Its time to put Citizens First
It is imperative that the Planning Board listens to the concerns of the citizens and acts in the best interest of the community. We urge the Board to carefully consider the long-term impact of their decisions and prioritize the needs of the residents over the interests of developers.
The proposed gas station at 77 Central Street threatens to compromise the quality of life for residents and lower property values.
The Planning Board of Hudson, NH is entrusted with safeguarding the well-being of our community.
The Developer is seeking two waivers
#1 - Waiver for Buffer between Commercial and Residential Uses, 276-11.1(12)(c), to not require a 100’ buffer between commercial and residential uses. The developer states that due to the layout of the site, not granting a waiver would make the land virtually undevelopable for any non-residential uses.
6 reasons the planning board should not grant this waiver
1. Safety Concerns: The buffer zone serves as a critical barrier between commercial and residential areas, helping to prevent potential hazards such as traffic congestion and accidents.
2. Property Values: Studies have shown that proximity to gas stations can negatively affect property values. Upholding the buffer zone requirement helps to protect homeowners' investments and maintain the value of their properties. THE GAS STATION EFFECT
3. Noise and Light Reduction: Maintaining the buffer zone helps to minimize the impact of noise pollution from commercial activities on nearby residential properties, contributing to a peaceful living environment.
4. Visual Aesthetics: A buffer zone provides a natural transition between different land uses, preserving the visual appeal of residential neighborhoods and preventing the encroachment of commercial structures.
5. Environmental Protection: In the case of 77 Central Street, Hudson, NH, the presence of an aquifer beneath the property could have implications for groundwater availability and quality.
6. Quality of Life: Residents rely on buffer zones to maintain a high quality of life within their neighborhoods. Granting a waiver could lead to increased stress, inconvenience, and dissatisfaction among residents.
Need more reasons? Click Here
Do Not Grant Waiver for Second Driveway
#2 - Waiver for Driveway Design Criteria, 193-10.G, to allow for more than one driveway onto the proposed site. The Applicant states that denial would result in the site being less desirable for future customers, suppliers, and vendors, while also forcing traffic from Lowell Road through and already busy intersection to access the site, in addition to limiting access for responding emergency vehicles.
Granting the developer a second driveway will inevitably result in increased traffic spilling into the surrounding neighborhoods. This additional access point will encourage more vehicles to use residential streets as shortcuts, leading to congestion, safety hazards, and a decline in the quality of life for residents.
Would you want all these cars in your neighborhood?
Taking Action Together
Now is the time for the residents of Hudson to come together and make our voices heard. By attending Planning Board meetings, contacting board members, and advocating for our community, we can ensure that our town remains a safe and vibrant place to live.
Let us stand united in protecting the character and well-being of our neighborhood. Together, we can stop the proposed gas station and preserve the quality of life for current and future generations.
They dont make it easy, but please contact the planning board. Ask that you comment be public record.