Development News for Lebanon, New Hampshire

Lebanon City Council to Hear Presentations from Essential Air Service Bidders

The City Council discussed the Essential Air Service (EAS) RFP responses from three air carriers: Cape Air, Boutique Air, and Contour Airlines. The council will hear presentations from each bidder on July 1st at 6 p.m. Questions were raised regarding proposals for larger aircraft (30-seat) and the associated requirement for increased fire department presence and equipment at the airport, which is governed by FAA's Part 139 certification. The airport manager will provide details on these requirements and potential costs. The EAS program subsidizes air service to ensure communities maintain commercial air access. The council's role is to review proposals and make a recommendation to the FAA and USDOT.

Top Dog Contest Winners Announced for 2026

The City Council recognized the winners of the 2026 Top Dog Contest. The contest, launched in 2012, encourages responsible pet ownership by requiring dog owners to license their dogs by April 30th and have up-to-date rabies vaccinations. Sponsors included Steve's Pet Shop and West Lebanon Feed and Supply. Third place went to Laura Palmer's pug, Booger; second place to Sandra Bauer's Golden Retriever, Marley; and first place to Sabri Conwalker's Australian Shepherd, Ivy. The city plans to expand the program next year by hosting a rabies vaccination clinic in partnership with the Upper Valley Humane Society.

Lebanon City Council Moves Forward with Barrow Street Housing Development Project, Schedules Public Hearing

The City Council discussed the Barrow Street Development Project, which aims to build approximately five new housing units. The project has evolved from a cottage concept to a pattern overlay model to reduce costs and provide homeowners with individual lots. The estimated cost per unit is around $372,000 to $395,000, with significant grant funding secured from the state and a previous Invest New Hampshire grant. A public hearing is scheduled for July 15th, 2026, to discuss appropriating funds and authorizing loans for the project. Concerns were raised regarding the project's affordability, potential for resale markup, and eligibility of potential buyers, with discussions on potentially limiting eligibility to current Lebanon residents or exploring legalities of restricting applicant pools. The project aims to be a pilot to demonstrate the feasibility of building workforce housing and generate property tax revenue.

Class 6 Roads Committee Nears Conclusion; City Council to Address Pending Recommendations

The Class 6 Roads Advisory Committee has completed its 20-year task of reviewing city roads, identifying Class 6 roads, and making recommendations for their future status (e.g., Class A trail, discontinued). The committee has effectively finished its work, and the staff recommends winding down the committee. However, there are pending recommendations that require City Council action. The council plans to address these recommendations through a series of public hearings starting in September, with a commitment to notify affected landowners. The committee members expressed frustration over the lack of action on their recommendations, emphasizing the need for the council to address these issues to protect property owners and the city's rights-of-way. Signage for these roads and trails is also a concern. The council agreed to address the recommendations in batches, with signage costs to be determined.