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Planning Board approves conversion of 3 Henniker Street to restaurant with conditions
Summary
The board approved James Gardiner’s application to convert 3 Henniker Street from retail to a restaurant/bar. Conditions include hours (10:00 a.m. to closing), meeting with Water and Sewer, Fire Chief approval of seating, and a requirement to return for any outdoor seating.
The Hillsborough Planning Board on Aug. 6 approved a Change of Use/Site Plan application to convert 3 Henniker Street (Map 24 Lot 84) from retail to a restaurant and bar. Planning Director Robyn Payson presented department comments and draft conditions. Applicant James Gardiner said the menu will be “very basic with burgers and fries” and that the site will contain two food‑truck spaces, one currently occupied by Zippers Ice Cream.
Board members and staff discussed hours, parking, outside seating and life‑safety review. Payson said she had used hours from a similar local business but the Board settled on hours of operation “10:00 a.m. to closing,” with closing defined by State Liquor Commission rules. Water and Sewer staff advised Gardiner to meet with that commission before operations; the Building Inspector noted outdoor seating affects parking and the Fire Chief will determine seating capacity. The Board included a condition that the applicant must return for a Site Plan Amendment if outdoor seating is added.
Andrew Morris moved to approve the application with the conditions that the applicant meet with the Water and Sewer Commission, seating capacity be approved by the Fire Chief, hours be 10:00 a.m. to closing, and that outdoor seating requires a return to the Planning Board; Bryant Wheeler seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Next steps: Gardiner must meet with Water and Sewer and obtain Fire Chief approval of seating before final occupancy or operations.
