The town’s Economic Development Advisory Committee met to discuss reviving a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) project to bring sewer service across the Merrimack River to properties around Exit 10 and Quality Drive.

Committee members said outreach this month to major property owners — including representatives of KGI Properties (which owns Target and Kohl’s), Bass Pro, Walmart and Market Basket — produced conditional interest in contributing money toward sewer connections but that owners asked for specific cost and routing details before committing. The group identified the need for engineering estimates broken into segments so outreach can request defined private contributions for discrete phases.

Why it matters: The TIF would fund infrastructure intended to spur retail and restaurant development along the west side; members said past TIF work and the perception of unmet promises at Exit 11 left voters skeptical. Several committee members argued that ballot language showing private contributions and a zoning overlay that guides permitted uses could increase voter support.

Project scope and bond size: The committee described the typical scope the bond would cover — pump-station upgrades, a double-barrel force main under the Merrimack River and initial sewer mains from the pump station toward Route 3A — and said the current proposal is for an “up to $10,000,000” bond. Members repeatedly noted that $10 million is an upper bound and that private contributions could reduce the town’s borrowing requirement.

Phasing and routing: Members urged the TIF committee to obtain phased cost estimates from the project engineers (Underwood Engineering was mentioned as the firm that produced earlier plans). Suggested work segmentation included (1) crossing the river, (2) reaching the first set of businesses on the west side (for example, Dunkin’/Quality Drive area), and (3) extending to the larger retail parcels (Target/Kohl’s/Bass Pro/Walmart). The group recommended a cost-per-foot or per‑segment estimate so each property owner could be presented a specific ask rather than a general dollar figure.

Private contributions and equity: Participants said some property owners indicated they might contribute (members referenced KGI / David Yetten as an example) but asked to see engineering details and exact hookup locations before making any commitments. Committee members emphasized the need for a fair, transparent formula so owners do not perceive unequal treatment (for example, one owner paying substantially more than another for similar benefit).

Zoning overlay and ballot strategy: To address voter concerns about the type of development that follows infrastructure, the committee discussed drafting a zoning overlay for Exit 10 that would limit or encourage specific uses (restaurants, hotels, retail; discourage storage/distribution where appropriate). Members debated timing and legal separation — noting bond votes (town council/budget committee) and zoning amendments (planning board) are distinct processes — but proposed placing related questions near each other on the ballot and cross-referencing explanatory language in the voters’ guide.

Deadlines and public education: The committee noted the zoning petition window runs Nov. 10–Dec. 10 and the practical planning-board public‑hearing date identified was Dec. 1. Members also highlighted an educational Town 101 session at the public library (5:30 p.m.) as an outreach opportunity and said they will circulate the current warrant-article wording and the voters’ guide text for suggested edits.

Remaining steps: The committee agreed to (1) request segmented cost estimates and cost‑per‑foot figures from engineers, (2) continue targeted outreach to property owners to secure conditional commitments, (3) refine ballot language and voters’‑guide material, and (4) coordinate timing so a planning-board hearing (for zoning amendments) and the bond question can be placed on the same ballot cycle if feasible.

Meeting close: With no formal ordinance or bond language changed during the meeting, members scheduled follow-up work and adjourned.