Sanbornton committee refines housing chapter draft, sets June 1 vote

Sanbornton’s Master Plan Housing Committee continued its review of a revised housing chapter draft on April 27, focusing on clearer context, updated data and firmer recommendations aimed at meeting State requirements.

Mark Ledgard proposed adding an introductory section that notes the grant that supported the work, summarizes committee meetings and resident input, and frames the demographic charts and tables later in the chapter. "This would help explain the demographics and charts later in the chapter," Ledgard said, arguing an introduction will give readers context for the recommendations.

Committee members agreed the Plumbing Facilities section can be removed. Nina Gardner pressed for more current data, noting the draft includes 2022 housing prices while 2025 data are available and should be used to reflect recent market conditions. Gardner also asked that the Recommendations begin with an explicit statement that the listed actions will allow Sanbornton to meet State requirements.

Selectman Brandon Deacon said he preferred "more information in the chapter rather than less," stressing sensitivity around recommendations that could affect private property. He volunteered to work on refining the Recommendations so they are more definitive.

The committee took a formal vote to approve minutes from the April 6, 2026 meeting. Nina Gardner moved to approve the minutes; Dana Nute seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously.

For next steps, Audry Barriault will work with Ledgard and Selectman Deacon to revise the draft in the coming week, then send it to Danielle at LRPC for final edits. The committee aims to hold a final vote on the housing chapter at its June 1 meeting at 6 p.m.; following that, the Planning Board may consider zoning ordinance changes for 2027.

The meeting adjourned at 7:38 p.m. and the minutes were submitted by Audry Barriault.