Hooksett planning board, EDAC discuss performance-zone amendments and TIF strategy for Exit 10; hearings planned

Hooksett planning board members and representatives of the Economic Development Advisory Committee discussed Nov. 3 proposed changes to the town's performance zone and a separate tax-increment financing (TIF) financing plan for Exit 10 intended to bring sewer and utilities to redevelop the area.

EDAC members described outreach to property and business owners at Exit 10 and said the committee is considering narrowing permitted uses in some areas while encouraging hotel, restaurant and retail uses where sewer and utilities can be extended. Board members and staff said the performance-zone amendments could be scheduled for a public hearing as soon as the Nov. 17 meeting; EDAC's Exit 10/TIF work is likely to be considered later, with a suggested December date for additional review and a separate public process and petition if required.

Members discussed ballot and warning language; staff and EDAC noted that the TIF financing plan and zoning amendments are separate processes and that notices and petition thresholds differ (a citizen petition would require the appropriate number of voter signatures). One board member said the approach should lead with assurances about funding sources ("funded by commercial taxes, not general tax") in warning language. Staff said it could circulate draft language and examples to the board and confirmed timelines for public hearings and ballot inclusion.

No formal zoning amendments were adopted at the Nov. 3 meeting; board members agreed to move the performance-zone item toward a hearing and asked staff to circulate EDAC's draft language and suggested permitted-use changes.