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Planning Board agrees to explore impact fees, considers SNHPC study and counsel review
Summary
The Windham Planning Board agreed to pursue a study of municipal impact fees, asking staff to consult town counsel and considering a Southern New Hampshire Planning Commission (SNHPC) study estimated at $4,000–$6,000; the board discussed linking fees to the capital improvement plan.
The Windham Planning Board reached consensus on March 18 to explore municipal impact fees and to consult town counsel before engaging outside help. Greg Balestrieri outlined options and proposed hiring the Southern New Hampshire Planning Commission to prepare an impact-fees study, estimating a typical fee of $4,000–$6,000.
Board members discussed the legal standard of a rational nexus between new development and fee-supported expenditures and emphasized coordinating impact fees with the town’s capital improvement plan. Balestrieri said the town could work with both SNHPC and counsel in parallel; Chair Cross expressed reluctance about SNHPC involvement but did not block pursuing the work.
During public comment, DJ Withee said the SNHPC consultant ("Nate") is very good and recommended counsel input as well. Selectmen’s liaison Heath Partington said he favored an external review to get a fresh perspective and agreed to raise the idea with the Board of Selectmen.
The board agreed to seek a meeting with Attorney Campbell in April to clarify legal and procedural steps before approving a contractor. Staff will coordinate next steps and scope; funding and the exact scope of any study are to be determined.
