After Win, State GOP Eyes Help for Housing Construction
Will Ayotte, Legislature Confront Local NIMBYs?
BY JAY FITZGERALD
SPECIAL TO THE REGISTRY REVIEW
New Hampshire Republicans are guardedly optimistic they can deliver on their campaign promises to pass new laws designed to boost badly needed housing construction across the state.
As they were for the GOP across the country, recent election results were a boon to Granite State Republicans, with former Sen. Kelly Ayotte winning the gubernatorial race and with Republicans expanding their majorities in both chambers of the New Hampshire legislature.
Now it’s governing time for the strengthened GOP – and some of its leaders say they know full well they’ll be closely watched and judged by how they handle housing issues in the coming legislative session.
“Housing was one of the top issues on the campaign trail,” said state Rep. Jim Kofalt, RWilton, the House deputy majority leader. “It’s one of those issues that matters to everyone. It’s important to residents and businesses alike.”
Kofalt said he expects lawmakers to tackle a number of housing initiatives after the new legislative session starts in January, including compromise legislation that would allow homeowners to build accessory dwelling units, also called ADUs, on their properties.
Other housing-related matters lawmakers will be eyeing in the coming session include: streamlining the permitting process for new
construction, both at the state and local levels; supporting and possibly expanding the state’s Affordable Housing Fund; and leveraging state funds to secure more federal dollars for local housing projects.
Ayotte’s Agenda Inspiring GOP
Many of those and other ideas come straight from Ayotte’s own housing agenda outlined during her recent successful run for governor.
And all the ideas are tied to a housing shortage most economists, and now apparently most lawmakers, believe is the ultimate cause of skyrocketing home prices and apartment rents that are slamming residents across the state.
New Hampshire Housing, the state’s quasipublic housing lender, has estimated that the state needs at least 60,000 new housing units by 2030 to help relieve severe price pres-
Continued on Page 12
Stock photo
With solid majorities in the state House of Representatives and state Senate, and control of the governor’s office, New Hampshire Republicans have more power than they’ve had in years to push through laws of their liking.
County Close-Up Strafford
Belknap County
Judith A. McGrath, Registrar 64 Court St, Laconia, NH, 03246
S: Jeffrey J Stankatis, Tr for Carole J Stankatis RET
Bk/Page: 3651/721, Date: 11/05/24
NO STREET GIVEN $300,000
B: Boscawen Office Rentals L
BAddr: 220 Lake Shore Dr FRANKLIN NH 03235
S: Jeffrey J Stankatis, Tr for Carole J Stankatis RET
Bk/Page: 3651/724, Date: 11/05/24
Carroll County
Lisa Scott, Registrar
95 Water Village Rd (Rte 171), Ossipee, NH, 03864
603-539-4872
Bartlett
▶ REAL ESTATE SALES
HURRICANE MOUNTAIN RD $320,000
B: Scott Bokusky
BAddr: 149 N Shore Rd WEST NEWFIELD ME 04095
S: Lindsey L Chapman
Bk/Page: 3796/373, Date: 11/04/24
27 PICKERING RD $799,000
B: David J Sanchez Jr & Alison E Sanchez
BAddr: 7 Sherwood Rd READING MA 01867
S: Courtney Lockhart
Bk/Page: 3797/224, Date: 11/08/24
Mtg: Mega Cap Funding Inc $719,100
Term: 2054
Use: 3 Bdrm Contemporary, Lot: 103237sf
Prior Sale: $405,000 (11/04)
Conway
▶ REAL ESTATE SALES
1684 E MAIN ST $58,066
B: Brooke A Sawyer & Mackenzie Kessler
BAddr: 1684 E Main St CENTER CONWAY NH 03813
S: Brooke A Sawyer & Bryan A Sawyer Sr
Bk/Page: 3796/780, Date: 11/06/24
Mtg: Cross Country Mtg Inc $234,025
Term: 2054
Use: 3 Bdrm Old Style, Lot: 35284sf
Prior Sale: $56,000 (12/12)
126 KANDAHAR LN U:39 $480,000
B: Matthew W Krause, Tr for Krause Ft
BAddr: Po Box 1418 WOLFEBORO NH 03894
S: Mark E Detering, Tr for Mark E Detering RET
Bk/Page: 3797/101, Date: 11/08/24
Use: 2 Bdrm Condo
PROSPECT ST $630,000
B: Rajesh Gunreddi & Vishali Doddi
BAddr: 18 Artemas Ave SHREWSBURY MA 01545
S: Patricia A Szymkiewicz, Tr for P A Szymkiewicz RET
Bk/Page: 3797/170, Date: 11/08/24
W SIDE RD
B: Peter Leonard & Claudia Leonard
How to Read The Real Estate Records
The information appearing in this newspaper is taken from deed and mortgage documents filed at each of the ten registries of deeds in the state. All property transfers with a sales price of at least $100 and all term-mortgage documents are collected.
Whenever possible, we combine the separate deed and mortgage documents so that we can present one complete record of the street address, purchase price, lender and mortgage amount. When we cannot link a deed with a mortgage (and vice versa) each transaction appears individually.
Real estate records are organized alphabetically by registry, then town, then by street name.
The amount appearing on the same line as the street address is the purchase price from the deed.
We print “No Amt Given” when the amount did not appear on the document we review. “No Street Given” appears in place of the street address when it was not available.
The volume, page of the deed and filing date appear for all sales.
The mortgage lender and the amount of the mortgage used to purchase the property are shown.
Any second mortgage (Mtg2) filed at the same time as the deed will also appear here.
In communities where we have a file of all properties from the assessor’s office, we provide additional property details when available. This is done by exactly matching the address and seller name from the new sales record with the address and owner name found in the property file. No descriptive data appears whenever there is any doubt that the two records are the same property. The “Use” is based on the code the assessor assigns to each building on a parcel. Whenever there is more than one use code or more than one building on a parcel, we flag these as “Multi-use” and “Multi-bldg” respectively.
These deeds transfer title to the lender after the mortgage is foreclosed (unless there is a higher bidder at the auction.) The amount in these transactions is usually the amount of the outstanding mortgage that was foreclosed.
• The first two buyer (B) names and seller (S) names listed on the deed are shown.
• Prior sale data appears only when the address of the new sale matches exactly with the address of the older sale in our database.
• “Use” distinguishes residential homes from land sales and commercial sales.
• For residential homes, the number of bedrooms and house style appear when available
• The lot size (Lot) is shown in square feet.
▶ FORECLOSURE DEEDS
• The prior sale shows the original price paid for the property.
Please note: The information contained in this newspaper is taken from public records. While every precaution is taken, no responsibility is assumed for errors or omissions. Readers should confirm any information before taking action.
KEY TO LABELS
B = Buyer
S = Seller
Mtg = Mortgage lender and amount
Mtg2 = Second Mortgage
Use = Building use
Bdrm = bedrooms
Lot = lot size in square
Notice To Readers
The information published in The Registry Review is taken from public and other records.
The Warren Group takes reasonable steps to provide an accurate publication, however, The Warren Group has not investigated the accuracy of the source records and does not guarantee the accuracy of those records or any part of the transcription and publishing process.
$355,000
BAddr: Po Box 834 NORTH CONWAY NH 03860
S: Phyllis Sharpton
Bk/Page: 3797/340, Date: 11/08/24
NO STREET GIVEN $450,000
B: Katie J Moenkhaus
BAddr: Po Box 381 NORTH CONWAY NH 03860
S: Cynthia A Lefebvre & James R Lefebvre
Bk/Page: 3796/691, Date: 11/05/24
Effingham
▶ REAL ESTATE SALES
MOUNTAIN RD $165,000
B: Tracy A Johnson & Lars O Johnson
BAddr: 2175 Lunenburg Rd LANCASTER MA 01523
S: Yvette M Bennett, Tr for 2007 Bennett Ft Bk/Page: 3797/202, Date: 11/08/24
Freedom
▶ REAL ESTATE SALES
402 EATON RD $451,000
B: Kyle Mclaud & Brittany Mclaud
BAddr: 60 Buttrick Rd HAMPSTEAD NH 03841
S: Ronald A Donaldson
The Warren Group cautions you that public records may not reflect actual circumstances, and that the meaning of public records may be obscure. In addition, the conditions existing when a public record is filed may change with the passage of time. By accepting and using The Registry Review, you agree to use this publication for information only and only as a reference to the public records. You further agree to independently verify any published information which affects you before taking any action, forming opinions or otherwise relying on the published information in any way.
Publication of any category or item of information is dependent upon that information continuing to be reasonably available in the public records. The Warren Group assumes no responsibility for changes in public policy which may affect the availability of public information. The Warren Group assumes no financial responsibility for typographical errors.
The Registry Review ISSN 1067-0521
Published by: The Warren Group, 2 Corporation Way, Suite 250, Peabody, MA 01960
Publisher: Timothy M. Warren, Jr. President & CEO: David B. Lovins Associate Publisher: Cassidy Norton
The Registry Review is published every Monday for $229.00 per year. Periodicals Postage paid in Boston, MA USPS #536710 and additional mail offices.
*Filed: Office of the Clerk, US Bankruptcy Court District of New Hampshire
These are Chapter 7 Liquidations in which a debtor turns over all property owned to be converted into money which is used to pay administration costs and creditors to the extent possible. Honest debtors receive a discharge relieving them from legal liability for the payment of provable debts listed in the petition with some specific exemptions, most notably taxes and support payments.
The name and mailing address of the person or entity filing the petition is followed by the filing date (D) and the Case # (Case#)
These allow for an adjustment of debt. An individual with a regular income proposes a plan to pay off debts from future earnings over a period of time between three to five years. Usually these payments are in full satisfaction of the debt, but may be a percentage of them. Upon completion, the debtor receives a discharge of all debts covered by the plan except child support and alimony, if applicable. The name and mailing address of the person or entity filing the petition is followed by the filing date (D) and the case number (Case#)
GRAFTON COUNTY
Campton
Griffiths, Andrew S, 68 Summit Dr, Campton, 03223
D:11/13/24 Case#: 24-10767-KB
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
Hudson
Beliveau, Erica E, 11 Jacqueline St, Hudson, 03051
D:11/12/24 Case#: 24-10765-KB
MERRIMACK COUNTY
Franklin
Gonzalez, Joy E, 13 Upland Dr, Franklin, 03235
D:11/12/24 Case#: 24-10764-KB
STRAFFORD COUNTY
Rochester
Thompson, John Arric, 21 Maple St, Rochester, 03867 D:11/14/24 Case#: 24-10769-KB
Lien & Attachments
*Filed: Registry of Deeds.
The Registry Review provides notice of the filing of Writs Of Attachments, RSA72: 38-a Liens and other Liens in the various County Registries. Liens are filed for any number of reasons including some which have little or no bearing on the credit worthiness of the parties involved. Also, many liens are released shortly after they are filed. Readers are further cautioned that the same lien may be filed in more than one county. Since The Registry Review reports lien filings in each county, the same lien may appear in one or more county listings in any issue or in multiple issues. In accordance with standard Registry Review policy and especially with respect to liens, readers are cautioned to investigate all public records and other circumstances surrounding the filing of any lien in which they are interested. No other action should be taken or opinions formed based solely on information published in The Registry Review. Types of tax include: 941 FICA and Withholding Tax; 940 Federal Unemployment Tax; 1040 Individual Income Tax; 2290 Highway Use Tax; 1120 Corporate Tax; 720 Excise Tax
BELKNAP COUNTY
Alton
Paragon Roofing LLC & Nicholas Stanley, 128 Frank C Gilman Hwy, Alton, 03809-4508 Plaintiff: Giovanni Transmissions In D:11/06/2024
Baker, Tammy, 9 Jack Rabbit Run, Hampstead, 03841-2012 Plaintiff: New Hampshire State Of D:11/04/2024 Amt:$2,700 Bk/Pg:6583/2413
Iced Twice LLC, 9 Jack Rabbit Run, Hampstead, 03841-2012 Plaintiff: New Hampshire State Of D:11/04/2024 Amt:$2,675 Bk/Pg:6583/2415
Portsmouth
A & A LLC, 2454 Lafayette Rd U:1B, Portsmouth, 03801-5659 Plaintiff: New Hampshire State Of D:11/07/2024 Amt:$2,173 Bk/Pg:6584/2540
Lee, Robert A, PO Box 4656, Portsmouth, 03801 Plaintiff: New Hampshire State Of D:11/04/2024
Amt:$80,817 Bk/Pg:6584/630
Lee, Robert A, PO Box 4656, Portsmouth, 03801 Plaintiff: New Hampshire State Of D:11/05/2024
Amt:$43,273 Bk/Pg:6584/1436
Smith, Aaron J, 55 Congress St, Portsmouth, 03801-4004 Plaintiff: New Hampshire State Of D:11/07/2024 Amt:$2,223 Bk/Pg:6584/2541
Salem
Johnson, Thomas F, PO Box 958, Salem, 03079 Plaintiff: New Hampshire State Of D:11/04/2024
Amt:$100,746 Bk/Pg:6583/2608
Seabrook
Nicoll, Michael & April Nicoll, 7 Timber Ct, Seabrook, 03874-4033 Plaintiff: USA IRS D:11/04/2024
Tax:1040 Amt:$62,177 Bk/Pg:6583/2603
Stratham
Roopenian, Jason & Jennifer Roopenian, 78 High St, Stratham, 03885-2216 Plaintiff: USA IRS D:11/04/2024
Tax:1040 Amt:$23,233 Bk/Pg:6583/2709
STRAFFORD COUNTY
Barrington
Hill, Christine, 291 Long Shores Dr U:R45, Barrington, 03825-4159 Plaintiff: Long Shores Lot Owners As D:11/07/2024 Amt:$562 Bk/Pg:5224/686
Durham
Orasanond, Vuttichai, 1 Glassford Ln, Durham, 03824-2403 Plaintiff: New Hampshire State Of D:11/07/2024 Amt:$4,119 Bk/Pg:5224/634
Quigley, Julia W, 40 Bagdad Rd, Durham, 038242224 Plaintiff: USA IRS D:11/04/2024 Tax:1040 Amt:$303,734 Bk/Pg:5223/995
Foreclosure, Mortgagee & Other Lien Auctions
The schedule of recently published notices of mortgagee foreclosure sales is to be used only as a reference and index to the actual public notices. The Warren Group does not independently verify the listed information and disclaims all responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of this information. Readers are advised that foreclosure notices may contain errors with respect to any aspect of the property or the auction being noticed. TWG might not report subsequent corrections, if any. Listing of summary information for a notice is not intended to represent that a default has occurred. Any actual default which may have occurred may have been, or may be, cured at any time. The reader should contact the person or firm specified in the actual notice for any purpose (including, but not limited to, verification, current status, cancellation or postponement of the sale). Auctions may be cancelled or postponed at any time up to and including at the auction itself.
BELKNAP COUNTY
Requests for Bids & Proposals
include requirements for pre-qualification, mandatory meetings or other pre-bid deadlines. Public agencies have limited resources, please use discretion in seeking additional information about these RFBs & RFPs
Ww Berrys Trns Inc, 97 Moore St, Lisbon, 035856307 Plaintiff: USA IRS D:11/04/2024 Tax:941
Amt:$57,952 Bk/Pg:4901/574
Belmont
12/04/24 11:00 AM 20 Oak Dr Dr
Owner:John J Canepa & Lucille M & Lucille M Canepa
Lender:GREENSPRING CAP MANGM Deposit:$10,000
Doc#:* D:10/30/07
Source:Manchester Union Leader (11/13/24)
Early Returns Show Commissions Are Falling
Study Shows
BY LEW SICHELMAN SPECIAL TO THE REGISTRY REVIEW
Just a few weeks into the aftermath of the class-action settlement that rocked the real estate world, sales commissions have shrunk. That’s the major finding of a recent survey of some 1,300 agents and brokers.
Earlier this year, a settlement was reached between the National Association of Realtors and disgruntled homebuyers in Illinois (and later Missouri) who believed they were forced to pay their agents too much. NAR is the politically powerful trade association for real estate agents and brokers.
The agreement prohibits listing agents from posting the buy-side agent’s share of the sales commission on local multiple listing services. One of the biggest fears among agents was that sales fees would drop significantly as a result.
“That worry may have been merited,” reads a report by real estate publishing company RISMedia, which conducted the survey.
The company found that commissions have fallen by 68 basis points, or 0.68 percent. The poll’s results are available only to RISMedia subscribers.
Even though the settlement just took effect on Aug. 17, RISMedia calls the decline “very significant.” Indeed, in terms of dollars, 0.68 percent translates into a loss of $2,870 on a 6 percent commission on a median-priced house.
That’s $2,870 back into the pockets of the buyer or the seller – or both.
Moving forward, it appears likely that commissions are poised to drop even further. Asked about their expectations, a slim 51 per-
cent majority of respondents anticipated no change. But 37 percent anticipate further cuts, some of them “significant.” The remaining 12 percent think their fees will go back up.
Buy-Side, Newbie Agents Hit Hard
The early decline appears to hit buy-side agents particularly hard, the survey found. These are the agents who bring buyers to the property – and eventually, the closing table.
On the buy-side, the decline was 0.37 percent, or $1,561 out of the agents’ pocket per transaction. Sellers’ agents took the remaining 0.31 percent hit.
That the decrease would come largely from the buy-side is pretty much what the pundits expected. Prior to the settlement, listing agents could advertise on the MLS what share of their fees they would be willing to pay to buy-side agents. But the plaintiffs argued that since the listing agent set the buy-side agent’s fee, they were effectively barred from negotiating a lower share.
Now, listing agents can still post commission splits on their own websites or those of their companies. But not on the MLS, which is where most people – including agents themselves – search for houses for sale.
Less experienced agents have been hit hard as well, according to the survey.
Prior to Aug. 17, buy-side agents with less than three years on the job were paid 2.58 per cent of the sales price on average as their share of the commission. Post-Aug. 17, their share has dipped to 1.82 percent, which translates to a pay cut of $3,027 per median-priced transac tion. Meanwhile, veteran buy-side agents saw only a 0.1 percent drop, from 2.68 percent to 2.58 percent – losing only $422 per deal on av erage.
able to assume that [buyers] are negotiating real estate fees downward when the money is coming directly out of their pockets.”
On the seller’s side of the equation, the average listing commission of an inexperienced agent fell from 2.98 percent to 2.41 percent – more than half a point. Agents with 10 or more years’ experience selling houses took a larger pay cut than buy-side agents with the same tenure, with their fees falling from 3 percent to 2.74 percent.
Agent Experience the Biggest Factor
The report called it “extremely telling” that an agent’s experience level appears to be the single most important factor in whether a deal includes cooperative compensation.
But with compensation removed from the MLS, and consumers increasingly aware they don’t have to pay the other side’s agent, the data shows that cooperative compensation is on the wane.
Before the settlement, 91 percent of all transactions involved listing agents who paid the buy-side agents. After the settlement, only 77 percent did the same. While the business is still going through a period of adjustment, that 14point drop is still “concerning,” the survey said.
Another change resulting from the legal settlement was that agents are now required to sign contracts with buyers before taking them to view any houses for sale. But the survey found that only 57 percent of the agents had complied so far. It could be that many of those polled were
While many factors are at play for the downward shift, the survey said, “it is reason-
Banks, Credit Unions Lost CRE Market Share in Q3
BY SAM MINTON AND JAMES SANNA REGISTRY REVIEW STAFF
According to a new report from CBRE and data from The Warren Group, the commercial real estate market continues to show signs of improvement.
The CBRE Lending Momentum Index, which tracks the pace of CBRE-originated commercial loan closings in the U.S., rose by 13 percent in the third quarter versus the second quarter 2024. It’s the second period of quarter-over-quarter growth after five quarters of declines.
The total volume of originations has nearly hit the fiveyear pre-pandemic average, CBRE said. But the index was still 3.5 percent down compared with the third quarter of 2023.
“With accretive leverage achievable throughout the third quarter, we saw a notable uptick in acquisition financing compared to both the prior quarter and the same period of last year,” James Millon, U.S. president of debt and structured finance for CBRE, said in a statement. “The CMBS single-asset, single-borrower markets continued their strong issuance pace, with all asset classes represented. Notably, large office transactions in New York City underscored the return of debt liquidity for high-quality office assets backed by major institutional sponsors at conservative leverage.”
In addition, expectations of more Federal Reserve rate cuts drove some lenders to sell loans off their balance sheets, he said.
In the third quarter, life insurance companies were the leading contributors to CBRE’s non-agency loan closings at 43 percent of total volume. Banks only made up 18 percent of non-agency loans, down from 38 percent a year earlier thanks to concerns over potential distress, CBRE said.
Data from The Warren Group, publisher of The Registry Review, shows a slightly different situation in New Hampshire.
In addition, expectations of more Federal Reserve rate cuts drove some lenders to sell loans off their balance sheets.
Banks and credit unions combined originated a supermajority of CRE loan volumes (74.55 percent of loans) statewide. However, this is down from 93.52 percent in third quarter of 2023.
Banks and credit unions combined loaned 53.84 percent less money in the third quarter of this year than they did in the same quarter in 2023.
Finance companies, life insurers and other non-bank lenders increased their market share year-over-year. They loaned 6.48 percent of dollars in the third quarter of 2023 but 25.45 percent in the third quarter of 2024, while increasing their total loan volume 127.4 percent year-over-year.
Overall commercial mortgage volume fell 42.1 percent in New Hampshire year-overyear in the third quarter, to $765.63 million.
Powell: Fed’s Now in No Hurry to Cut Rates
BY CHRISTOPHER RUGABER THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Chair Jerome Powell said Thursday that the Federal Reserve will likely cut its key interest rate slowly and deliberately in the coming months, in part because inflation has shown signs of persistence and the Fed’s officials want to see where it heads next.
Powell, speaking in Dallas, said that inflation is edging closer to the central bank’s 2 percent target, “but it is not there yet.”
At the same time, he said, the economy is strong, and the policymakers can take time to monitor the path of inflation.
“The economy is not sending any signals that we need to be in a hurry to lower rates,” the Fed chair said. “The strength we are currently seeing in the economy gives us the ability to approach our decisions carefully.”
Economists expect the Fed to announce another quarter-point rate cut in December, after a quarter-point reduction last week and halfpoint cut in September.
But the Fed’s steps after that are much less clear. In September, the central bank’s officials collectively signaled that they envisioned cutting their key rate four times in 2025. Wall Street traders, though, now expect just two rate reductions, according to futures pricing tracked by CME FedWatch. And after Powell’s cautious remarks Thursday, traders estimated the likelihood of a Fed rate cut in December at just below 59 percent, down from 83 percent a day earlier.
The Fed’s benchmark interest rate tends to influence borrowing rates across the economy, including for mortgages, auto loans and credit cards. Other factors, though, can also push up longer-term rates, notably expectations for inflation and economic growth.
Mass. Projects Get Two-Year Permit Extension
If you’re looking to take part in a planned real estate development in Greater Boston, you might be in luck.
Commercial real estate interests cheered the inclusion of language to extend valid permits – including home building permits – for an additional two years in the economic development bill expected to be signed by Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey.
The commercial real estate group NAIOP Massachusetts said lawmakers included its proposal for a two-year “Permit Extension
Act” as Section 280 of the $4 billion jobs bill released Tuesday evening. NAIOP said giving permit-holders an additional two years to complete their work is vital “to protect the over 40,000 permitted-but-not-yet-built housing units across the Commonwealth.”
Lawmakers pursued extensions of state and local permit approvals in 2010 for projects facing obstacles tied to the Great Recession and credit crisis and renewed the extension in 2012.
Housing Advocates Optimistic for Progress in Concord
sures on homebuyers and renters alike in New Hampshire. New housing, particularly workforce housing, is also desperately needed to retain and attract workers to the state, business leaders have said.
But building new housing has been easier said than done, largely due to classic NIMBYism at the local-government level that’s successfully blocked new housing projects in the past.
Elissa Margolin, director at Housing Action New Hampshire, a nonprofit housing advocacy group, said overcoming local opposition to new housing must be a top priority of lawmakers if more housing is to be built in the state.
Defying local governments has proven difficult in the past.
But Margolin expressed optimism that lawmakers from both parties have come to the
realization that the state needs to take decisive action to get new housing projects underway across the state.
“We’ve gone beyond the idea that government won’t play a role in housing,” she said.
“This past election, from a housing perspective, was unprecedented. Housing was a top issue. It was on everyone’s minds. It’s not a partisan issue. There’s a real opportunity now to get things done.”
Lawmakers Seek Balance vs. Local Interests
Lawmakers contacted by The Registry Review agree that the debate has shifted in recent years toward the state getting more involved in housing issues.
“There’s a lot of things we can do,” said state Rep. Jason Osborne, R-Auburn, the House majority leader.
Among other things, Osborne said he’d like lawmakers to look at streamlining the permitting process for building new housing, such as possibly reducing development regulations at the departments of Environmental Services, Transportation and Energy.
“We need to find things that get in the way of new housing and get rid of them,” he said. “Government overreach on regulations is a problem.”
But one of the things in the way of new housing is local government opposition – and Osborne acknowledged that’s a key problem lawmakers will have to confront.
“The trickier area is local zoning,” he said. “We have to figure out how not to overstep the wishes of local governments while also respecting the rights of property owners.”
Osborne indicated the rights of property owners are foremost on his mind these days, saying there’s just too many local restrictions on what can and can’t be built.
— State House News Service
For example, Donald Trump’s presidential election victory has sent yields on Treasury securities – and thus mortgage rates – higher. It is a sign that investors expect faster growth next year as well as potentially larger budget deficits and even higher inflation should Trump impose widespread tariffs and mass deportations of migrants as he has promised. Continued from Page 1
As for accessory dwelling units, Kofalt expressed optimism that a final compromise ADU bill will eventually pass.
Optimism
for ADU Progress
Earlier this year, the House passed a bill that increased the number of ADU units that could be built by-right on a property, but the legislation stalled in the Senate over concerns that three units per property were too many, Kofalt said.
“I think it’s highly likely” lawmakers will find a compromise on ADUs, Kofalt said.
A spokesperson for Ayotte could not be reached for comment.
“We have to figure out how not to overstep the wishes of local governments while also respecting the rights of property owners.”
– Rep. Jason Osborne, R-Auburn
“It’s the difference between local control and local tyranny. When they overstep their authority, we need to rein them in,” he said.
State Rep. Joe Alexander, R-Goffstown, agreed state lawmakers need to thread the policy needle between local-government concerns and the statewide need to build more housing.
Lawmakers may need to pass legislation that stipulates local government building codes can’t exceed state building requirements, he said.
But Alexander, who recently chaired the legislature’s Special Committee on Housing, stressed lawmakers need to look at all regulations, not just local regulations, in order to jump-start housing construction. He pointed out wetland restrictions as an area that may need attention.
But her housing agenda, as outlined during the campaign, was rather extensive and impressive, said Housing Action New Hampshire’s Margolin. Among other things, Ayotte’s plan included support for, as mentioned, streamlining the state permitting process for new construction and supporting the state’s Affordable Housing Fund.
But she also expressed support for ADUs, possibly selling off unused state land for housing projects and other initiatives.
Noticeably absent from Ayotte’s campaign housing agenda: directly confronting local government opposition to housing proposals.
But Margolin said Ayotte’s overall housing agenda nevertheless included a “lot of good ideas” that would, if acted upon, help promote new housing construction in New Hampshire.
“I’m optimistic,” Margolin said of passing meaningful housing legislation during the next legislative session. “I think we can get things done.”
