Town Likely to Say 'No' to Regional Planning Program

After waiting three months for a response from the federal government on questions related to A Granite State Future, the town of Salem will likely walk away.

Members of the Board of Selectmen and several residents already voiced their reservations when the topic was last discussed on Oct. 1.

At that time, a vote was put on hold as clarification was sought on the federal commitments that the regional planning program would hold over the town.

New Hampshire's nine regional planning commissions have come together for the project, with Nashua's commission as lead contact with the federal Housing & Urban Development department.

HUD awarded the planning commissions a $3.37 million grant through their Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant Program.

Selectman Stephen Campbell said that he does not agree with the principles behind the groups, and once he looked into the program more he was "more opposed" to it.

"Every document that still has us as a member annoys me because I don't approve of it" he said.

Selectman Mike Lyons said that he agreed with half of what Campbell was saying, but suggested to the board to put the matter on an agenda one last time, allowing those who were outspoken on the program to have a last say.

The Jan. 14 meeting will put an end to talk on the program.

Arguments against the program made by residents last year were related to Salem giving up local control should it join the HUD-based program.

A tight 3-2 Selectmen vote in Windham last June saw the town join the planning program.