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Atkinson residents urge selectmen not to sell town land near Blunts Pond
Summary
Residents at a Feb. 9 public hearing urged the Atkinson Board of Selectmen not to sell several town parcels, citing threats to wetlands, wells and wildlife habitat; the board set a second hearing for Feb. 23 and will vote March 9.
At a public hearing on Feb. 9, 2026, residents urged the Atkinson Board of Selectmen not to sell several town-owned parcels near Blunts Pond, saying the land provides important conservation value and protects private wells.
Vice Chair Bob Worden opened the hearing and invited comments. Ed Wensis asked about minimum setbacks for a narrow strip of land abutting his property and whether the town’s plan would allow construction near his lot. Ms. Blair questioned whether the parcel was conservation land, whether it was eligible for sale and whether the town intended to sell it for revenue rather than for development. Brian Malo objected to the sale on zoning grounds, conservation value and concerns for the health of Blunts Pond.
Several other town residents raised related concerns. Gail Wensis warned about impacts to wildlife and the water table; Justine Corson cited the risk of increased runoff and harm to conservation protections; Matthew Racite said conservation status was a key selling point when he bought his home and worried about effects on private wells; Zach Trapo described the area as a wildlife sanctuary and opposed selling any part of it. Michael Chambers noted that, combined with existing conserved parcels nearby, the town would retain nearly 14 acres of preserved land if no sale occurred. Paul Wainwright explained the town’s internal reasoning for identifying the so-called 7.5% parcels as candidates for sale.
Several parcel notices drew no public comment (including 6 Maple Avenue and 13 Meditation Lane). Karen Steele, speaking about a Main Street parcel, recounted the history of police-station planning dating back to 2018 and urged that parcel be removed from consideration. Jack Hanock said the timing was poor to pursue sales; Robert Massey raised concerns about an abandoned well on one lot; Glen Saba flagged wetland issues and urged the town to retain the Main Street parcel.
No board vote on sale authority occurred at the hearing. The selectmen closed the hearing by roll call vote (4-0-0). The board announced a second public hearing on Feb. 23, 2026, and said it would vote on the matter on March 9, 2026.
