Planning Board

The Planning Board meeting addressed several major land‑use items. The board approved a definitive subdivision for Rocky Hill Development (finalizing findings, waivers and conditions from the earlier site plan approval with minor edits clarifying Road A limits and a map/lot correction). The board also approved a definitive subdivision for 19 Prospect Street to split the lot into two, subject to the conditions of the previously approved historic preservation special permit plus subdivision-specific requirements including a standard covenant, a historic preservation restriction or restrictive covenant prior to sale if needed, and Planning Board review of any future design or footprint changes.

A high‑profile application for a cremation tree cemetery at 131A Haverhill Road was presented but the board and staff found the submission incomplete (no engineered grading/drainage plans, traffic study, wetland delineation, etc.). After public questions and board discussion — including concerns about traffic, drainage, stormwater impacts and proximity to Lake Attitash — the applicant withdrew the site plan and special permit application without prejudice and was advised to return after pre‑application review and preparation of required studies. The board also voted to release two bonds as recommended by staff and adopted the 2027 meeting schedule with the second December meeting removed. Public comment focused on environmental and water‑quality concerns for the Haverhill Road proposal and neighborhood impacts; staff repeatedly emphasized the need for complete engineered submissions (traffic, stormwater, grading, wetland delineation) before the board can act on such a proposal.