Thursday, June 11, 2026

Copley Properties 4-lot subdivision, continued hearing

Approved, with the condition that the 'no cut' and 'no disturbance' deed language be reviewed by town counsel. All were in favor. The applicant's team noted that state subdivision approval is also a condition and should be added to the notice of decision.

The applicant's team from Verra Associates presented an updated plan for a 4-lot subdivision on Map 210 Lot 22.12. A county conservation district reviewer found the plan calculations meet zoning rules. A drainage easement for a neighboring property was added. The applicant's team said Lot A, a 46-acre parcel, may be conserved or developed, and that all lots must be shown as buildable for now. A board member asked how a 'no cut' and 'no disturbance' zone would be enforced. The applicant's team said the rules would go in the deeds and that the building inspector might enforce them. Board members raised concerns about the lot shapes, tight space on one lot for the septic system, house and well, and flooding on a nearby road. A neighbor spoke against the plan, citing lot layout, wetlands and wildlife. A Conservation Commission member suggested collecting baseline nitrogen and phosphorus data for the ice pond. Property boundaries and the no-cut zone will be marked with granite bounds, and stone walls will not be disturbed. The applicant's team said it did not seek a variance because the plan meets the rules without one.

Road width rules and regulation updates

A board member said the site plan rules and subdivision rules do not match on road widths and road cross-sections (the side-view layout of a road). He wants to hold a public hearing next month to consider changes that make the rules consistent. A member also asked about changing zoning rules to prevent unusual lot shapes. Another member said zoning changes need public hearings in the fall and a town vote at the annual meeting.

Railroad plans timber cut on landlocked parcels

A board member reported that B&M Railroad plans to cut 30% of the wood on its two landlocked parcels (land with no road access) behind Rockingham Junction. He said the railroad may be open to selling the land after the cut and suggested the Conservation Commission be told. Another attendee said a person had recently contacted the railroad, but the railroad was not interested in working with the town on access.

Resident survey for Master Plan and CIP

A board member said the Rockingham Planning Commission (RPC) offered to help the board create a resident survey for updating the Master Plan and the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP, a plan for future town spending on big projects). RPC recommended sending the survey out before any public meetings on the updates. RPC estimated the cost at $4,000 to $5,000. Earlier in the meeting, the board was told it would handle the updates itself instead of hiring outside consultants. A Conservation Commission member also suggested naming a liaison between the Planning Board and the Conservation Commission.