Letters from 2006
What If …
March 30, 2007
What if a small group of Hudson, New Hampshire residents are making a mistake?
What if the best thing that could ever happen to the town of Hudson doesn’t happen because protests by a few causes a whole community to miss out on some opportunities that may never come again?
What if a new and exciting project that could offer jobs, entertainment, dining choices, boating, biking, ice skating as well as a wide variety of other things to do, was shot down by some well intended residents that are raising some concerns that can be addressed?
What if improvements to the quality of life, economy, and growth were all thrown away because we held on to our fear (as a community) and would not embrace change due to fear and/or ignorance?
What if the quality of life improved and families had more choices of things to do together and teenagers had an abundance of summer jobs? What if there are some peripheral benefits that we don’t have the foresight to anticipate? For example, what if having a grocery store like Whole Foods had a benefit to the eating habits and health of the community, or walking and biking trails along the, underused, Merrimack River gave more healthful options for people that may otherwise sit in front of a television on a beautiful summer evening.
I understand (wholeheartedly) fear of change and even resistance to change, however, fear of growth when growth is healthy and, overwhelmingly, positive is something that, in my mind, can be a waste of life.
Do we want to oppose all growth?
Would it be wiser to learn more and make an informed decision?
I have kept my opinion to myself on this matter until I could learn a little more about this huge undertaking and now I am in a position to speak intelligently.
I have read the plans, met with a representative from W/S development, driven to other projects that are currently in existence and talked with people in the community. I still have questions and concerns, but I also believe that it would be shortsighted and counterproductive to run off any developer that has plans for Hudson without first voicing our concerns, then asking questions and engaging in some dialogue before making a hasty and uninformed decision.
As for the question, “What if we do this and it is the wrong decision?” If we dismiss all change as bad we will become paralyzed with fear and I, for one, refuse to live my life ruled by fear.
The town of Hudson has a lot going for it. It is a nice, little, New England town with history and charm. The people here are happy and have a good quality of life. However, it is different than it was 100 years ago and despite efforts or wishes of people that may not want change, Hudson will be different 100 years in the future as well. It is up to us, not to prevent change (this can’t and shouldn’t be done) but, instead, to learn what change is best for Hudson and make sure the interests of the town and the people are taken into consideration.
As a parent, seeing my three kids grow up I always had a little fear of them growing and growing up and a, small, part of me wanted them to stay small forever. Instead of trying to prevent the natural course of things I encouraged growth in directions that I thought were best. As you might imagine, they all grew and matured and changed. The town of Hudson will do the same. Growth is inevitable and necessary and if you have a fondness for Hudson your concern is valid, but stifling growth is not a good idea and is not healthy.
In the absence of growth you have stagnation. I would like to encourage healthy debate and decision making that envisions a future that is better for the next generation than what we have today … that is what should dictate our decision making above all else.
I challenge other Hudson residents to become informed and active regarding this project. Form your own opinion and listen to the pros and cons. If, after weighing the pros and cons you feel there are more benefits than obstacles then join me in supporting and welcoming RiverPlace to our town.
A good place to start may be riverplacehudson.com.
Ross J. Hergenhahn - Hudson
The Legacy of Hudson
March 30, 2007
Over the past few months numerous articles have been written concerning RiverPlace. Some for and some against the project. It seems like some patterns are forming. We have the “Follow the money” people; they have a financial interest in the project (lawyers, developers, real estate agents). Followed by the “Whatever they do is fine” crew, these folks say things like “Oh progress is good let them build whatever they like.” And of course you have the “Complainers,” those folks that seem to have too much time on their hands.
Haven’t we wasted enough time and money discussing this topic? I haven’t heard one decent reason to be excited about this yet, have you? Instead of bashing this horrible proposal how about we come up with a better idea. How about this, leave one of the golf courses alone and build Sky Meadow style housing around it. That will satisfy the land owner who deserves to be paid for his property. Then ask the Friel family to donate enough land to the town to build some much needed things. A Greeley Park style recreation center with a bandstand and recreational fields. How about a proper Senior Center for our town’s valued older citizens? This will in turn allow us to convert the old Lions Hall to a larger sized library.
We are at a crossroads; do we want the legacy of this generation to be a mega-mall or a Hudson Community Park. Think of that the next time you are stuck in traffic on DW Highway in Nashua.
Mike L'Italien - Hudson
Hudson Grassroots Central Info
March 30, 2007
In reading Mike L’Italien’s rebuttal to Attorney Thomas Leonard, the Attorney for the Friel family, owners of Green Meadow Golf Course in Hudson, I came to the conclusion that Mike’s rebuttal was right on the button, as he pointed out the attorney’s statement in his letter to Hudson~Litchfield News, and I quote, “I am struck by the misinformation that exists.” He was, of course, referring to how wonderful a picture that he had painted in the previous week’s edition of Hudson~Litchfield News of how the approval of the RiverPlace development on Green Meadow Golf Course was going to be a good thing for Hudson, as he explained Phase I of the not yet approved development.
Mike pointed out in his rebuttal letter of March 16, how Attorney Leonard had conveniently left out any information as to a Phase II or a Phase III which are also a vast part of the building development at RiverPlace. Nor did the attorney mention any of the extremely important drawbacks that would face our town if the project were ever to be approved, such as the quality of our breathable air that would be diminished by an overwhelming increase in automobile and truck traffic, on our roads, nor did he mention that widening of our roads and taking of homes along those roads by eminent domain to facilitate that widening, nor the stink and pollution associated with such a vast increase in vehicular traffic, nor did he mention how the quality of life would be completely destroyed if this project were to reach the building stages, and on and on ad infinitum.
Mike then went on to say in his rebuttal, that he understood that Attorney Leonard works for, and is paid by, the Friel family to represent their interests. In their endeavor to sell the Golf Course to W/S Development so RiverPlace can be built, and he asks, “Well, who is representing the interests of every resident in Hudson?” I can answer that question of Mike’s, and am proud to do. The interests of the Town of Hudson and each of its citizens will be represented and protected by Hudson Grassroots Central and its 183 members and supporters, and registered voters, against the RiverPlace project being approved. Go to HudsonGrassrootsCentral.com and click on our e-mail list of supporters and you’ll know who is going to represent Hudson in this fight to Stop RiverPlace. If you’d like to add your name to our list of supporters, while visiting the Website and making yourself aware of all of the information available, click on “Feedback Form” and fill in that form, it takes about 30 seconds, there are no fees, and information will never be given out about any supporter, for any reason. Once you’ve become a member of our opposition to uncontrolled growth and Mall Sprawl in Hudson, you’ll automatically be included in all information about this and other growth projects that need stopping or slowing via letters and e-mail.
As of March 8, 2007 there are or were 13,818 registered voters living in Hudson. On the 13th at the voting session less than 3,500 of those registered voters took the time to go to the Community Center and cast their vote. Every member of our grassroots effort made it a point to go to the Center and vote as votes are what are needed to “Take our Town back.” If our group had 30 - 40 percent of voters siding with us against the building of RiverPlace, it could never be built.
I agree 100 percent that the Friel family has a right to sell their property to anyone that they choose within limits. With a large acreage parcel of 375 acres plus/minus I do not wish to see a gigantic pig farm on that site, nor do I wish to see RiverPlace built there as it will completely and forever change our way of life as we now know it. The residents are very uneasy about this subject project and at least 183 of us are making it known to developers, etc., that we do not want this project to be built in Hudson. We are standing up and stating that “We don’t want what this town will become if this project is approved to be built” and “We want our Town Back.” How about if Attorney Leonard searches out golf course owners as buyers of Green Meadow? I know that the local golfers would love to keep a golf course In Hudson ... and so would the members of Grassroots Central.
Ron Peters - Hudson
A Former Resident’s View on RiverPlace
March 30, 2007
As a former resident of Hudson for thirty years my heart still resides there and cares about its future. The proposed city within the town concerns me, so I write this to all residents as food for thought.
It amazes me that so many believe a monster sized development equals lower taxes. It is in fact, a myth used by builders and developers to entice support for their projects. How do I know that? In the early 1970’s Hudson had no industry. Land on Route 111 became available. A group was formed to purchase it to develop as an industrial park to increase the tax base. Shares were sold to town resident – all of them enthused about lowering taxes. I was one of them. Did taxes go down? Definitely not.
Later, along came a proposal to develop an even larger parcel of land off Lowell Road for industry. It too was cheered as a way to lower taxes. Did it? No! Not a dime. The fact is, when money comes into a town, all towns, there are ways it has to be spent. Towns are like children – the more they grow, the more they cost. In a town though, costs last forever.
Consider these issues before saying you are for the proposed mega development.
Traffic problems? Lowell Road seems to be the main concern but there are other roads no one has mentioned. Entrances into and out of the development at the bridge and near the state line won’t help that much because the predicted 5,000 employees, plus a huge number of shoppers expected, plus those living in the development will all come and go to and from all directions. They will soon learn they can avoid Lowell Road congestions, stop lights, and the center of town by using side roads and streets. Many people use them now. I do. That means Musquash, Pelham, Burns Hill, Melendy, Belknap, Adelaide to Highland and back, etc. will become prey to overuse in the future. This in turn will require them to undergo major upgrades. The cost will fall on you the taxpayer.
Sewage generated? Will this city within a town have its own sewer utilities? If not, Hudson could be in deep trouble because it is already too close to the capacity agreement with Nashua for comfort. What if Nashua says “No More?” If so, deep tax trouble would result.
Water? It’s fine that the developer pays for some cost for a new tank. Will they have an independent supply? Hudson owns its own water supply now. Will it mean more wells to supply the huge demands of this city within a town? If so, talk taxes again folks.
And then there is the police department. More officers? More cruisers? The fire department. More equipment? More inspectors? And the Highway Department. More plows? More street cleaners? More men? I didn’t see any maintenance buildings in the plans so far. Or a police or fire station? Talk taxes. And what about a 400 room hotel? What is the configuration? Is it a skyscraper? (God forbid!) Hudson zoning law has a limit on how high a building can be. Will this become a request for another exemption? (Pray that the Planning and Zoning Board stay firm and strong on this one).
I salute Mr. Peters for forming an organization in regards to this development. I’ve heard talk about petitions. In the 1970’s a matter came up that upset and divided the townspeople. I think it was zoning. It was settled by petition to change it and petition to put it to special town meeting. They were successful in defeating the request. The laws are very specific about these petitions. We were lucky to have a lawyer who had just come to town, volunteer to help us get the petitions worded correctly. A State Representative assisted him. Petitions were placed on the counters of all small businesses in town. Volunteers went door to door. Volunteers all made phone calls on town meeting day to remind people to vote. The effort was a huge success. Keep up the good work Mr. Peters.
Darlene Piper, Founder of the Hudson News - Litchfield
Let Your Voice Be Heard
March 23, 2007
I have received several inquiries as to why I have been silent about the proposed Green Meadow project these past few weeks. The inquiries not only deserve an answer but I’ll expound upon my reasoning but I’ll do so briefly.
Several people approached me and encouraged me to seek election to the Board of Selectman and financial support was offered to finance the bid. I was not interested in running for the board and I feel strongly that people who offer themselves for public office need to represent not with their personal agendas or pet projects but with an unbiased determination to serve all of the people and to put the Town first and foremost.
I strongly believe that the developers have a right to be heard and go through the process and, as naïve as this may sound, I would trust that our elected representatives on various elected boards and commissions will abide by the will of the majority of the Towns people.
Most of us chose to live in Hudson, New Hampshire because of the quality of life that existed and was provided at the time we purchased our homes in the Town. As one who chose to do so, I strongly believe that any attempt to disrupt that peace and tranquility will be dealt with in a democratic way.
I did not join any organization that stands in opposition of the project because I strongly feel that one or more of the organizers are attempting to gain notoriety in order to make a bid for the Board of Selectmen in the near future. I am not interested in promoting anyone’s candidacy.
I am not convinced by all of the rhetoric that this project will be a financial windfall for our Town. One needs only to look to our neighbor city, Nashua to see what the end-result of all the additional projects has brought upon them.
When was the last time our taxes have gone down in Hudson? What has become of the hundreds of thousands of dollars collected from impact fees collected from all of the development that has taken place in the past few years? The answer is obvious; it gets spent as fast as it comes in. It is obvious by the constant tax increases every year that our Town leaders find ways to spend a lot more than the added increases and additional fees.
This year I urge you, the voter, to act responsibly. Let’s begin to take our Town back by voting “no” on the new budget and force the Town to stay within last years spending allocation. We should do the same with the school budget. I do support the addition of new police officers for our Town. The need is obvious. I also support the $15,000 request to study the feasibility of building an addition to our Community Center for the elderly. I just don’t understand why it would cost money to conduct the study. Don’t we have people on the Community Development payroll that could answer that for free? They must think we are stupid. We should also support union negotiated payroll increases for our hard working public works employees.
We should soundly defeat the article for the new library. We do not need it and I resent the gall of the Library commission going in for hearings at the Planning Board for the construction of a new library before the citizens approve the expenditure. I also resent reading all of the public service announcements for all of the new programs now being offered by the library. Where have they been the last two years? The library is not a priority and building at the furthest end of Town near the Litchfield Town line is unacceptable. In order to qualify for a new library you need to prove that more people go the library daily than the number of employees that are there on a daily basis. Vote a resounding no to the library.
I’ve read a “Thumbs” article asking when Stop and Shop is going to build a park, as promised, behind their store. The answer is simple: Never. I heard that a sweetheart deal was reached with Stop and Shop where they paid the Town $25,000 in lieu of the park. The chain link fencing around the park would have cost that alone. If this were true, who arranged this deal? How did Hudson benefit from this transaction and where did the money go?
Lastly: Just how does one get to use the public access channels in our Town? I made a request over a year ago for permission to host a weekly show to no avail. I guess I’m not well enough connected. The show would have provided an opportunity to hear from candidates for public office, it would showcase local talent, and, most importantly, it would have been entertaining. Public access in Hudson must have a different meaning from what I thought access meant when I served on a cable television commission several years ago.
Please do your civic duty and vote this coming election and let our voices be heard loud and clear.
Roger E. Coutu – Hudson
RiverPlace Rebuttal
March 23, 2007
In response to the letter from Thomas J. Leonard titled “RiverPlace ... Keep an Open Mind.” Where do I begin?
His first statement, “I am very interested in understanding the concerns that citizens have regarding the proposed RiverPlace development.” What does he not understand? We don’t want our town polluted with smog and traffic.
I understand that he represents the Friel family and he is paid to protect their interests. Well, who is representing the interests of the town people of Hudson?
The next point Thomas makes “I am struck by the misinformation that exists.” He then proceeds to explain Phase 1 of the project and its comparison to the Mall of America. It seems like Thomas neglected to mention Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the project. Funny how lawyers leave things out when it’s convenient.
Finally let’s tackle his final comments. “The project will create many new jobs; entry level jobs available for teenagers.” Great! Just what we need, entry level jobs. How about jobs for people that will allow them to afford to live in Hudson.
Mike L’Italien - Hudson
New Bridge over the Merrimack?
March 23, 2007
The Nashua Telegraph had a story today about the possibility of another bridge spanning the Merrimack River off Route 3A in Litchfield into the City of Merrimack, New Hampshire. It was written by one Lynn Ober, whom I believe is a resident of Hudson who has sponsored a bill to build a third bridge over the Merrimack River to join Litchfield and Merrimack at a cost of approximately 67 million dollars. It is supposedly a continuation of the Circumferential Highway system that originally was planned well over 40 years ago and was never built due to wetlands problems, even though millions were spent by the State in Eminent Domain purchases of all homes along the proposed route of that highway. This “new” bridge was part of that boondoggle.
Now comes a bill to build this new bridge which will be a “Toll” Bridge, as” People would be willing to pay a toll rather than put up with the traffic in Hudson and Nashua” according to Lynn Ober. I had to smile when I saw that the Toll Bridge would charge a toll only until such time as the bridge was all paid for, and then the crossing of the bridge would be free to all, i.e., no more tolls. Let me tell you a true story.
Once upon a time in the City of Boston, a tunnel under the Boston Harbor was built for $230,000 dollars in the year of our Lord 1932. A plaque which still stands at the entrance on the Boston side of the Sumner Tunnel states, “This tunnel will be a toll tunnel and will cost each vehicle, be it an auto or a horse drawn wagon the sum of 10 cents to utilize the tunnel. This toll is to remain in effect until the cost of the building of the tunnel has been paid in full. At that time the use of this tunnel will be free to all citizens.”
Here we are 75 years later and 800,000,000 cars, buses, trucks etc have traversed the tunnel in both directions and the politicians are still collecting tolls at the Sumner Tunnel entrances. This only goes to prove that once a toll or a tax is in effect, it will never be rescinded or dismissed by the politicians, but will in fact remain as a money collection for a myriad of other programs in the City and State. It will never be free to anyone for any reason, at any time.
In my opinion, this new boondoggle, the proposed new toll bridge, will supposedly only collect tolls until cost of the bridge has been recouped will never occur. It never has in the past, with the Everett Turnpike, also collecting tolls until its cost is paid off, and on and on. Now here comes a third proposed “boondoggle” RiverPlace which will reduce the property taxes of all Hudson residents ... just like the Pheasant Lane Mall reduced the property taxes of the Nashua Homeowners.
The powers to be must think all New Hampshire home owners fell off a turnip truck somewhere and cannot think or add or subtract. Tell me of anything that was built within the past 50 years anywhere in Hudson or Nashua that reduced the property taxes of the residents of either town. Can't find one? Isn't that strange? No one asked me, and this is just my opinion and I think that I paid for the Sumner Tunnel myself while traveling through it everyday for 18 years to go to work at the airport Control Tower in East Boston. It was $1 per trip through the tunnel back in the 60s and 70s, and they're still taking tolls at the tunnel entrance. It will never be free to anyone, ever!
Ron Peters - Hudson
RiverPlace…Keep an Open Mind
March 16, 2007
Over the past several weeks, I have been reading letters to the editor and other written comments to the Nashua Telegraph and the local paper serving Hudson and Litchfield. As a representative of the Friel Family, I am very interested in understanding the concerns that citizens have regarding the proposed RiverPlace development. Change is sometimes difficult and always worrisome. We understand that proposed change brings many questions.
However, as I read the newspaper articles, the letters to the editor and other written comments I am struck by the misinformation that exists. I know that the facts regarding RiverPlace will eventually come out through the planning and review process, but I would like to share some information and correct some of the public comments.
First, RiverPlace is a mixed use commercial center that combines traditional retail functions with leisure and recreational amenities. The retail locations are open air places with smaller scale buildings laid out in a Main Street like plan. It is designed to be pedestrian friendly and will feature upscale architecture, landscaping, and a planned coordination of the different uses. It will be a very pleasant place. Its characteristics are not similar to an enclosed mall.
Second, individuals have stated that RiverPlace is the largest retail center in New England, that it is six times as big as the Pheasant Lane Mall, and that it is almost as big as the Mall of America. None of these statements are true. In Phase I of RiverPlace all buildings total approximately 1.1million square feet of developed space. They include shops, restaurants, a cinema, and recreational facilities. For reference, it is about the same total developed space as the enclosed Pheasant Lane Mall, but RiverPlace is many separate buildings, the mall is one. The land area for Phase I of RiverPlace is approximately 190 acres. The land area for the Pheasant Lane Mall is approximately 60 acres. The total land area of RiverPlace is about the same as the area south of Spit Brook Road to Tyngsborogh. The total developed space for RiverPlace is far less than is developed in a similar area along the DW Highway. Also for reference, the Mall of America is presently one 4.2 million square foot building.
Some individuals with a clear agenda to cause public alarm have even suggested that all experts and engineers are controlled by the proponents of the plan. Nothing could be further from the truth. For example, there are separate and independent traffic experts representing the interests of the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NH DOT), others representing the Town of Hudson, others working with the City of Nashua and still more helping the Nashua Regional Planning Commission. The same is true for each of the questions relating to infrastructure necessary for the project. To say that the review process is a one-sided effort is completely false and clearly designed to create fear and worry in the citizenry.
The property at Green Meadow Golf Club represents the lifetime commitment of two generations of the Friel family. They have their hearts and souls in this property and they respect it. When the Friels first opened their business in Hudson, Fairway Drive and Par Lane did not exist. The Sagamore Bridge did not exist. Once the bridge was built, the site was destined to be one of the most important commercial sites in Southern New Hampshire. Since the mid 1980s, the Friels have periodically confirmed their intentions to develop the property. The town has informally acknowledged that the land would eventually be developed, but has always expressed an interest in a master plan. When the Friels decided to develop the property, they carefully selected a developer who was willing to commit to a master plan for the entire site and who had the financial capacity and acumen to carry out the project. The Friel’s decision to master plan the property was based upon their respect for the land and their relationship with the town. All agree that good planning offers many important benefits over piecemeal development.
By requiring a Master Plan, and by addressing the planning issues that relate to the entire 375 acre parcel, the process has been long and more complicated. While it has allowed for a thoughtful well planned project, it has also enabled some individuals to spread misinformation and cause fear and worry where none is justified. The planning and review process is designed to balance the interests of the town with the rights and interests of the land owners. This is not a referendum on what some neighbors would like to do with the land but rather a discussion of what is fair and balanced. During the process, the citizens of Hudson and the Friel Family both deserve open, honest, and good faith discussions. All who have something to say should be held to the same standards of good faith and accuracy. It is the responsibility of the newspapers to report objectively. Similarly, individuals who have comment should take care that their comments are informed and correct. People who use misinformation to cause delay or who have an agenda beyond fair review of the RiverPlace project have no part in this process. I am confident that the planners and administrators will make fair and objective decisions if they are provided complete and accurate information.
Finally, consider these possibilities:
- The project will create many new jobs; entry level jobs available for teenagers, part time jobs for older citizens and management jobs for the heads of households.
- A new $30 million bypass and interchange will actually improve the traffic situation on Lowell Road by allowing existing traffic direct access to the highway and vice-versa.
- A $3 - $5 million net tax benefit to the Town of Hudson is correct and will actually enable improved services and improved schools.
- RiverPlace becomes a landmark destination for the region – an appropriately planned development which becomes the retail and cultural center for the Town of Hudson.
These possibilities are worth an objective and open minded look.
Thomas J. Leonard - Hudson
Candidate for Selectman
March 9, 2007
Hello Hudson! My name is Thaddeus (Ted) Luszey and I am seeking your vote for selectman. I have been serving Hudson for many years on various committees such as the Budget Committee, Nashua Regional Planning Committee, Hudson School District Technology Committee, Facilities Committee, and as a mentor for the Alvirne’s F.I.R.S.T. team. To help the voters of Hudson make an informed choice for Selectman, I want to outline what I believe are the top three issues facing Hudson over the next 3 – 5 years and beyond as well as my position on each of these topics.
- The RiverPlace (Green Meadow) development. I believe the owners of Green Meadow no longer wish to be in the golfing business. With that said, I believe this area will be developed, if not RiverPlace then something else. As your selectman, I will work to ensure Hudson receives all it’s entitled to to maintain and improve our community resources, i.e., water, sewer, roads, fire, police, and schools.
- The overall growth and the ability of its aging infrastructure to support this growth. Specifically, Hudson has a number of facilities which are or have been outgrown – the Library, Town Hall, Central Fire Station, the water and sewer system, etc. For example, last year we purchased a new fire truck to replace an aging and unreliable engine. Because of the doors and ceiling height at the Central Fire Station, a standard height truck would not fit! We had to order a custom engine which was shorter; thus this added an additional cost to the Town in order to acquire a customized truck. As your selectman, I will work with all the departments and the other members of the board to create a workable, common sense plan which addresses both the short and long term needs of our community.
- Our seniors and youth. These two groups have had many promises made and many were broken. The needs of our seniors and youth are very similar, they both need a place they can socialize, they need affordable public transportation and easy access to all Town services – at a cost we all can afford. As your selectman I will work to develop a realistic plan which will resolve these issues.
In closing, I am asking for your vote on March 13 to be your selectman. As your selectman I will work for you, the citizens of Hudson, listening to what your needs are, and helping to find affordable solutions for our community while maintaining the overall
Thaddeus (Ted) Luszey - Hudson
2012
February 23, 2007
Let’s travel to the year 2012 and see how things are going in Hudson since the opening of RiverPlace.
Champagne corks are popping in Chestnut Hill for the folks at W/S Development. The first rent check came in from Target and Crate & Barrel. This should help fund phase 2 of RiverPlace.
Traffic cameras have been installed along Lowell Road, Dracut Road, River Road, Wason Road, and Derry Road. You can see this on your local cable access channel.
Minimum wage jobs are plentiful at RiverPlace, come down to the visitor’s center and pick up an application. Don't forget lots of police and fire jobs are still available.
Educational programming will be shown to school children via satellite TV, while they are on their extended bus routes.
The mayor’s office announced that taxes have gone up again this year, "due to circumstances beyond our control.”
The city planner announced last week that he is moving on to a new small town that needs his help.
The development company Atlantic Tambone is also pleased to announce the opening of Hudson Village, a 60,000 square foot retail center across the street from RiverPlace.
The River Road widening project continues with phase 2 this summer. Due to a small miscalculation in traffic flows the need to take more houses via eminent domain will continue. The goal of a four-lane road from Wal-Mart to the Massachusetts border should be achieved soon.
The planning board turned down the request from Mr. and Mrs. Jones last month for an in-law addition to their house. Stating that it did not conform to city standards.
The city road agent announced that another traffic light will be installed on Lowell Road between Chili's and the Outback.
The mayor announced today that due to a drop in property values that the assessment for residential property will rise by only .20 cents per $1,000. Much less than originally thought.
The school committee announced an exploratory committee today to find land for a new high school. Overcrowding at Alvirne has created an accreditation problem with the state.
That’s all for now, check back soon …
Mike L'Italien - Hudson
Seven Reasons to Support RiverPlace
February 16, 2007
I bet anyone reading this is a “cow towner.” I moved into Hudson 26 years ago. It was small, quaint, and economically viable. Times change and they certainly have for Hudson. I have seen the town grow over the years. I have seen business move in and move out. I’ve watched landowners and residents flourish during a time when most of the Northeast was benefiting from the high tech boom.
Those times long since gone by, most of the “rich” landowners have found the “means” (necessity, for lack of a better self deserving term) to make ends meet and have sold their assets, not for self gratification but more than likely for the means to continue to support a lifestyle they had grown accustomed to. Do I know this for certain? No, it’s a just an educated guess due to having watched and listened to what is happening in America.
RiverPlace? The second Mall of America? Whatever. I am open to change. I am open to growth and expansion. I am open to evaluating and doing what is best for community. We’ve grown so much, and given our geographical location and limited access to Route 3, does it really matter what we build? Our “new” state and federal governments will change New Hampshire’s tax status (which I can gut guarantee is coming), until we start paying a state income tax to support our overpriced cost of living and wants (not needs), what’s wrong with becoming the Shopping Mecca of the Northeast? Think about it:
- A Parkway Route east of the Merrimack River from Massachusetts to Londonderry [Route 3A Lowell Road through the false town center to Route 102 into Londonderry] – how much traffic will be alleviated? Two lanes northbound and southbound-whew!
- The circumferential highway will become a reality along with the bridge from Litchfield 3A into Merrimack connecting Route 3.
- Forgive me if I’m wrong, but tax rates will go down, no? As a town becomes more industrialized bringing a higher concentration of jobs to both locals and others - isn’t a higher tax burden placed on them and less on the residents? Property values initially drop due to lack of charm, but as needs for fire and respective services, medical [What? Ambulatory competition?], and police increases, those services increase, insurance rates drop and the tax burden falls on the business.
- Everyone is complaining about stuff for our kids to do - what a baby babysitting service than dropping them off at the Mall and a movie to boot! Most of them will even find employment there to get them through high school [and more than likely after as I don’t see high tech of any manufacturing type re-emerging in America anytime soon].
- What a great place for a Senior Center! An over 50 housing area, outdoor fields and walkways, concert area, a mall with endless shopping and walking, riverfront paths - egads the benefits are endless! Think I’m joking? Go to any of the local malls and observe the walkers, sitters ‘n chatterers, eaters, shoppers, old people! Where else is there for them to go? [I ain’t no spring chicken, but in a couple of years that’s all I’ll be able to afford to do as well.]
- A boat launch! Finally, access to the river! Can you imagine the possibilities? Not only a mall of phenomenal size, but how many water sport and leisure related business could be started?
- Open spaces with music areas? Doesn’t that mean concerts and holiday festivities throughout the year? What to start a vending business? Hot chocolate, ice skating, helium balloons for the Fourth of July, homemade crafts for Easter and Halloween, its endless and the entrepreneurs in this town!
Seven’s supposed to be a lucky number, I don’t believe in luck, but fate. I’ve given you seven good reasons to support RiverPlace. We already have traffic, whether it’s a mall or 3,000 more homes, it’s not going to get any better. The novelty of the mall will wear off, but the rewards it brings will last for a new generation. You old “cow towners” need to accept the fact that life has changed and life is good, respect it and have fun.
I bet anyone reading this will not even go to their friends and family within Hudson and talk about what was recently printed in our local newspaper.
Reggie Burt - Hudson
RiverPlace: A Development Ahead of Its Time
February 16, 2007
The G1 Zoning District is very permissive and the development proposed is permitted. However, a cursory review of the proposal, as it appeared in the Hudson~Litchfield News indicates the cart is ahead of the horse.
The site has 395 acres in total. Soil scientist and surveyors must review the property to determine the total area of wetlands and slopes which exceed 25 percent.
This area of wet and 25 percent slopes must be deducted from the gross area.
A retail area of 2.1 million square feet is equal to 48 acres, with 10 acres of parking, and five acres of setbacks, a total of 63 acres. Is the cinema included in the retail space?
An office park will require a minimum of 30 acres of buildings, parking, and setbacks.
A 400 room hotel. Hudson has height limitations which will require a zoning variance from the ordinance and probably special equipment for the fire department.
Assume 10 acres for the structure, parking, and setbacks. The area required is up to 103 acres, without any deductions, a balance of 292 acres. Two-hundred ninety-two acres will provide sufficient area for 280 units of the proposed elderly housing with two bedrooms. A club house with amenities must also be provided for Elderly Housing. Note: The G1 zone allows only single or duplex residential housing. The proposal is for 55 plus housing. A minimum age must also be attached to this project. Hudson must be protected from cost associated with schools if these units can not be sold or rented to qualified older persons.
The development agreement must include a pre-existing statement that all owners agree to pay for all school cost associated with each unit.
An older person project must be served by municipal water and sewer.
The limitations on sewer availability require the town engineer to recommend permission to hook up and the selectmen must approve.
When will the variance(s) be requested?
When will permission to hook up to the sewer system be requested?
When will the gross land area be verified?
Where will the additional acreage come from?
Additionally, why will required fees be deferred for payment at a later date? All other developers pay in advance.
Leo Fauvel - Hudson
RiverPlace: What We Are In For?
February 16, 2007
After reading Hudson~Litchfield News’ column dated January 12, 2007, "RiverPlace: What's In It For Us?", I decided to write down a few other ‘benefits’.
Town Benefits:
- Increased police department
- More policemen
- More police cars
- Another police station
- Increased fire department
- More firemen
- More fire trucks
- Another fire station or two
- Increased DPW department
- Today we have one street sweeper. With all the filth and litter (cigarette butts, aluminum cans, soda bottles, drive-thru food wrappers) that will be spewed upon our roads when we add 10s of thousands of cars, we will definitely need more street cleaners
- More DPW personnel
- More trucks
- More EMTs
- More EMT personnel
- More ambulances
Along with all of these `benefits’, comes the cost of street lights, road expansions, police details, etc.
Residents' Benefits:
- Higher taxes
- Higher crime rates
- Higher auto and home insurance premiums
- Noise pollution
- Air pollution
- Loss of community
- Longer daily commutes
- Decreased home resale value for abutters and surrounding neighborhoods
- Increased traffic; how many 18-wheelers does it take to supply a `town within a town’?
10.More stress in our daily lives due to all of the above
According to MRI (hired by the developers), the Town of Hudson will need to expend $1.5 million annually to meet the needs of the `lifestyle center’. If we need to hire extra town employees (fire, police, EMT, DPW) and pay for equipment, gas, insurance, etc, the $1.5 million will easily and quickly be devoured. But, what if it doesn't? Is it worth living in a town where crime will increase, traffic will become unbearable, noise and air pollution will be intolerable ... for what ... a fractional decrease in our tax bill? The ability to choose from 18 movies (has there been 18 good movies in the past decade?) isn't an incentive to accept and support RiverPlace development.
RiverPlace: What's in it for Hudson ... absolute misery!
Bill Joyce - Hudson
Meeting On Town-Wide Development Issues
February 16, 2007
The site plan proposal for RiverPlace has finally been submitted. As the recent Letters to the Editor and messages in the “Thumbs” column attest to, more and more people are aware of the impact of all the proposed development in the Town of Hudson. It is critical for all of us to become more familiar with these issues and how they will affect us, our town, and future generations.
With this in mind, we invite all Hudson residents to a meeting to discuss community-wide development issues in Hudson. The meeting will take place on Thursday, February 15 at 7 p.m. in the Anne Seabury Community Room at the Hudson Police Station, One Constitution Drive.
We look forward to seeing many people there and getting your input and expertise, since the issue of development in Hudson is a crucial one that affects all of us.
Kathy Leary - Hudson
Development Will Benefit Hudson Residents
February 16, 2007
I am writing to your paper to let everyone including Mr. Peters up the road my feelings on the RiverPlace Development. As someone who works in retail, I like to see RiverPlace go into this town on a smaller scale than planned. I don’t want any bans on any development in Hudson because this is New Hampshire, we don’t need Massachusetts-type laws in our town.
The mall will bring jobs to this town for our kids and working class poor, plus it will also give more part time jobs for those who need the money to pay for all the new taxes Concord will soon make us pay. Plus I don’t see anything wrong with Hudson getting as big a share as Nashua does of the money from those who come here to shop from Massachusetts sales tax free. New Hampshire is the shopping center of New England. Get use to it.
James Rice - Hudson
RiverPlace a Place for All
February 16, 2007
I would like to start this letter by saying I am no longer the Editor of the Hudson~Litchfield News. There seems to be a little bit of confusion as to why I would write letters to myself. My letters are addressed to Len Lathrop the Editor of Area News Group. That being said, I would like to express my thoughts about Mr. Ron Peters and his quest to prevent RiverPlace and basically any growth from happening in Hudson.
I have been following his letters in the paper and I have now read the Telegraph’s account of his progress. Although the story on page one (1/30/07) states that this group of about 50 has not actually met yet, they are getting credibility as front-page news. I wonder what the motivation is for such high profile interest. I also wonder why Mr. Peters, a Realtor who lives in the north end of town has such interest in traffic flow in the south end. It would seem to me that he would be more concerned about urging the State to build the bridge between Litchfield and Merrimack. That would directly affect his daily traffic flow.
The developer of this project has extensive experience in traffic flow when creating one of their centers. I have visited at least two, and found both to be easily accessible and well hidden from small town life. They have been working with the NH DOT, and the plans look to me, that any traffic going directly into and out of the development from Route 3 will not even come onto Lowell Road. It also looks like the residents of the south end of town could use RiverPlace as a cut through to get onto Route 3, with minimal use of Lowell Road. I would hope that Mr. Peters and his group would continue to watch the development with open minds and constructive comments, not just say “no.” The Planning and Zoning Boards along with the entire Community Development Department have enough to contend with just looking at these plans; they do not need narrow mindedness to deal with as well.
Streetlights are going in on Lowell Road already with Etchstone Properties coming on line and Nottingham Square. Both of these approved developments are expected to, and will comply with, traffic regulations on Lowell Road. That is fact and not changeable. Therefore, I feel that we should not let Hudson get into a situation like Reading Massachusetts with citizens pitted against each other. We should work with the developers and the Town and make this a win/win situation for all of us.
The owners of Green Meadow have the right to sell their property to anyone they wish; so do Mr. Peters and others in his group. How would they like it if when selling their house, their neighbors required interviews with prospective new owners and had a say as to whom they could sell to? Perhaps Mr. Peters and his group should put their energies toward a more obtainable goal, like the bridge over the Merrimack.
Robin Rodgers – Hudson
Incredible Challenge Facing Hudson Town Officials
February 2, 2007
The Board of Selectmen and Planning Board in Hudson face incredible challenges in dealing with W/S Developers who are proposing to change the entire nature of the town with the development of RiverPlace. In addition, staff of the town’s planning and development departments will have to struggle with ethical issues related to this proposed use of the 375 acre Green Meadow Golf Complex.
While still holding in abeyance their final plan after over a year of marketing “conceptual renderings” of a 1.3 million square foot Lifestyle Center, W/S has made significant financial contributions to the town’s south end water tank, has contributed to the cost of a consultant to “protect Hudson’s interest” in the development, and has funded a part-time temporary town planner hired last week.
These investments by W/S Development, of course, may present the perception of “conflict of interest” since the expanded water tank will help feed the hoped for development; the consultants VHB have worked in conjunction with W/S on other projects in Massachusetts; and the new assistant planner will be helping the town review and advise on the RiverPlace plan.
While W/S is funding all these activities, town officials and staff will have to bend over backward to protect the interests of all the residents of Hudson as they “faithfully and impartially discharge all the duties incumbent on them” in their various roles. Local contractors will also have to hold themselves accountable for their responses to this proposal even though they may initially receive additional business if the development goes forward.
Once put in motion, the RiverPlace development will not be easily diverted. Let’s make sure due diligence is the key to making a decision in the best interest of the town and its residents, not W/S Development.
Connie Owen - Hudson
Hudson Voters, Unite Against Three Malls on Lowell Road
February 2, 2007
May I address every Hudson, New Hampshire voter’s attention to the Hudson~Litchfield News of January 12, 2007, and in particular page 11 to an article written by one Doug Robinson entitled “All Roads Lead to RiverPlace.” The article is self explanatory and in my opinion nowhere near addresses the horrendous traffic problems this town will face if just that proposed Mall at Green Meadow Golf courses 375 acres is approved by the Town.
I moved into Hudson in 1963 for a myriad of reasons, peace, and quiet were paramount in my decision to move my family from Brockton, Massachusetts to New Hampshire. In 1963, my family and I were able to jump into the car and head out Amherst Street in Nashua on any given day to visit my brother-in-law and his family who lived off Amherst Street across from the present location of Vo-tech. The road from Nashua was two lanes all the way from Library Hill in downtown to the Milford Oval. As I remember there was one traffic light on that whole stretch of road and that was at the corner of Continental Boulevard in Merrimack where there was a small gasoline station, a Jenny Station I believe, and a small family style restaurant. A very large sign on the top of the gas station invited all travelers to "Eat Here and Get Gas." The Road was tree lined on both sides with an occasional field where cows grazed and hay was grown. There were houses few and far between, most with well kept lawns, but for the most part the entire road was very quiet and tranquil as traffic was very sparse on the Amherst Street of 1963 as there were, in my recollection, no commercial entities on either side of the street. Take a good look at Amherst Street of 2007. It is the busiest street in the State of New Hampshire. I've been told that there are 29 - 30 traffic lights between the highway and the Milford Oval. It is the most traveled road in Nashua, nothing but commercial properties line both sides of the street, the traffic count there is off the charts, and get this - people who have to use the street to get back and forth from here to there, hate driving on the road because of the overabundance of traffic signals and the volume of traffic. Do you want our Lowell Road in Hudson to become another Amherst Street? Ask your husband or wife that question. And there's your answer! Join with other very concerned Hudson residents and voters to stop the growth in Hudson by attending the planning board meetings to be set up shortly and make your feelings and frustrations about these proposed malls known to our Town Fathers, the Planning Board, and at the State level. Each and every resident of Hudson should stand up and tell the planning board at any of their meetings, that we do not want another Amherst Street to be located in Hudson on the Lowell Road. We don't need it and we don't want to live in the mess left behind by the developers. To join the group of Hudson supporters to" Slow the growth in Hudson," Please e-mail me Rpeters963@aol.com. More and more supporters are joining the effort daily. We must not allow those three malls to be built. It is in the best interest of each Hudson resident to stop the proposed Malls in their tracks, by telling the Town and State and Developers, "No, we don't want those Malls built in Hudson, traffic is at its peak on the Lowell Road right now." The only way we can stop these planned projects is at the voting booth. If you are not registered and you feel as I do about these projects, get registered at the Town Hall before another day goes by. And if you are registered, make a special effort to go to the meetings that will address whether or not these projects will be allowed to be built in Hudson, and make the planning board aware that you want to let the people decide as to whether or not, "What's good for General Bullmoose (developers) is good for Hudson.” I say it isn't, and will vote that way if ever it comes to a vote. I hope you do too.
Ron Peters – Hudson
Stop Any and All Building in Hudson for 10 Years
January 20, 2007
Where, oh where is that cranky old curmudgeon, John Bednar when you need him? I am interested in either forming a group or becoming a member of a serious group of Hudson residents who are of the same thought. Those people in Hudson who cry out, enough! The Hudson residents who want all building completely halted within the Town of Hudson, especially on that three or more miles of Lowell Road that are slated for at least three new large malls to join the already smaller strip malls on that road.
I'd like to get started building a group of serious residents who oppose 100 percent the development on three new large shopping malls on the Lowell Road starting from Pelham Road on the north to Dracut Road on the south. I want to attempt to have the people of Hudson make their voice heard loud and clear when we say that, enough is enough! I do not want to increase our tax base, I do not want our property taxes to rise out of sight, I do not want two or three more fire stations, another high school or two, a few more police stations, and I certainly do not want to add to the already way overburdened traffic mess on Lowell Road. I do not wish to see more bridges built over the Merrimack River to facilitate more traffic coming into our Town of Hudson to shop at one of these gigantic edifices that are proposed to be built at Green Meadow Golf Club, and, right across the street from that very same golf club, another large mall is awaiting approval by our Planning Board members. I call for a 10 year moratorium on all building within the Town of Hudson limits, with the one exception of low cost affordable housing for the guy who lives and works in anywhere in this wonderful country of ours, who would move to Hudson, New Hampshire, if he could afford to do so. If you are reading this and think as I do, or close to as I do and you have any ideas about getting a grassroots movement such as I am proposing here under way and brought to attention of the right people. (John Bednar would have known how to get us started.) Please e-mail your name and address and any ideas that you may have on this subject to me at RPeters963@aol.com. I will compile a list of all interested parties and will attempt to set up a meeting at some hall here in town to meet with you and see what the grassroots guys can do to take back our town from the developers. Either we do something now, or we pay, oh yes, we'll pay-later. This is my opinion, no one asked me, but I personally, have had enough! "Take back our town now.” Because after these monstrosities are built, the developers will move along to their nice quiet town, and leave us soaking in untold, unheard of myriad of problems, here in Hudson ... I say no more! What do you say?
Ron Peters – Hudson