As a resident of Hampton, New Hampshire’s vibrant and close-knit community, I am deeply concerned about the proposed East Gate/Sweetbriar development (Hampton Planning Board application #25-041), which threatens to destroy a healthy forest and critical unprotected wetlands, as well as protected conservation land, located directly on and adjacent to the project site — separated from proposed construction by only narrow 50-foot and 20-foot buffers.

This forest is more than a patch of trees — it is a living ecosystem that provides shade, oxygen, and shelter for countless animals and birds. It helps stabilize soil, reduce runoff, and regulate local temperatures. Cutting it down will not only destroy vital habitat but also accelerate erosion and increase flooding throughout the surrounding area, and neighborhood.

The site also contains unprotected wetlands that play a vital role in maintaining Hampton’s ecological balance — filtering water, storing floodwaters, and supporting diverse wildlife. These wetlands connect directly to the forested public land owned by the Hampton School District, land that has long served as de facto conservation space and critical wildlife habitat for the community. This forest is an interconnected network that sustains the region’s biodiversity. Disturbing even part of this system threatens the health of all of it.

When forests are cleared, the impact extends beyond habitat loss. Forests act as natural air filters — they absorb pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide, trap dust, and particles on their leaves, and produce the oxygen we breathe. Removing mature trees means less oxygen, more pollutants in the air, and higher local temperatures. Over time, this contributes to poorer air quality and a less healthy environment for everyone who calls Hampton home.

The proposed development would introduce large impervious surfaces — new roads, driveways, and rooftops — directly above existing neighborhoods. These hard surfaces prevent water from soaking into the ground, causing rainfall and snowmelt to run off at much higher volumes and speeds.

Because the proposed site sits at a higher elevation than the surrounding homes, stormwater runoff will naturally flow downhill into nearby properties and wetlands, overwhelming existing drainage systems and worsening flooding that already affects the area. Residents along Langdale Drive, Oakdale Avenue, Pineknoll Road and Sweetbriar Lane have experienced severe flooding for years, with pooling water in yards and basements that has required costly repairs. Many homeowners have spent thousands of dollars installing pumps, drainage systems, and other measures to mitigate water damage and prevent future flooding. Disturbing the unprotected wetlands on this parcel will only increase this problem, reducing the land’s natural capacity to absorb water and forcing even more runoff toward existing homes. Removing trees and natural ground cover will only magnify this issue, causing significant distress for current residents and potentially leading to displacement if flooding becomes more severe.

Developers have claimed that drainage and runoff impacts will be adequately managed, but their testing and reports were conducted during a period of drought — conditions that do not reflect the reality of heavy rain or snowmelt in Hampton, NH.  In these conditions, the soil’s ability to absorb water appeared far greater than it actually is under normal or heavy rainfall conditions.  As a result, their data underestimates how much stormwater will accumulate and flow from the site during normal or extreme weather events. Their own plans even include measures to address flooding and erosion, which acknowledges these risks exist and will likely occur. Yet despite the repeated warnings from neighbors who have already spent thousands of dollars mitigating flooding, the project continues to move forward. By removing the forest and the absorbent soil that naturally soaks up water and replacing it with impervious surfaces like pavement and rooftops, this development guarantees that runoff and floodwater will increase — damaging nearby homes and wetlands.

In addition to flooding concerns, this development would bring a significant increase in traffic to our neighborhood that is not designed for high-volume use. With more cars, construction vehicles, and delivery traffic, the risks of accidents and reduced pedestrian safety—especially for children and families who walk or bike—will rise sharply. Our quiet residential roads could become unsafe cut-throughs for commuters entering and leaving the new subdivision. Combined with the increased flooding and drainage issues, this project threatens both the safety and quality of life in our neighborhood.

Even more alarming, the developer’s own Drainage Analysis admits that the project failed to meet the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) Alteration of Terrain (AOT) Groundwater Recharge requirements (Env-Wq 1507.04). Their report states that ledge and clay layers throughout the parcel make it “bad practice to rely on infiltration.” In other words, the soil on this site cannot properly absorb stormwater. Instead, the developer plans to use underdrained bioretention ponds, which NHDES does not consider groundwater recharge. These systems will only redirect stormwater through pipes, sending excess runoff downhill toward existing neighborhoods and wetlands rather than back into the ground where it belongs. This means the project cannot safely manage its own stormwater, creating a serious threat to both residents and the environment.

The developer’s report also notes that “a drainage analysis of the entire site as well as offsite contributing watershed areas was conducted for the purpose of estimating the peak rate of stormwater runoff.”  In plain terms, these are estimates, not long-term on-site measurements. Given the parcel’s clay soils, shallow bedrock, high water tables, and elevated terrain, relying solely on computer-modeled projections rather than real hydrological testing is inadequate and risky. Designing drainage systems around predicted averages—rather than verified local conditions—makes it nearly impossible to ensure that flooding, runoff, and erosion will be safely managed once the natural forest and soils are removed.

Within the drainage analysis, the developers also acknowledge that the site’s soil and subsurface conditions prevent proper infiltration. The combination of clay layers, ledge close to the surface, and high groundwater means the ground simply cannot absorb or filter stormwater as it should. Even engineered drainage features are unlikely to function as intended under these conditions, further increasing the likelihood of runoff, flooding, and wetland degradation.

This is precisely why the NHDES Alteration of Terrain Groundwater Recharge requirement exists — to ensure that new developments maintain the natural recharge of groundwater and prevent stormwater from overwhelming surrounding lands and wetlands. By failing to meet this standard, the project demonstrates that it cannot safely or sustainably manage the stormwater it will create.

Also according to the developer’s own engineering plans, the proposed sewer line and manhole extend through the 50-foot Wetland Conservation District buffer, coming very close to the unprotected wetlands area and placing infrastructure within a regulated zone that is intended to safeguard wetland boundaries. In addition, their proposed design indicates that the sewer manhole falls extremely close to — or possibly within — the boundary of public land owned by the Hampton School District (SAU 90). Construction and maintenance in this area would require trenching and excavation through, or severely close to, sensitive and fragile wetland soils, altering hydrology, and introducing pollutants into both unprotected and protected lands. This minimal separation provides virtually no effective buffer. Water, pollutants, and sediment from construction and storm runoff can easily flow from the development site into the fragile and unprotected area.

In addition to these risks, the presence of high water tables and shallow ledges raises serious concerns about the safety and reliability of the proposed sewer system. The sewer easement runs close to both unprotected and protected wetlands, meaning that during periods of flooding or heavy rain, wastewater and stormwater could mix. Any overflow, break, or failure could cause sewage contamination of nearby properties and conservation land, posing both environmental and public health hazards.

Even with a proposed 50-foot buffer around the unprotected wetlands, this plan provides inadequate protection. Such a narrow strip cannot effectively absorb or filter runoff and falls far short of the 100–300 feet recommended by environmental scientists to safeguard wetlands and prevent flood damage. The combination of elevation, deforestation, and impervious surfaces will increase the risk of flooding, erosion, and wildlife habitat loss, harming both residents and the protected lands beyond.

This projected development and the tragic impact it will have on Hampton’s public land cannot be overstated. This land is not only publicly owned but also ecologically critical, providing:

• Wetland protection and groundwater recharge
• Habitat for local wildlife
• Flood mitigation and stormwater absorption
• Public, educational, and recreational value
   

The approved development could have immediate and irreversible negative impacts, including:

• Encroachment on wetland buffers, increasing risk of flooding and erosion
• Increased stormwater runoff into the pond and surrounding ecosystems
• Loss of tree cover and wildlife habitat
• Noise, light, and human disturbance that degrade the ecological and public value of the land
   

Furthermore, the installation of roads, lighting, and utilities so close to this area will cause additional disruptions. Artificial light interferes with nocturnal wildlife and plant cycles, while noise, vibration, and soil compaction degrade the integrity of the conservation area.

 The combination of these factors threatens both the unprotected wetlands and the protected land the community has worked so hard to preserve.

Our community has raised these concerns repeatedly, yet the project was approved despite widespread opposition.  The East Gate Sweetbriar plan threatens unprotected wetlands, protected conservation land, and one of Hampton’s last remaining forest habitats. Once this forest is cleared and these wetlands are disturbed, the damage will be permanent.

We call on the the Residents of Hampton, the Hampton Planning Board, Conservation Commission, and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services to:

• Require a full environmental review of the East Gate / Sweetbriar development (Hampton Planning Board Application #25-041) to ensure it meets all state and local environmental standards.
• Protect the unprotected wetlands, surrounding public forest land, and remaining natural areas from harm caused by this high-impact development.
• Engage the community in a transparent, accountable review process that includes hydrology, wildlife, and wetland impact evaluations.
• Recognize that Hampton’s forests and wetlands protect our homes, schools, and wildlife. Allowing short-term development to damage these resources would cause long-term, irreversible harm.

Please sign this petition to demand immediate action to protect Hampton’s forests, wetlands, and wildlife — and to ensure a safe, sustainable future for generations to come. 

💚 Why This Matters 

This isn’t just about one neighborhood — it’s about protecting the natural systems that protect us. Hampton’s forests and wetlands filter our water, clean our air, and prevent flooding. If we destroy them, we destroy the balance that makes our town — and our planet — livable.

🌎 Thank you for standing up for Hampton’s forests, wetlands, and wildlife. Every signature helps send a clear message: our community values nature, safety, and sustainability over short-term profit. Together, we can protect this land — for ourselves, for our neighbors, and for future generations!

 HOW ELSE CAN YOU TAKE ACTION? 

After signing, please consider emailing or writing a letter to the Hampton Planning Board to share your concerns. Your voice can help protect Hampton and keep it the beautiful place we all know and love!

Town of Hampton Planning Board
100 Winnacunnet Road
Hampton, NH 0384

or CONTACT

The Planning Board Chair, Sharon Mullen
Email: sharon.mullen31@outlook.com
Phone: (603) 439-6547

Ask her and the board to ensure that the environmental concerns raised about Application #25-041 (East Gate / Sweetbriar development) — including wetlands, runoff, flooding risks, and wildlife impacts — are fully reviewed at the state level by DES and AOT. 

or CONTACT

New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES)
Wetlands Bureau – to request state-level review of wetland impacts
Email: wetlandsbureau@des.nh.gov  or  lrm@des.nh.gov
Phone: (603) 271-2147

Alteration of Terrain (AOT) Bureau — for concerns about runoff, flooding risk, stormwater systems, and soil disturbance
Email: aot@des.nh.gov  or  amy.c.clark@des.nh.gov
Phone: (603) 271-2303

Ask DES (or the appropriate state oversight bureau) to fully review Application #25-041 (East Gate / Sweetbriar development) for:

• potential impacts to unprotected wetlands
• possible un-mapped connection to abutting wetlands and hydrologic flow paths not shown on developer’s map proposal
• stormwater overflow and downhill flooding risks 
• sewer easements and utility disturbance inside wetland buffer 
• concerns about seasonal hydrology not tested during peak periods
• wildlife and habitat impacts

Residents can request that DES conduct additional site review and require stronger protections before any construction proceeds.

or CONTACT

The Town of Hampton
100 Winnacunnet Road
Hampton, NH 03842  
Phone: (603) 926-6766

Let them know you oppose Application #25-041 and support protecting Hampton’s forests, wetlands, and conservation land for future generations. 

💚 From the bottom of my heart and from our community, thank you for supporting this cause and standing up for Hampton’s forests, wetlands, and wildlife. Your voice truly matters, so make it heard! Please share this petition with your friends, family, and neighbors so together we can protect the land, air, and water that sustain us all.