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Morninglight Farm PRD update; farmer asks about farmstand, floodplain and temporary residence
Summary
At the Jan. 20 meeting, Randy Martin reported NHDES approval for Morninglight Farm PRD while the board searched for missing mylars; farmer Andrew Johnson asked about adding infrastructure and a farmstand, and members noted a FEMA floodplain mapping update and local rules allowing temporary residence for up to three years.
Randy Martin informed the Planning Board on Jan. 20 that the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) has approved the Morninglight Farm Planned Residential Development (PRD). Board members later reported they could not locate the project mylars at the town office; Jim Medeiros said he filed two pages at the Registry, and Russ Huntley verified that the Registry's online records contain the correct pages. Cathy Joly will coordinate with Chair Bruce Kullgren to search town records for the missing mylars.
At New Business, Andrew Johnson — who said he has been farming on Map 8A Lot 8-2-1 (owner Randy Martin) — asked the board about adding farm infrastructure and creating a farmstand at The Root on Route 101. The board noted that part of the field is in a FEMA-designated floodplain and that the town has not yet adopted local floodplain regulations following the finalized FEMA maps. Bill Ezell said he will consult town counsel about the farmstand question. Ezell also noted that, under the local farm-business standard discussed at the meeting, 50% of sales must come directly from the farm for a business to qualify as a farmstand operation.
Christine Robidoux recommended that Johnson contact Pete Caswell about well and septic requirements. Johnson also asked whether a temporary residence would be allowed on the property; Ken Caisse explained that a trailer or tiny home may be used as a temporary residence for up to three years while a homeowner builds a permanent residence.
Christine also noted that the Avitar Solar Permit Application Worksheet presented to the board does not affect the separate Solar Ordinance the board forwarded to the warrant.
What happens next: Bill Ezell will consult the town counsel on the farmstand question and report back to Johnson. Cathy Joly and Chair Kullgren will continue the search for Morninglight Farm mylars at the town office; Jim Medeiros and Russ Huntley confirmed registry filings and online verification.
