Planning board approves Eagle's Nest Emporium site plan with landscaping waivers and conditions

The Hooksett Planning Board granted final approval Monday for a revised commercial site plan for Eagle’s Nest Emporium (1501 Hooksett Road, Map 18 Lot 8) after the applicant submitted updated architectural plans, landscaping details and responses to town-engineer comments.

Meridian Land Services engineer Bridal Caspersen summarized plan updates, including an updated landscape plan, architectural elevations in color, a revised dumpster screening/enclosure detail, sight-distance profiles for the driveways and reduced driveway widths at the state right of way per New Hampshire Department of Transportation feedback. Caspersen said the applicant added a hydrant and adjusted grading and erosion-control notes per the town engineer’s review. Grant (town planner) confirmed the updated plans were included in the packet distributed to the board.

The applicant requested two waivers from Hooksett zoning ordinance Article 10 (front landscape area and street-tree-strip requirements) on the basis of an existing nonconforming development and existing site infrastructure. The board granted both waivers by roll-call vote and agreed to a condition that the Community Development staff may permit substitution of existing vegetation under the ordinance’s substitution language (cited in the hearing as section H.2.d).

Board members discussed landscaping retention and parking-area interior planting requirements. Several board members expressed skepticism that much of the existing vegetation could be retained because of grading and construction in the area where new cabins are proposed; the applicant agreed to add additional plantings behind the existing line of cabins and to work with staff on details. Owner Christy Ledger told the board she wanted flexibility so the business could also consider amenities such as a small dog park where feasible.

Final approval and conditions: The board moved to approve the commercial site plan (cited in the meeting as pursuant to RSA 676:4 II) subject to the packet’s conditions (items 1–6), standard subsequent conditions (items 1–5), and conditions prior to issuance of certificate of occupancy (items 1–5). The board also added two site-specific conditions: required screening and plantings around the dumpster enclosure, and a condition citing section H.2.d (substitution of existing vegetation) so Community Development can determine appropriate plant substitutions where construction disturbs existing trees.

Motion and votes: Waiver motions were made by Mike Summers and seconded by Sheena Gilbert; they passed on roll-call votes. The final motion to approve the Eagle’s Nest Emporium site plan was made by Mike Summers, seconded by Sheena Gilbert, and passed by roll-call votes recorded in the meeting.

Speakers and materials: Meridian Land Services engineer Bridal Caspersen presented plan changes and responses to comments; Grant summarized staff review; owner Christy Ledger and condo-association representative Jared Williams provided responses to neighborhood concerns. Board members present who voted include Jim Sullivan (chair), Mike Summers, Sheena Gilbert, Paul Scarpetti, and Chris (surname not specified); Jared Williams stepped down from votes where he had a conflict.

Ending: The board closed the public hearing and recorded the approval and attached conditions; town staff will track compliance with the conditions and the submission of the condominium documents and any DES permits if wetland work becomes necessary.