A Digression-Hooksett Service Plaza

The State has just released its request for proposals for the re-development of the out-of-date service plazas on I-93 in Hooksett, but no mention of alternative energy or sustainable building concepts is included. The proposals envision a ground lease to a developer who will tear down the existing facilities and re-build centers with more modern and much LARGER liquor stores and other facilities, including potentially, fuel options.

The proposal request makes no mention of providing extra points to a developer willing to incorporate sustainable building concepts or alternative energy. Certainly solar panels should be considered for part of the energy needs. Is wind viable? Perhaps on land just outside of the existing footprint?

This is an opportunity for the state and should not be overlooked. The service plazas are potential gold mines for the right developers. We should insist they include forward thinking construction and energy concepts in their proposals and that the state DOT make efforts to encourage this thoughtfulness.