Planning board tables Kelly Associates hotel site plan to Aug. 27

The Exeter Planning Board on July 9 voted to table the continued public hearing for planning board case 26‑3, a proposal by Kelly Associates to demolish an existing dry‑cleaning building and construct a four‑story, 22‑room hotel in the C‑2 Highway Commercial zoning district.

At the meeting in the Nowak Room, town planner Dave (town planner) told the board the applicant contacted staff after packets were distributed to request an amendment to the application in light of a state law change effective July 1 that affects multifamily uses in commercial zones. Attorney Josh Linzetta, speaking for the applicant, told the board, “we're happy to waive the notice provision to get us to August, and see where that takes us.”

Members agreed the amendment process would require revised plans and re‑notification of abutters; the applicant also waived the statutory review timeline so the board could consider the revised submission. Board member Nancy Balancha moved to table the case to the Aug. 27 meeting; the motion was seconded and carried after a roll‑call vote.

Why it matters: the applicant’s requested change reflects a new state law change that board staff said could allow some residential uses by right in commercial zones. That alters what the board must review and what public notice is required for a formal application.

Next steps: the applicant will provide a revised plan set and a new public notice. The board and staff asked the applicant to return on Aug. 27 with full plans showing the proposed changes so abutters and the board can review them at the public hearing stage.