Select Board — May 11, 2026
While there was a spirited discussion regarding a land easement and public input was provided, the meeting followed standard procedures with unanimous votes on routine administrative items.
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At the May 11 Select Board meeting, a significant issue was discussed regarding the Silver Lake Estates development at Cobbett Hill: a request for an easement on 5 acres of town-owned land. The developer seeks this easement to protect a 175-foot radius for a proposed backup domestic well.
This request raises a critical question for Hollis residents: Should public, tax-deeded land be used to accommodate the infrastructure needs of private, high-density developments? During the discussion, concerns were raised about whether the original subdivision approvals were based on accurate assessments of our groundwater capacity. One comment during the meeting noted that if it was known the area couldn't support this many houses, the density shouldn't have been approved.
The Select Board has not yet made a decision. Instead, they have requested additional data from the Town Planner regarding well capacity, water quality history, and whether the developer can find viable well locations on their own property. This matter is expected to return to the agenda once that information is provided. We will continue to monitor how the Board balances private development with the preservation of our town's shared resources.
Public impact
Potential precedent for use of town land to support private development and long-term groundwater management.
No decision was made; the board requested information on well capacity, water quality, and site viability.
The item will tentatively return to the next meeting agenda pending the requested information.
Topics discussed
A presentation regarding a request from Silver Lake Estates (Cobbett Hill) for an easement on town-owned land to protect a proposed backup domestic well.
No decision was made; the board requested additional information regarding well capacity, water quality history, and confirmation that no other locations on the development's property are viable.
The item will tentatively return to the next meeting agenda pending the requested information.
A request by the New Hampshire Barn Committee to install a designation sign at the Lawrence Barn.
The motion to approve the placement of the sign was carried.
The committee must coordinate with the DPW to mark the area and call DigSafe before installation.
Approvals for a commemorative tree, time capsule, and associated celebrations for the US semiquincentennial.
The board approved the planting of the commemorative tree and the time capsule on town property.
Updates were provided regarding the Capital Expenditure Committee schedule and ongoing water issues at the horse riding ring.
The board requested the Capital Expenditure Committee present to them before the Budget Committee meets.
The Capital Expenditure Committee will follow their input schedule; Joanie and Erica may be consulted regarding irrigation recommendations for the riding ring.
The Old Home Days committee is preparing to submit contracts and insurance documentation for approval.
Submission is planned for the July Select Board meetings.
The board reviewed and voted on property tax abatements, warrant payments, and meeting minutes.
The abatement applications were denied; warrants and the April 27 minutes (public and non-public) were approved.
The board announced upcoming town meetings and construction updates at the Rocky Pond Transfer Station.
Information was disseminated to the public.
Discussion regarding the update and scheduling of a workshop for the Capital Improvement Plan.
The board agreed to attempt to schedule a workshop for Friday morning.
A workshop will be scheduled with department heads to review the CIP.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Silver Lake Estates Protective Well Radius Easement
Community vs. board tension
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
Member positions
Positions marked ~ are inferred from context and may not reflect the member's explicitly stated position. UNCLEAR means the vote was split but the record did not name how this member voted — it is not a “yes.”
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grok-4.3, gemma-4-26b, grok-4-fast, grok-4.20-0309-reasoning · analyzed 2026-07-08.
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