Board hears early discussion of large Canterbury industrial development; engineering oversight urged

Board members spent an extended portion of new business discussing a proposed large industrial development in Canterbury (referred to in the meeting as the Canterbury/Costco project). Members raised concerns about truck traffic on local roads, driveway and access locations, stormwater drainage, wetlands protections and the need for appropriate buffers for nearby residences.

Speakers said the developer indicated it would not be seeking tax abatements and that initial permitting might generate a sizable one‑time building permit fee; the town discussed hiring independent engineers to review site plans and require an escrow or developer funding for third‑party oversight so the town would not absorb those consultant costs. Members stressed that driveway placement, stormwater controls and wetland avoidance are the town’s clear jurisdictional levers, and that state agencies (e.g., DOT) will have input on traffic patterns that go onto state roads.

Why it matters: If built, the project would materially change truck traffic patterns and could significantly expand the town tax base; board members said they do not want to forgo necessary protections in exchange for development. They directed staff to coordinate with planning and zoning and to ensure town engineers are engaged early once formal plans are submitted.