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Board, residents raise concerns and talk revenue if Costco builds in Canterbury
Summary
Board members and attendees discussed a proposed Costco facility's potential to bring substantial tax revenue (estimates mentioned $1.3–1.4 million when fully built) but also noted traffic, environmental and infrastructure impacts and urged the town to negotiate community benefits rather than automatically granting abatements.
Board members discussed reports that a Costco distribution/retail facility was proposed in the Canterbury area and examined potential benefits and impacts.
One member said local coverage suggested a provisional settlement or court matter had been resolved in a way that cleared the path for Costco’s project; board members noted the company had not requested abatements in public discussions and that permitting fees alone would generate a substantial one-time payment.
Speakers discussed long-term tax projections as the facility builds out, citing estimates in the discussion that the completed facility could produce roughly $1.3 million to $1.4 million in annual tax revenue at full build-out. Several members emphasized that the town should plan how to use new revenue — proposing options such as directing a share each year to pay down the mill rate, establishing a term fund for capital projects (roofs, DPW equipment, school improvements), and negotiating community-relations or mitigation payments to offset traffic and environmental impacts on nearby neighborhoods.
Residents and some board members also raised concerns about road impacts, traffic from trucks cutting through town, and environmental or quality-of-life effects for residents living near the proposed site. Board members suggested that any negotiation should seek community benefits rather than immediate across-the-board tax relief, and recommended planning for a 10– to 20‑year horizon to avoid spending windfalls prematurely.
No formal action or agreement with Costco was recorded in the transcript excerpt; speakers asked staff to monitor developments and to negotiate terms that would preserve town infrastructure and deliver community value if the project proceeds.
