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St. Pete LLC proposes gravel pit; Bartlett board seeks legal guidance before permitting
Summary
Representatives for St. Pete LLC presented plans for a new gravel pit on two Bartlett parcels, estimating about 600,000 cubic yards on site and roughly 60,000 cubic yards per year; the Planning Board asked staff to seek legal clarification of zoning and RSA 155‑E before accepting an application for review.
Representatives for St. Pete LLC described plans July 6 to develop a new gravel pit on two parcels off Route 16, telling the Town of Bartlett Planning Board they estimate about 600,000 cubic yards of gravel on the site and anticipate removing roughly 60,000 cubic yards per year over a 10‑year period. Donald Bouchard, identified in the meeting as Verdantas senior project manager, said the applicant will also pursue a DOT driveway permit, NHDES alteration‑of‑terrain permits and a shoreline permit where required.
"We are looking at about 60,000 cubic yards every year for a 10year period," Bouchard said during his presentation. He told the board he believes RSA 155‑E places excavation permitting under the Planning Board’s purview and that the town’s zoning general provisions point toward a permitted approach. The applicant asked for guidance on whether a special exception or site review is required and requested direction before submitting a formal application by the July 13 deadline for the August agenda.
Planning Board members raised multiple concerns about precedent, traffic and permitting. Chair Scott Grant questioned whether trucks could safely exit the proposed driveway onto Route 16 and suggested the applicant contact NHDOT early. Vice Chair David Patch and other members said the board needs definitive legal guidance: Patch called the interpretation of the town’s general provisions “interesting” but said the board must obtain “ironclad proof” of the correct procedural path before proceeding.
Board members discussed options including a town warrant article to permit excavation explicitly, municipal‑level review, or relying on RSA 155‑E and the Planning Board’s traditional responsibility for pits. Pat Roberts, who said his family has worked in the gravel industry, warned against creating a precedent that might allow other nonlisted uses. Curt Burke, representing the applicant team, described crushing and wood‑grinding operations and said the site would “export” material rather than import waste.
The board’s interim direction to the applicant was procedural: staff will consult the New Hampshire Municipal Association for a legal interpretation of the town zoning language and RSA 155‑E before the board puts the project on the August 3 agenda. The board did not vote on the proposal at the July 6 meeting; Bouchard said the team would return for a substantive hearing if the legal question is resolved.
