Monadnock Ledger-Transcript
Published: 6/3/2021 12:08:16 PM
The Francestown Select Board is pursuing a rehearing after the state Housing Appeals Board reversed the town Planning Board’s rejection of a four-lot subdivision on the corner of Stevens Road and the 2nd NH Turnpike.
The HAB ruled in favor of landowners Ron and Melissa Shattuck in a May 7 order, the first conclusion they handed down since forming in 2020. In their ruling, the HAB said that the Francestown Planning Board had made an “unreasonable” decision in rejecting the subdivision and had not cited any objective zoning ordinance violations in their decision.
The Select Board voted 2-1 to proceed with the rehearing request on Monday, May 24, Select Board Chair Henry Kunhardt said. A rehearing is a requisite step if the case were ever to go to the state Supreme Court, he said.
In first ruling of its kind, State Housing Appeals Board rejects Francestown Planning Board decision
A ruling by Francestown planning board was overturned by the new Housing Appeals Board. Abbe Hamilton / Monadnock Ledger-Transcript
Published: 5/25/2021 3:55:49 PM
For the first time, the state’s Housing Appeals Board has rejected a local planning board decision, overturning the January rejection of a four-lot subdivision in Francestown.
The three-person board was created by the legislature in 2020 to speed up appeals of decisions by town or city planning boards, which previously could be appealed only to Superior Court.
This ruling to reject a local decision is the first of its kind to make it through the Housing Appeal Board. It has held or scheduled hearings for appeals in six towns so far, including Pembroke and Chichester.
The state’s Housing Appeals Board reversed the Francestown Planning Board’s January decision to deny Ron and Melissa Shattuck’s proposal for a four-lot subdivision at the corner of Stevens Road and the 2nd New Hampshire Turnpike. It was the HAB’s.
Letter: Repeal HAB
Published: 5/22/2021 8:00:21 AM
The Housing Appeals Board is a state-level monster created by Republican NH senators. It repeatedly failed as a normal bill so these legislators sneaked it into the budget. HB 288 was a bill to repeal it, but didn’t come to a full House vote before the session ended. What does it do? Three people involved in the real estate and development business are allowed to override town board decisions regarding housing. This includes planning and zoning boards, conservation commissions, and school boards. The legislature has repeatedly defeated or laid on table many bills that would’ve enabled developers to get tax breaks for building high-density, low-income apartment buildings where they aren’t wanted or needed. It’s all part of Gov. Sununu’s plan to “mitigate” a supposed housing shortage. His plan is unconstitutional on its face.
The City of Carroll continues to search for residents who are interested in giving back to the community by serving on a committee, commission or board. There are a variety of options available, including: the Carroll Public Library Board of Trustees; the Airport Commission; Parks, Recreation and Cultural Advisory Board; Civil Service; Historical Preservation Commission; the Housing Appeals Board; Building Code Board of Appeals; and Board of Adjustment. One additional group that is in the most need of members willing to volunteer their time is that of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Those interested in pursuing a seat must be a resident of the City of Carroll and complete an application, a link to which can be found with this story on our website. In addition, a link to details about each entity can be found online. More information and applications can also be requested by calling City Hall at 792-1000. Appointments will be made by the mayor or city council and could be designat