Select Board opens hearing on cross-access easement for 36 Main Street; votes to reschedule statutory second hearing

The Plymouth Select Board opened a public hearing Aug. 11 under RSA 41:14-a on a proposed cross-access easement for the parcel known as 36 Main Street, a property tied to planning-board conditions from 2022 following a change of use at the downtown site now occupied by Mid State Downtown Health Center. Town staff explained the easement was a condition of the 2022 planning-board site plan approval but the easement language had not been recorded at the time. Town and Mid State attorneys reviewed and agreed on final language and a survey plan stamped by a surveyor. Because RSA 41:14-a requires two public hearings 10 to 14 days apart and a vote no sooner than seven days after the second hearing, staff recommended rescheduling the hearing sequence. The board identified October 14 and October 27 for the two hearings and set Nov. 10 as the potential acceptance vote date. The conservation commission reviewed the proposed easement at its July meeting and provided minutes that staff included in the select board packet. Town staff said the purpose of the easement is to create alternative vehicular connectivity from Gould Terrace through the site and improve downtown circulation in line with the planning-board condition. Discussion: staff said the property owner and their representatives are aware of the process and the need to follow the statutory hearing timeline. The board accepted the conservation commission—s recommendation materials as part of the record. Decision/direction: the Select Board held the first hearing and scheduled the second hearing and vote consistent with RSA 41:14-a. No formal vote to accept the easement was taken at the Aug. 11 meeting; that action will be possible only after the second hearing and statutory waiting period.