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Weekly digest · Exeter, NH

The week in ⁠Exeter

‹
Jun 15–21, 2026Week 25 · 2026
All weeks

2 public meetings analyzed this week.

2
Meetings analyzed
14
Public comments
0
Heated sessions
9
Unanswered
What's important ⁠this week

Exeter's Zoning Board of Adjustment denied the Saxton Partners request for a 334-unit multifamily development off Holland Way. The board ruled the project failed multiple variance criteria after testimony on single-access safety risks and thousands of daily vehicle trips. ⁠This decision keeps the 36-acre Corporate Technology site from shifting to residential use.

The same board continued the Chinberg Developers variance at 65-67 1/2 Main Street after applicants could not supply lot coverage calculations, with neighbors objecting to density and neighborhood changes. Separately, the Select Board declined to approve expedited removal of an out-of-service CSX bridge following resident concerns over emergency response and pedestrian routes. Staff must now complete due diligence on ownership, easements, and alternatives.

Additional public meetings on the bridge are expected soon, while the Main Street variance returns next month once data is provided. ⁠Residents should monitor both dockets for updates on access and development impacts.

Meetings this week, in ⁠order of impact

Ranked by public engagement, decisional consequence, and whether speakers' concerns were addressed on the record.
All Exeter meetings →
01
Select Board2026-06-15

Select Board · Jun 15

Exeter Select Board discussed CSX Bridge removal community impacts and state bill concerns on local funding and ballots.

Topics CSX Bridge Removal and Community Impacts· Town Office Public Hours Modification· Multiple Administrative Approvals and Contract Awards· Select Board Committee Reports and Calendar· Concerns over proposed state bill on local ballot questions and school funding
Talking points
  • Multiple speakers said they felt pressured. Board members stated they need written commitments, ownership review, easement checks, and historic/environmental analysis first. Additional public meetings required before any action.
  • No vote taken. Town will do due diligence and notify residents in advance of future bridge discussions. CSX agreed to continue talks but removal remains on hold.
Read the full report →
Aerial view of Exeter: Enhancing Climate Resilience in Swasey Parkway
Lively
1public speaker
02
Zoning Board of Adjustment2026-06-16

Zoning Board of Adjustment · Jun 16

Zoning Board reviewed developer variances and Philips Exeter Academy rehearing amid questions on lot coverage and growth balance.

Topics Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes· Rehearing Request for Philips Exeter Academy (ZBA Case 26-2)· Variance Extension Request for Ray Farm (ZBA Case 21-12)· Variance Request for Chinberg Developers (ZBA Case 26-4)· Variance Request for Saxton Partners LLC (ZBA Case 26-5)
Talking points
  • Board expressed discomfort without formal lot coverage numbers and continued the Chinberg application. Applicant must supply calculations and any extra variances needed before next month's hearing.
  • Separately, Saxton Partners 334-unit project in the CT zone was denied. Board ruled it failed criteria 1, 2, and 5 on public interest, ordinance spirit, and hardship, pointing to single access road safety and 1574 weekday trips.
Read the full report →
Lively
13public speakers
9 not addressed
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Digest composed by grok-4.3 on 2026-06-21.