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Board grants variance to allow Old Dominion freight facility at Technology Drive site
Summary
The Hooksett Zoning Board approved a variance to permit a freight facility/terminal for Old Dominion at a Technology Drive site after the planning board previously approved site plan and wetland relief; the board found the proposal consistent with district plans and topography.
The Hooksett Zoning Board of Adjustment approved a variance to permit a freight facility (Old Dominion) at the Richmond Technologies parcel on Technology Drive. The applicant sought relief after planning-board review and site-plan approval, which had included wetland-setback variances.
Attorney John Cronin represented the applicant. He told the board that the project previously received planning-board approval after the planning board reviewed drainage, traffic and other site issues; no party appealed the planning-board decision during the 30-day appeal period. Cronin said the site is within an area anticipated for commercial/industrial uses and that the development would generate tax revenue and make use of infrastructure extended to that location.
Board members discussed whether the proposed use fit the ordinance categories; the applicant sought a variance rather than a special exception to remove any ambiguity about the permissible use. The applicant submitted testimony from a real-estate professional who concluded the project would not diminish surrounding property values and emphasized the parcel’s area, topography and existing industrial/commercial context.
After a brief public-check for comment (no speakers came forward), a motion to approve the variance carried by voice vote with board members present voting in favor.
The board recorded findings that: the variance would not be contrary to the public interest because the freight terminal use is consistent with the area and projected neighborhood uses; it observed the spirit of the ordinance because the site is suited for the use; substantial justice would be done given the site's location and topography; and literal enforcement of zoning would impose an unnecessary hardship because of unique wetland and topographic conditions previously considered during planning-board review.
The board approved the variance by voice vote and instructed staff to prepare formal findings and conditions consistent with the motion.
