The Hudson Conservation Commission met on Sept. 17 to discuss the latest updates regarding 121 Wason Road, a property tied to the long-defunct Circumferential Road project. Civil Engineer Don Kirkland reported that the state is not expected to make the land available for purchase this year.
“Town Engineer Elvis Dhima spoke to someone at the state regarding the purchase of 121 Wason, and it does not appear that the property will be available for purchase this calendar year. The state believes it may be more reasonable to anticipate that the property may become more available next year,” Kirkland said. “Because of that, Elvis withdrew his application with LCHIP for a grant to buy 121 Wason and will probably reapply next year.”
During a public session, state officials cautioned that distributing land originally set aside for the Circumferential Road could take time. Commissioner Chris Cameron asked whether withdrawing the grant application was necessary, noting that Dhima would likely reapply once the land formally becomes available.
Kirkland did not give a direct answer but confirmed the town plans to re-apply next year. New Hampshire’s Land and Community Heritage Investment Program, known as LCHIP, provides matching grants to municipalities and non-profit to protect natural, cultural, and historic resources. With limited local funds for land acquisition, the Conservation Commission hoped to secure an LCHIP grant to help purchase 121 Wason Road.
“Typically, with LCHIP, you need a project identified for it. If that project is not in the same timeframe, they’re going to come back and ask you for another one,” said Selectman Liaison Dillon Dumont. “I don’t think you could resubmit at this point, I don’t think there are any other options unfortunately and I remember when we talked about it, the whole thing was kind of a gamble in the beginning whether or not the state would even get to selling it this calendar year.”
Vice-Chair Ken Dickinson described the process as a “slow moving boat,” noting that the state wants to prioritize Circumferential Road parcels involving residents before moving on to land intended for conservation. “There’s probably no harm in pulling off and having us apply next year,” Dickinson said. “We wouldn’t get the funding anyhow until there’s something real.”
Commissioner Kathy Griswold hoped that some of the work completed for the original application could be reused. “Am I correct in assuming that a majority of the heavy lifting that’s already been done to get the original application through is reusable?” she asked. “That won’t have to be the same grind that it was to first get this in?”
Kirkland assured her that much of the paperwork could be used again. “Then the heavy lifting is done,” Griswold said. “Best to just reapply when it’s available.”
Alternate Makaela Murray asked whether the town could be notified as soon as the property becomes available. Kirkland said there is a “line of communication” between Dhima and state officials, and the town would likely know quickly.
The next meeting of the Conservation Commission is set for Monday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. in the Buxton Meeting Room.