Newmarket boards weigh Master Plan, Heritage Commission, and FY28 budget
Newmarket's boards and committees held several meetings over the past two weeks to discuss a new Master Plan, a proposed Heritage Commission, and the FY28 budget. All meetings were agenda-only; minutes have not yet been published, so no decisions have been reported.
Planning Board: Master Plan and Exeter Road site plan
The Planning Board held a public hearing on a new Town Master Plan covering 11 chapters, including Vision, Land Use, Housing, and Transportation. The board also considered a minor site plan for 37 Exeter Road to demolish a single-family home and build a three-unit townhouse with a driveway, retaining walls, rain garden, and vegetative buffer. The applicant requested a continuance to September 8, 2026.
Town Council: Joint budget session with School Board
The Town Council met jointly with the Newmarket School Board to discuss the FY28 budget timeline, capital projects including the Carpenter Property and Town Hall/Police Station renovations, and the impact of HB 1300, a school district tax cap and SAU administrative spending cap. No final decisions were made.
Town Council: Heritage Commission and other items
At its August 19 meeting, the Town Council held a public hearing and second reading on an ordinance to establish a Heritage Commission. It also took a second reading on an Investment Policy resolution, and first readings on resolutions for a truck replacement and a pump station evaluation at Creighton Street. The council made appointments to the Energy and Environment Advisory Committee (Carla Ann Romano-Clarke and Alfred Medioli) and accepted a resignation and made an appointment to the Conservation Commission (Andrea Frey).
Zoning Board: Variance at 11 Creighton Street
The Zoning Board held a public hearing on a variance application from the Town of Newmarket to adjust boundary lines, allowing a 3,074-square-foot lot and a rear deck within the setback at 11 Creighton Street (Tax Map U3, Lot 17). The proposal involves associated properties on Tax Map U3, Lots 13 and 47.
Public Transportation Advisory Committee
The committee reviewed minutes from July 8 and discussed public transportation, road typology/complete streets, parking infrastructure, and signing/wayfinding, along with progress on 2026 goals. It also identified items for its next meeting on September 9.
Coming up
No upcoming meetings are scheduled in the next 14 days.