Sanbornton planning board advances multi‑article zoning package on housing amid resident requests to delay

The Town of Sanbornton Planning Board voted to advance a package of zoning amendments related to housing and condominiums to the town ballot, after hearing public concerns about timing and possible impacts.

At a Jan. 15 public hearing, several residents asked the board to postpone action until housing data collected by the Master Plan Housing Committee and the Lakes Region Planning Commission can be reviewed. Donna Ledgard asked that the matter be tabled until that information is available; Deb Plenge warned of a shift in housing patterns and expressed appreciation for Sanbornton’s character. Miles McDunnah recommended tightening language to protect open land and farms. Audry Barriault noted proposed changes affecting the historic district had not been presented to the historic-district commission.

Planning Board Assistant Stephen Laurin read written comments from Christine Filmore, described in the meeting minutes as a land‑use lawyer with the New Hampshire Municipal Association. After discussion, Chairman Andy Sanborn moved to advance Articles 3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 and 18 to the ballot; Ralph Carter seconded. The motion passed 4-1-0, with Lynn Martinez opposed.

Board members and commenters diverged on whether the amendments would increase housing affordability; some public speakers said the proposed language would not create affordable housing and urged more data collection before enacting changes. Commenters also suggested seeking legal advice on condominium language and ensuring historic‑district review where applicable.

The board’s vote sends the package to voters; the meeting minutes record residents’ concerns and requests for additional analyses, but no action to table the articles was taken.