Planning Board reviews nine‑lot subdivision concept for 370 Middle Road

The Planning Board met to review a conceptual design for a proposed nine‑lot subdivision at 370 Middle Road owned by the Hannon Family Trust. Nick Lorenz of Jones and Beach Engineers, representing the applicant, described the site as containing an existing dwelling, two barns and a paddock and said the proposal calls for nine lots served by on‑site wells and septic systems; he said existing wetlands had been delineated and no direct wetland impacts were proposed. "The intent of this project is to propose a standard nine lot subdivision," Lorenz said.

Board members focused on site access, road geometry and public‑safety implications. Members confirmed the site is located directly across Middle Road from the fire station, and one member said the board controls the road‑width decision. Lorenz said the plans were revised from a 22‑foot paved roadway to a 24‑foot paved roadway and that the proposed dwellings would be sprinklered; a board member responded, "I'd be in favor of continuing with the 24 feet of pavement along with your 4 foot shoulders on either side presently submitted." Board member Glenn raised concerns that driveways near the cul‑de‑sac appear to encroach on the town's 10‑foot driveway setback from property lines and asked the applicant to verify offsets.

Several procedural and neighborhood impacts were raised. The proposal shows at least one shared driveway and a right‑of‑way to an adjacent property; the applicant said that arrangement will likely require review and approval by the State of New Hampshire and that the right‑of‑way holder has expressed concern and wants it addressed early. On that point the applicant told the board the shared driveway is planned to connect into the proposed roadway and pledged to show the detail more clearly in updated plan sets. Regarding snow removal and drainage, a board member asked how the stormwater facility shown in the center of the cul‑de‑sac would affect plowing; Lorenz said snow would be kept off the center sump and pushed to the road sides so the cul‑de‑sac low point could drain.

Nearby residents asked questions during public comment. Jessica Dashaine asked whether her driveway would remain if the road becomes a town road; the applicant replied, "Your driveway will remain as is," and said the new roadway is planned to run alongside the existing drive. Resident Heather Haggett of 374 Middle Road raised concerns about the shown septic area adjacent to her house and asked the applicant to clarify septic siting.

No formal decisions or votes were taken at the design‑review stage; the board and applicant agreed to address driveway offsets, clarify the shared right‑of‑way on revised plans and coordinate required state review for any changes affecting the shared access. The board also noted the town’s engineering firm (SFC) had not completed a review and that the board retains authority over final road‑width approval.