One of the agenda items at the most recent Hudson Board of Selectmen meeting was in regards to a grant that the town is working on securing to help make improvements at Robinson Pond.
“The New Hampshire Department of State Parks has funds available, which can be utilized for a Robinson Pond recreational boat launch and swimming beach area in addition, these two projects will provide credit to the town towards our MS4 permitting requirements, which are due 2026,” Town Engineer, Elvis Dhima, wrote in a memo to the Board of Selectmen.
It was explained by Dhima that the Conservation Commission is currently “spearheading the efforts for the design and permitting of the projects.”
“The grant ceiling is up to one million dollars, with a 50% cost match from the Town, which will require Town approval March 2025,” Dhima wrote in a memo. “The funds will be used for the construction phase of the boat launch and swimming beach area, while supporting our MS4 permit obligations.”
It was explained by Dhima, that currently the beach area, unlike the board launch area, is not open to the public and is only for Hudson residents. Dhima, however, explained that if they were to open up the beach area to the public, and not just for Hudson residents, they would have a better chance of getting the grant.
“At this time, the Robinson Pond boat launch area is open to the public, while the beach area is restricted to residents only,” Dhima wrote in a memo to the Board of Selectmen. “The grant application is due this November and the grant has a higher probability of approval if it is combined as one project and both areas are open to the public. Since the beach area is currently only open to Hudson residents, an ordinance change is required to open it to everyone. This change of restriction would make us eligible for the necessary funds for the much needed improvements now and in the future.”
It was also noted by Dhima that “On August 13, 2024 we received confirmation that our projects have met the minimum requirements and we can move forward with the grant application.”
It was noted that before any changes could be made, they would have to hold a second public hearing, which is set to take place on Nov. 12.
Board of Selectmen Chair, Bob Guessferd, noted that like any other public hearing, if people have opinions on it one way or another then they should attend the meeting, or provide feedback, so they can consider it when they make a decision one way or another about moving forward with the change.
“Please get your input in,” he said.
