Hillsborough EDC reviews housing survey, eyes Henniker Street Gateway and TIF ahead of master plan

HILLSBOROUGH — At its Feb. 18 meeting, the Hillsborough Economic Development Committee reviewed the results of a town housing survey that showed residents favoring senior housing and rehabilitation of existing buildings rather than new infill development, and discussed using a Gateway Zone on Henniker Street and potential TIF financing as part of the coming Master Plan work.

"The survey showed support for senior housing and rehabbing existing buildings but not support for infill development," guest Mike Tardiff told the committee as he summarized the survey findings. Tardiff said the Housing Chapter and proposed Gateway Zone work will be folded into the Master Plan and the Planning Board will lead the zoning conversation later in the year.

The committee focused on where a Gateway overlay might be appropriate. "Henniker Street was the overall positive result," Tardiff said, while also noting possible additional areas along Center Road where a few larger parcels just north of the residential zone could support more density without encroaching on the Historic District. Planning Director Robyn Payson suggested Gateways often lend themselves to tax increment financing (TIF) as a development tool.

Why it matters: the committee is trying to balance housing affordability and market interest with preserving the town's rural character and natural resources. Planning Board representative Susanne White urged concentrating infill in town and protecting outlying farmland and forested areas, and Commission member Riché Colombe warned against expanding development toward Fox State Forest.

Tardiff recommended education and outreach as part of the Master Plan work, including information about "79E" and infill options, and suggested conservation-friendly approaches such as cluster development to protect open space while improving affordability. He said promoting trails and recreational assets could also support economic development aimed at attracting younger families.

The committee also discussed timing and external processes. Tardiff reported that the New Hampshire Department of Transportation is conducting a limited update to its 10-year plan and is not soliciting brand-new projects; Hillsborough will seek to make a case to return Henniker Street to the proposed-project list. Chair Rich Pelletier asked about interest in the town's existing TIF; Tardiff said one potential developer had expressed interest related to a small raceway, though Payson said she had not heard from that developer.

On project sequencing, Payson said Avanru's Phase 2 application was scheduled to appear before the Planning Board that evening, and she expected a second workforce housing building to begin construction in the spring. Town Administrator Laura Buono told the committee that privately held parcels remain under owner control and the town would need to acquire land to prevent development.

Votes at a glance: the committee approved prior minutes for Jan. 21, 2026; Susanne White moved to approve, Riche' Colcombe seconded, and the motion carried with Chair Rich Pelletier and Superintendent Jennifer Crawford recorded as abstaining. The meeting adjourned on a motion by White, seconded by Riche' Colcombe.

Next steps: members agreed to continue working with the Planning Board on Gateway-zone options and outreach through the year, with an eye toward readiness for Town Meeting 2027 and coordinating educational materials about zoning, 79E, and possible funding tools such as a TIF.

(Reported from minutes submitted by Robyn Payson, Planning Director.)