Conservation commission flags wetlands and floodplain concerns for 174 Henniker St. site plan

The Hillsborough Conservation Commission on July 23, 2024, authorized its chair to represent the commission’s concerns at public hearings over a proposed site-plan amendment for 174 Henniker St., saying the parcel appears to sit in the 100-year floodplain and may include previously filled wetlands.

Richard Head, chair of the Hillsborough Conservation Commission, was authorized to “express the concerns raised on the comment sheet” and to attend hearings after commissioners discussed site visits and plan materials. The motion to authorize Head or his designee was moved by Commissioner Jim Riddle, seconded by Commissioner Roger Shamel and passed 5-0.

Vice Chair James McDonough and Commissioner Jim Riddle said they had visited the property and observed standing water around areas that appear to have been filled. The commission reviewed a map that showed the site within the 100-year floodplain and noted the parcel is surrounded by wetlands.

Commissioners flagged several environmental concerns, including whether the filled area replaced wetlands, the absence of a stormwater plan in the application, and potential pollution from salt and snow-plowing activities. McDonough characterized the recent work as tending to “erode the spirit” of the original approval, according to the meeting record.

Recording Secretary John P. Segedy recused himself from the discussion. With the motion approved, Head or his designee is expected to present the commission’s comments at the Planning Department’s public hearing to press for additional information on wetlands delineation and stormwater controls.

The commission’s written comment sheet and any hearing testimony are the forthcoming next steps; no final regulatory decision was recorded at the July 23 meeting.