Amy J. Bernard

The meeting addressed several variance requests, with two applicants requesting continuances to the February 4, 2026 meeting for issues related to setback requirements and proposed garage sizes exceeding allowances. One hearing proceeded where the applicant sought a variance for a 1,026 square foot garage and a 9-foot side setback encroachment, replacing an existing garage. The board ultimately voted to deny this variance request. The board also reviewed and approved the minutes from the December 3, 2025 meeting, discussed the process for appointing a new member, and appointed Paul LaRochelle as an alternate member to the board. Interest from another resident regarding an alternate position was also noted.

Key discussions during the meeting focused on two main areas: New Business and Old Business. In New Business, the Board considered the adoption of Article #1 for the Zoning Ordinance concerning Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) to comply with recent state legislation (HB 577). A motion was passed to move the ADU article to the warrant. In Old Business, extensive discussion and public comment occurred regarding the Hampstead Heights application (Map 9 Lot 62, Map 11 Lots 150/291), a proposed 72-unit elderly development. A traffic study, including a Traffic Impact and Access Study (TIAS), was reviewed, generating concerns from the public regarding road safety, sight distance, pedestrian traffic, and the character of the rural neighborhood. Following public input and legal considerations related to an easement issue raised by an attorney, the Board voted to continue the hearing for this application to the February 2, 2026 meeting.

The agenda for the meeting included the Pledge of Allegiance and remarks from the Chairman. Key discussion items involved expressions of interest for open positions: Dale Blaine for a full-time term position, and Daniel MacDonald and Pam Sheedy for alternate positions. Several variance requests and special exception requests were scheduled for review, pertaining to setbacks, garage size limitations, and the alteration/enlargement of structures on non-conforming lots for properties located at 10 Tewksbury Road, 25 Emmert Drive, 7 Beach Road, and 76 Cottage Lane, respectively.

The board meeting addressed the release of a bond/letter of credit for the property at Map 10 Lot 005 aka 15 Owens Court, upon confirmation of project completion. Discussion ensued regarding the upcoming March 2026 election for Planning Board offices, emphasizing the need to recruit new members due to planned retirements and loss of institutional knowledge. Representatives from the Rockingham Planning Commission provided updates on Hampstead's housing needs assessment, including engagement findings, housing statistics highlighting affordability challenges, and analysis of housing trends since 1950, noting the dominance of single-family housing. The board reviewed data visualizations concerning building area measurements and planned for a public outreach event in late March or early April to present results. A land use regulation audit is underway, with plans to present it for feedback before the end of September.

The committee reviewed the 2026 budget, noting it was approximately $43,000 lower than anticipated due to reduced hazardous waste costs. A significant portion of the meeting involved estimating costs for a new waste management facility, which came in around $6,000,000, with a potential $2.5 million reduction for a smaller footprint. Staffing needs were estimated at three full-time employees at roughly $100,000 each, including benefits. The group analyzed costs for various waste management scenarios, including a transfer station versus contractor collection, estimating potential annual savings of $670,000 from a transfer station due to lower tipping fees. Feasibility of a $6 million bond over 30 years at 4% interest was discussed. Furthermore, the committee addressed issues with cardboard recycling overflow by approving a second weekly pickup through the end of January at an estimated additional cost of $267 monthly.