Revised Ordinance Off to Controversy-Free Start

The North Hampton Select Board utilized last week some of the new authority granted to them during the town meeting process, approving a citizen request that would've been blocked had voters not helped amend a "flawed" regulation last month.

The board approved last week several large assembly permits, including ones for Fuller Gardens' annual Garden Party on July 10, a charity motorcycle ride that starts and ends at Locals Restaurant and Pub on May 11, and a American Legion Post 35 car show and swap meet at the Hampton Airfield on May 4.

The application for the latter event was received within 30 days of the event, which is the mandated application deadline. Selectmen avoided some of the issues they faced in 2012, though, and were able to use discretion to approve this non-complying but otherwise acceptable application — something they wouldn't have had the authority to do without this year's town meeting vote to amend the oft-criticized large assembly ordinance.

Selectmen were pleased to approve the three applications on April 22, especially since the Fuller Gardens event was the one that helped bring the ordinance's confusing and restrictive nature to light.

"It was the presenting problem to show us... [how] problematic [the original large assembly ordinance was]," said Selectman Phil Wilson. "I see no reason to delay or deny this."

Both the Fuller Gardens and Locals applications were received outside of the 30-day limit and therefore didn't necessitate the waiver of the large assembly ordinance to approve the events, which is what was required for the car show application.