applicant requested a continuation to allow time to address board concerns, investigate whether interior changes to the existing on-site building or relocation to other area properties are feasible, and to work with the town on required permits. The board voted to continue the hearing to a later date and asked the applicant to re-notify abutters for the next session.
