By Nathan Duke
Staff Writer

Four easements sought by developers of the proposed Riverside Commons development may end up on the March ballot.

Goffstown selectmen were originally scheduled to decide at their Monday, Aug. 8, meeting whether to grant the easements.

However, Goffstown resident Nick Campasano presented a petition to the selectmen at their July 25 meeting that included the signatures of 169 Goffstown residents. The petition demanded that the proposed sale of the easement rights of town-owned land be included as a warrant article in the 2006 election.

The board’s legal counsel, attorney William Drescher, said the petition is valid.

Riverside Commons Developer Elmer Pease asked for four easements for the proposed project.

The first easement involves the proposed project crossing the rail trail, while the second involves storm water drainage for the proposed project. The third and fourth easements asked for a shared driveway between the Commons and the town at East Union Street.

Town Administrator Sue Desruisseaux said Pease can redesign his site plan or submit a new plan that does not ask for the easements.

However, if he does nothing to change the plans, the issue will end up on the March ballot.

“His current plan cannot go forward because it relies on having those easements in place,” said Gossett McRae, chairman of the board of selectmen. “If (Pease) does nothing, my expectation is that the issue will sit until March.”