Bartlett planning board presses AMSCO on Block G delays, continues application to April 6

The Bartlett Planning Board on March 2 pressed AMSCO and contractor Rotten Rock for written plan changes and as-built requirements after developers said wetlands mitigation approvals from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers remain outstanding.

At the meeting, AMSCO representative Alec Tarberry said the developers have submitted a mitigation package to the Army Corps and DES and hoped to get approvals in the next two months. "I think we are like 90% of the way to get an informal two thumbs up from them and then we will send that to you right away," Tarberry said. He later added, "If it is anyone's fault it is mine," acknowledging the delay from the developer side.

Town consultant Burr H. D. Phillips recommended a formal way to reconcile the Block G design with the previously approved Block F plans: add notes on the Block G plans stating that Block G supersedes the last 300 feet of the Block F road design and related water and drainage elements; require as-built construction plans for both Block F and Block G before final approval; and continue to hold the Block F and anticipated Block G bonds until the work is completed and accepted. "Only after the as-builts and construction are deemed acceptable will the town approve the road construction," Phillips said.

Homeowners Association President Jim Wilson raised concerns about drainage and a culvert change, asking whether the work near marker 725 would be included. Contractor Henry Shaw confirmed there would be drainage modifications and said the culvert would be upsized (discussed as moving from roughly 24 inches to 36 inches).

Board members focused on how the Block G work affects building permits for lots in Block F. Phillips and several board members explained the town practice allowing up to three houses to be built off a driveway when the subgrade meets town standards short of paving; the board discussed whether lots sold above marker 725 understood they could not immediately obtain building permits until road standards and as-builts are met. Tarberry said AMSCO has sold 11 lots overall, and that only a few owners have immediate plans to build.

Several board members asked staff to contact DES and the Army Corps to seek clarity on the permit status. The board signaled willingness to allow developers time to complete approvals but asked that plan notes and as-built submissions be added and that bond language reflect the work covered by Block G. Joe Heuston moved to continue the AMSCO application to April 6, 2026; Vicki Garland seconded and the board voted unanimously to continue the application.

Votes at a glance: the Planning Board unanimously continued the AMSCO (Block G/Stillings Grant) application to April 6, 2026 (motion: continue the application to April 6, 2026; mover: Joe Heuston; second: Vicki Garland; tally: yes 8). The board also unanimously continued the Cedarcroft Farm and Jason Brown applications to April 6, and unanimously approved the February 2 and February 17, 2026 minutes.

The board asked developers to provide amended plan notes, submit as-built plans for Block F and Block G prior to final approval, and coordinate with town staff and consultants on bonding language. The Planning Board will revisit the application at its April 6 public session.