There was no shortage of Campbell Hill residents clammering for the microphone at an April 23 meeting to let Planning and Zoning Board members know loudly and clearly they don’t want a new proposed senior community in their backyard.

A senior housing community slated to be built in the Campbell Hill subdivision off Route 3 drew nearly 90 nearby homeowners to a joint Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment hearing that was specifically scheduled to discuss the Beaver Brook Development project.

The plans for the new development include three separate 12-unit buildings to house residents 55 years and older. Beaver Brook Development, owned by Hooksett resident J.R. Ouellette, is seeking a special exception to build the multi-family units on the 15-acre parcel located in a medium- density residential area.

Many residents spoke out against the project, repeatedly speculating it would result in unnecessary extra traffic through Campbell Hill and potentially damaging drainage issues. The concept of light pollution, diminishing home values and unsightly views were also mentioned.

“The rural nature of the neighborhood would disappear,” said Victoria Silver, who owns a home on Virginia Court near the proposed development site. She showed Planning Board members and Zoning Board of Adjustment members pictures of baby foxes, wild turkeys and deer that frequent her backyard.

Karen Nadeau, also a resident on Virginia Court, vowed she would move if the developer is granted a special exception to move forward. She said her plans to add a deck and hot tub to her house were put on hold immediately once she learned of the project because she thinks her home value will bottom out.

“I’m sure I’d see a decrease in my original property value,” Nadeau said. But nearby residents weren’t the only ones at the meeting expressing concern over the application for the special exception.

Town Planner Jo Ann Duffy used words like “nonsense” and “premature” to describe the application which she said was incomplete. She noted she was “shocked” that the issue of density had not been addressed with the developer and is “appalled” that wetlands have not been identified on the site yet. She also said the number of proposed parking spaces were insufficient.

Several representatives of the developer gave lengthy presentation to both boards before the meeting was opened to public input. According to the consulting report of an appraiser, historical home data does not suggest the proposed development would have any negative impact on property values in Campbell Hill.