Candidate Profile: Lisa Stone (Planning Board)

In the final eight days leading up to Peterborough’s 2023 Town Meeting, we will be posting profiles on all candidates — or as many candidates as provide responses to GoMonadnock. We’ve asked all candidates from a given race the same questions and are printing their answers unedited.

What do you see as the proper role for a Planning Board in the State of New Hampshire?

The role of the planning board is to develop zoning that promotes safe land use to support the needs of our community.   Then once passed to guide property owners to meet their land use needs with in the guidelines. 

Is the planning board as it currently exists acting in what you see as the proper role or do you believe changes need to be made?

I believe the Peterborough Planning Board needs to spend more time workshopping zoning changes that will address housing shortage, inclusive housing and the environmental issues we are facing.  

If you had to choose one new Zoning Ordinance to put before the voters of Peterborough, what would it be and why?

If I had the power to create a zoning ordinance it would focus on removing minimum acreage requirements for homes serviced by town water and sewer, it would also allow multi family homes on the same properties.

What are the ways in which you as a candidate are unique and distinct from your opponents in this race?

I have been on the planning board or an alternate for about 4 years.  As a REALTOR ®️ I spend all day everyday looking for housing options for my clients.  I study Peterborough and other towns zoning.  I am passionate about property owners rights to use their property in its highest state.  

Tell us your vision for the future of Peterborough.

Peterborough is a lovely community to live in.   My future Peterborough has room and resources for a more diverse population.   We are an aged community that enjoys the businesses and services here in town.  In order to keep our shops and restaurants open we need more housing for those employees.  This means we need housing solutions. Our schools have plenty of room for more students, I would love to see a growing community.  Incremental growth will produce tax relief for us all. 

What else do you want our readers to know?

Peterborough is a lovely community to live in.   My future Peterborough has room and resources for a more diverse population.   We are an aged community that enjoys the businesses and services here in town.  In order to keep our shops and restaurants open we need more housing for those employees.  This means we need housing solutions. Our schools have plenty of room for more students, I would love to see a growing community.  Incremental growth will produce tax relief for us all.