By Nicholas Brown
Staff Writer

A light industrial park and gas station proposal for Candia’s Route 101 Exit 3 area ­ the most traveled access corridor to the town ­ has drawn early fire from some Candia residents and planning board members.

Some of the discussion at the planning board’s meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 2, focused not on the specific proposal, but rather what outlook Candia residents have on commercial and industrial growth in the heavily traversed area.

Planning Board Chairman Mary Girard said the board has repeatedly heard from residents that they want more nonresidential growth in general.

Said board member Joe Duarte, “We can’t be shutting doors without giving these people a chance to make their case.”

Though board member weren’t yet formally reviewing the site plans, member Kim Byrd repeatedly suggested the plans were in violation of town zoning ordinances, despite assurances of compliance from the developer, Richard Danais.

“This is the transportation gateway to Candia,” Byrd told fellow board members. “We only have one chance to do this right.”

Byrd drew applause from many of the people filling the town hall chambers when he suggested the project wasn’t appropriate for the light industrial zone, which was zoned commercial before being changed at this year’s Town Meeting.

Danais is proposing to develop 13 acres on Route 43, just east of the Exit 3 off ramp.

The proposal includes a Mobil On the Run gas station and convenience store with a built-in Dunkin’ Donuts, and a six-building light-industrial park.

The industrial units would be primarily used to store materials for people like craftsmen and contractors, said Danais, and would have attached offices for administrative use.

After advice from hired engineer Bernard Hamill, the planning board moved to table hearings on the plans until issues like a traffic study and state Department of Transportation permits are first addressed.

“We have a concern that this site is effectively overloaded ­ a classic case of seven pounds of potatoes in a five-pound bag,” Hamill said.

The plans have also met early opposition from residential neighbors to the north.

William Donovan, an attorney representing multiple abutters, said, “It’s the proximity that’s the problem. Their neighborhood is squarely behind this.”

Like Byrd, Donovan contended the site plans were in violation of local zoning ordinances, and suggested local regulations prohibited the board from accepting Danais’ applications.

Said Danais, “We feel we are abiding by the zoning regulations and we don’t feel any need to go to the (zoning board of adjustment).”

The board plans to review the site plan applications at its Wednesday, Sept. 20, meeting.