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Kensington Social Library seeks septic setback waiver for $6M expansion; Planning Board review and legal opinion pending
Summary
Project team said the planned library expansion would nearly double building size with estimated cost of $6.0 million (starting with $4.5M; $1.5M to be raised privately) and seeks a waiver to place septic leach field about 30–31 feet from property line versus the 35-foot requirement; the Board requested legal clarification whether the library is a governmental use under RSA 674:54 and deferred decision pending Planning Board review.
Representatives for the Kensington Social Library presented a waiver request to the Board of Health to allow a septic leach field located roughly 30–31 feet from the property line, less than the 35-foot setback required by the applicable regulation. Steve Laput of KCS Architects explained site constraints, the required location for a new septic system, existing well locations, stormwater-management plans including a retention pond, and the need for a fire-protection cistern tied to a sprinkler system. He said the project would almost double the library's square footage and estimated the total project scope at $6.0 million.
A library trustee confirmed the project would start with $4.5 million in funding and that trustees plan to raise the remaining $1.5 million through donations and grants; trustees stated they do not intend to request Town construction funding. Board members and presenters discussed potential effects on neighboring wells, the feasibility of reserve leach-field locations, seasonal high groundwater concerns, parking and accessibility implications, and future operating costs. The Board sought further clarification from Town legal on whether the library qualifies as a governmental use under RSA 674:54; the waiver hearing will be continued after the Planning Board reviews the project at its August 19 meeting and after legal review.
