Although plans to lure Bass Pro Shops to Hooksett have seemingly fallen through, it’s not slowing down members of the town’s Economic Development Committee.

Committee Chairman Bill Sirak said a weakened economy is to blame.

It is the second time in less than a year that a major retailer has pulled back after expressing keen interest in developing the high traffic Exit 11 parcel off Interstate 93. Last fall, after lengthy consideration, outdoor sports retailer Cabela’s also withdrew a proposal to set up a new store in Hooksett.

“Everything is on hold at this point in time,” said Sirak. “But when the economy gets back online, we’ll be ready.”

In the meantime, the committee will work on streamlining the zoning process and identifying any other desirable commercial parcels to facilitate the permitting process the next time a major developer expresses interest in Hooksett.

“We don’t know when it will happen, but when it does, we’ll be ready,” he said.

Old Town Hall
In other business, the Economic Development Committee will ask permission of town councilors at the March 25 Hooksett Town Council meeting to move forward with the probate court process in order to lift deed restrictions on the old Town Hall which might limit any proposed future uses.

When the town was originally given the land in the early 19th century, the local family who owned the property deeded it on the condition that it had to be used for town-related purposes only. The deed specified that if the restriction was violated, the parcel would revert back to the original owners.

Sirak said whatever future uses of the building are ultimately proposed and approved, the committee and the Town Council needs to pay special attention to maintain the historic flavor of the structure.