Thursday, September 10, 2026

Transportation priorities for RPC

The Board agreed on the list of priorities to submit.

The Rockingham Planning Commission (RPC) is updating its long-range transportation plan, and a board member will submit Newfields priorities to its database. The priorities are a flashing crosswalk on Route 85 near the school, two more flashing crosswalks on Main St, and shoulder improvements on Route 87 and Route 85. Routes 87 and 85 were given priority because they have little or no shoulder and can be hazardous to pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers. The Board said the study of the Route 85, Route 87 and Summer St intersection should address sidewalks and safety.

Subdivision lot layout ordinance

The Board discussed changing the Subdivision Regulations to stop narrow, irregular or "fingered" lots. These rules would be added after a public hearing and would not need a vote at Town Meeting. The Board looked at example rules from Barrington and Farmington. A board member said the town needs to avoid being forced to approve subdivisions with horseshoe-shaped lots made to meet minimum upland and lot-size rules, and named the Oaklands Road Subdivision as an example. The suggested language says lots must meet zoning size rules, side lines should generally be perpendicular to straight streets and radial to curved streets, and lots should generally be square or rectangular. Odd-shaped lots, including those that join narrow strips to other parcels to meet size rules, would be prohibited. The town planner said developers could still ask for waivers, and the rules should be simple enough to cut down on routine waiver requests. The Board supported adding drawings of acceptable lots on straight and curved roads.

Muddy River Smokehouse plan revision

The town planner met with Beals Associates about changing the Muddy River Smokehouse mylar (the plan sheet filed at the registry of deeds). Contour information for stormwater management, parking lot measurements and colored notes would be removed from the recorded copy. A plan note would say the full approved site plan is on file at the town office. The planner said recording a site plan matters because an unrecorded plan may not be revoked.

Oaklands Rd Subdivision

The town has not yet received the easement language. This is a condition of approval. Once it is done, the subdivision plan can be recorded at the registry of deeds.

Data centers

A board member asked whether a moratorium (a pause on accepting proposals) or another response is needed for possible future data center proposals. The town planner said Newfields is reasonably protected. The town's added rules on wetlands, aquifers and shoreland make it less attractive for these facilities, which usually need a lot of power and water.

Industrial land uses

The Board discussed allowing more uses on industrial-zoned land, such as office parks, schools, medical facilities or similar uses. The community survey could ask residents if they favor expanding industrial uses. The town planner will discuss this with the RPC.