Voters Approve Zoning Changes for Suncook Mill

Dateline: Oct. 23, 2019

The vote at Tuesday's special election tallied at 105 to 26, with the measure passing by a wide margin but with a lower than typical turnout. During the annual March election, the turnout is usually between 400 and 600.

The Yes vote meant that the Suncook Village Infill Development District would be extended to the old Suncook Mill, a property that was recommended for development during the 2016 planning charette. This would allow a developer to apply for the 79-E Tax Incentive Program which gives a tax break for the rehabilitation of old, underused properties. The other effect was to change the zone from Industrial to Residential/Commercial.

Back in May 2019, Brady Sullivan Properties and town officials had a pizza meeting at which Brady Sullivan reps. expressed interest in purchasing and converting the Mill to mostly one-bedroom apartments. Commercial development was considered unlikely due to the remote location of the Mill.

During the intervening months, the Selectmen and Planning Board went through a lengthy process to revise the ordinance that governs such development, and considered input from the developer. The Planning Board worked with the town attorney to compose a warrant article that included all the changes that were needed.

Since then, another developer has expressed interest in the Mill. The town has done its work to make the property more attractive to a developer. The ball is now in the buyer's court. Let's see what develops. (©¿^)

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