BY JENN McDOWELL

Out of 1,450 registered voters who showed up at Cawley Middle School on Tuesday, Oct. 23, to vote on Article 1, the new Cabela’s TIF district and financing plan, 1,291 voted “yes.”

A longstanding point of contention in the town, Article 1 reduces the size of the TIF boundaries and cuts the town’s general obligation bond from $18 million previously approved by voters to $2 million.

“The turnout has been terrific,” said Hooksett Town Councilor Stuart Werksman, expressing his pleasure with the deal.

“It’s a no-lose situation,” he said, adding the estimated 1,000 jobs generated from the store will have a positive impact on the town.

“We’re thrilled at the turnout. The town spoke with darn near one voice,” said Gene Beaudoin of Hooksett Expeditions LLC, the project’s developer.

He added the vote is only the first of many more steps in the process, the next ones being to submit a formal application to the planning board and to obtain town and state building permits.

Mort Blumenthal cast his vote, and thinks the development is a good idea.

“I think it will be an asset to the community,” he said.

The turnout was exceptional for a special election, said Town Clerk Leslie Nepveu.

Moderator Peggy Teravainen said this special election brought out many more voters than the state Legislature District 9 vote in July, which got David Boutin elected. About 800 residents voted then, she said.

“To those who did not come today but will have some complaint to make, shame on them,” she said.