Concerns over town-owned properties took center stage at the Hooksett Planning Board meeting on August 4, 2025, as members discussed the auctioning of two lots on Hooksett Road. The properties, identified as Map 25 Lot 7 and Map 41 Lot 72, are under review before being put up for auction, a process that requires input from various town commissions.

The Planning Board emphasized the importance of reaching out to Eversource, the utility company that owns land adjacent to the properties, before proceeding with the auction. Members noted that the southern half of Map 25 Lot 7 is largely wetlands and lacks developable area, suggesting that it may be more beneficial to negotiate with Eversource rather than auctioning the land outright. "If the abutting property owners aren't interested, it would probably make sense to auction this property instead of holding on to it," one member stated.

The board also discussed the procedural steps required for the auction, including recommendations from the conservation and heritage commissions. While the heritage commission had no comments, the conservation commission's input is still pending. The Planning Board's consensus was to encourage the town council to notify neighboring property owners about the potential auction, ensuring that all interested parties have a chance to express their interest before the properties are put on the market.

In a motion to formalize their recommendation, the board agreed that if there is no interest from the neighbors, the properties should then be auctioned. This approach aims to ensure that the town maximizes its options while adhering to the necessary legal procedures. The next steps will involve public hearings at the town council level, where further discussions will take place regarding the future of these properties.