In The Know Hampton

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Article 2: Definition of “Pervious Surface”, Installation Specifications, Reverting to Impervious

Click here to see the wording of this Article as it appears on your ballot.

What it means: This Article proposes to add a new definition to the ordinances to define pervious surfaces, also known as porous or permeable surfaces. The Town currently has a definition for impervious surface, but not for pervious surfaces, which is term often used but not defined. The definition also includes criteria for the proper installation of pervious surfaces, and specifies that they may be inspected and deemed impervious if they are not properly maintained.

No one spoke for or against this Article, except to explain it.

There is no direct tax impact.

Article 3: Definition of Short-Term Rentals

Click here to see the wording of this Article as it appears on your ballot.

What it means: This Article proposes to establish comprehensive, reasonable controls over short-term or vacation rentals, to better preserve the character of residential neighborhoods that can be affected by this use; to help preserve the affordability, quality, and quantity of the Town’s housing stock for year-round residential use; and to ensure the safety of short-term rental occupants.

No one spoke for or against this Article, except to explain it.

There is no direct tax impact.

Article 8: Zoning Ordinance Related to New Overlay District West Side of Hampton

Are you in favor of the adoption of Amendment No. 7 as proposed by the Planning Board for the Hampton Zoning Ordinance as follows?

Amend the Zoning Ordinance to add new Article XIX-B, the “Liberty Lane Overlay District”, which includes the following sections: 19-B.1 stating the purpose of facilitating development of real property primarily accessed from Liberty Lane. 19-B.2 citing the boundary as consisting of any and all real property bounded between the New Hampshire Turnpike (Interstate 95) to the West, New Hampshire Route 101 to the East and North, and Towle Farm Road to the South.

19-B.3 stating that the dimensional requirements for the Liberty Lane Overlay District shall be the same as those provided for the underlying Industrial Zoning District but with respect to any residential use, the maximum number of units per structure shall not exceed 120. 19-B.4 citing the permitted uses to include Residential Dwelling Units: Single Family, Two-Family, and/or Multi-Family; Condominium; Outdoor recreation areas for picnicking and pet exercise; Retail Sales and Services; Restaurants; Business and Professional Offices; Personal Services Establishments; Hotels; Health Care Facilities; Health/Athletic Clubs; Private Schools; Light Manufacturing, including Research and Development; Electric Vehicle Charging Stations; and Accessory Uses. 19-B.5 requiring Site Plan Review. 19-B.6 requiring all uses to comply with the parking standards provided in Article VI of the Zoning Ordinance, requiring a minimum of one electric vehicle charging station for every 100 residential units, and requiring a minimum of one electric vehicle charging station for every 50,000 square feet of non-residential floor area. 19-B.7 requiring any development or redevelopment to be consistent with the purposes set forth in Section 19-B.1 and to be subject to the Architectural and Site Design Guidelines and other related requirements in the Town of Hampton Site Plan Review Regulations. 19-B.8 stating that signs shall be governed by the provisions of Article V of the Zoning Ordinance, shall adhere to the requirements for the Industrial District in Tables 1 and II of said Article V, and shall be subject to the Architectural and Site Design Guidelines and other related requirements in the Town of Hampton Site Plan Review Regulations.

Also, Amend Article III – Use Regulations to add a note cross referencing Section 19-B.4 for the Permitted Uses and Facilities in the Liberty Lane Overlay District.

What it means:This creates and provides details for a new Liberty Lane Overlay District that includes new uses other than industrial, to include residential, retail, services and other currently prohibited uses.

Those in favor say:No one spoke specifically in favor of the article, other than to clarify questions or concerns from the attendees about the intent of the Article (see below).

Those opposed say:There was concern expressed over the burden that might be placed on municipal services including sewer, police, fire, traffic, etc. To that point, it was explained that this is only expanding the allowed uses in the district. It is not the approval of any particular project, which would need to go before all the appropriate boards for a site review process. Further, recent projects on the west side of town have had to join a sewer agreement, whereby the transportation of sewage to the Transfer station is the responsibility of the sewer consortium, and there are restrictions on the amount of sewage that can be deposited.

One speaker said that the reason it was zoned industrial in the first place is that it provided a natural buffer for the residential areas from the noise of I95 traffic.  By allowing residential development there, you remove that buffer and increase evening and weekend traffic.

Article 9 – Reconstruction of Bicentennial Sea Wall – Bond Funding $3,000,000

Click here to see the wording of this Article as it appears on your ballot.

What it means: In 2016, an investigation into the integrity of the Town-owned portion of the sea wall (“Bicentennial Sea Wall”) concluded that that portion of the wall was in structural failure and in need of emergency stabilization. In 2017, the emergency stabilization was carried out by the placement of rocks on the ocean side of the wall to help protect the wall from storms. In 2018, voters approved the expenditure for the design of the repair/replacement of the wall. Storms have continued to erode the wall and as sea water has made its way over the jersey barriers; the parking lot has also seen erosion. The Town has placed concrete barriers to protect the remaining portions of the wall and the resident parking. This Article requests the funds to contract for the reconstruction of the wall.

Because this is a bond Article, by state law it must receive a 3/5ths majority vote (60%).

Those in favor say: The Town-owned portion of the wall was constructed in the 1950’s and is 2 feet shorter than the State-owned portion of the wall. Because the wall is shorter, it allows more storm and tide surge to flood streets leading to the beach.The supporting structure of the wall is failing. The temporary emergency stabilization done in 2017 was not intended to be a permanent fix. With each storm, there is further erosion and ignoring this issue could lead to the eventual loss of the park and the associated parking lot.

Those against say: With current interest rates, the cost of a 25 year note or bond would exceed $5,000,000. During the same period, repairs would be needed to maintain the wall. More discussion is needed to determine if this project should be done now, considering the other flooding projects that also need attention.

Fiscal Impact: The 2023 estimated tax rate impact is $0.072 per $1,00 valuation. The bond is expected to be for a period up to 25-years.

Article 10 – Operating Budget $34,503,083 versus Default $33,155,072

Click here to see the wording of this Article as it appears on your ballot.

What it means: The voters are presented with two possible budgets. The Proposed Operating Budget is what the Town departments feel they need to manage the Town efficiently and effectively. The Default Budget is the minimum budget allowed.  The RSAs (New Hampshire state legislature) dictate certain costs that must be covered in the Town’s Budget* and that is what makes up the Default – the voters do not have a choice.

Both budgets for 2023 reflect the effects of the Warrant Articles approved by the last year, such as union agreements and infrastructure projects. Roughly 60% of the difference between the Proposed Operating Budget and the Default Budget is a result of increases in energy costs – gasoline for vehicles, electricity, heating, etc. Another major contributor is wage & benefit increases for non-union employees.

Compared to the 2022 adopted budget, the Default Budget represents a 9.7% increase and the Proposed Operating Budget represents a 13.8% increase. The Proposed Operating Budget includes items not allowed by the RSA to be included in the default budget.

*The default budget is regulated by RSA 40:13, and starts with the prior year’s approved budget, and is increased by obligations mandated by law, debt service, and contracts lawfully entered into, and is reduced by one-time expenditures, salaries and benefits of positions that have been eliminated since last year’s budget. The default budget will be the operating budget for the Town in the event the Proposed Operating Budget does not pass.

Those in favor say: The Town is unique as a prime tourist destination with pristine beaches that we all enjoy, but it also requires certain responsibilities other towns may not have. The Budget Committee receives input from all other Town Departments in meeting these anticipated responsibilities. The proposed operating budget reflects the police department’s shift from a combination of part-time police officers and State Police – to full-time staff and outside agencies.

Those opposed say: Those opposed stated that taxpayers are already negatively impacted by inflation as well as concerns over the possibility of a recession. There are concerns that the senior population of the Town would be driven out due to the high taxes. It was also noted that in past years, the Town ended up with a budgetary surplus, which would indicate that the default budget provides adequate funding for the Town’s needs, including unexpected overages.

Fiscal impact: The proposed operating budget impact is $1.096 per $1,000 valuation. The default budget impact is $0.752 per $1,000 valuation. For a home valued at $400,000 this means that the proposed budget will cost $438 more than last year in annual property taxes and the Default Budget will cost $300 more than last year, or a difference of $138. The number to use if you are calculating for your own property would be the difference between the two or .344 per thousand dollars of property valuation.