Planning board says library must give 60‑day notice under RSA 674:54; board can only comment

The Kensington Planning Board spent the opening portion of its meeting reviewing a letter from the Board of Sullivan about a proposed library expansion under RSA 674:54. Chair (S1) summarized the board's understanding: "our understanding is that at least 60 days prior to construction, we will provide written notice to the board of Sullivan and planning board about construction starting." The chair said the statute triggers a notice process but does not make the planning board's comments mandatory for the library.

Board members debated whether the project represents a "substantial change in use." S2 argued the building would remain a public library and therefore "there isn't any change in use at all," while S3 contended that expanding the building footprint and intensity of activity can constitute a change of use that requires the planning board to review impacts like parking and programming. Members also discussed who must sign or sponsor the application: social trustees, public trustees or another municipal sponsor, and whether the town would be expected to absorb any increased operating costs if the library expands. The board agreed to send the letter to the public trustees and the social trustees and to follow up with staff (S3) for clarification of the process and timeline.