Per the attached e-mail from Fire Marshal Adam Pouliot, the Fire Department has reviewed the proposed
project and concurs with the proposed 20’ road maintenance requirement and approves of the proposed
access.
In considering the request/recommendation for building approval, the Board should analyze this request in
the context of the following criteria:
Road Condition — Does the road have adequate width, drainage, and grade to accommodate the
proposed development? The Engineering Department reviewed the project via the Planning Board
application and did not indicate concerns with the road condition. The Fire Department has
confirmed that the existing road provides adequate access for fire protection purposes.
2. Conditions of Connecting Roads — Are the roads leading to the Class VI adequately constructed to
handle increased traffic? The roads leading to the Class VI road, specifically Manchester Street and
Ferry Road are Class V, City-maintained streets, and provide adequate access.
3. Effects on City Services — Will the contemplated development result in a need for increased police,
fire/rescue, water, sewer and electric services?
4. ls issuance of the permit likely to result in an “occasion” to lay out the road as a Class V road? Provided
that an Agreement and Release is signed and recorded, there does not appear to be any occasion
to lay out the road.
5. How will the proposed development affect neighboring properties and how well does the proposed
development “fit” in to the general growth/development patterns in the Town? The project was
favorably reviewed by the Planning Board and conditionally approved on 11/5/2020. Therefore, the
project is compatible with the Master Plan, development requlations, and planning and orderly
development of the community.
6. Will the issuance of said building permit tend to distort the City’s street map or Master Plan? See above.
7. Will the issuance of said building permit place a new financial burden on the City with regard to the
maintenance and repair of required infrastructure (i.e. cutting/clearing, electric, drainage, roads, etc.)?
The project will require the installation of underground electric within the Old Harris Road Right-
Of-Way. However, this work will be completed by the private property owner (or their agent) and
ongoing maintenance will not be required by the City. The owner, via the Aqreement and Release,
will be required to perform required maintenance of the street.
Should the Board be prepared to proceed with a motion, the Planning Department recommends
consideration of the following action:
Motion to recommend approval of Resolution R-21-109, authorizing the issuance of a building permit
for the construction of the Pennichuck Solar Array with a sole access via Old Harris Road, a Class VI
road pursuant to RSA 674:41, as shown on the Plans approved by the Planning Board on November
5%, 2020, as amended to the date of that approval. The Board finds there is no anticipated impact to
City services, that the proposal does not encourage scattered and premature development, AND
conditions the recommendation upon the requirement that a release of municipal liability and
responsibility, be signed by any owner(s) requesting a building permit on Old Harris Road, with such
release(s) to be recorded at HCRD by the owner prior to the issuance of any building permit.
lam available to answer any questions related to this request should the Board or public have them.
Thank you,
Matt Sullivan, Planning Department Manager
cc:
Sarah Marchant, Community Development Director
Celia K. Leonard, Esq., Deputy Corporation Counsel
