The Temple Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct a site walk Tuesday, May 4, at 32 West Road, following a hearing on an ongoing application for a special exception to store antique vehicles and equipment.
The site walk is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.
Property owners Alan Marsh and John Jackson-Marsh have been seeking approval since 2018 to keep antique construction equipment, vehicles, tractors and machinery on four acres of their 39-acre property. They purchased the property in 2014.
In January 2017, the town issued a notice of violation of both the local zoning ordinance and the state’s junkyard statute after receiving multiple complaints from residents.
Marsh and Jackson-Marsh have said their collection is for “noncommercial antique vehicle restoration” and constitutes a hobby. The pair are members of the Northeast Chapter of the Historical Construction Equipment Association and occasionally transport items for exhibits and events.
Abutters and neighbors have opposed the request, describing the property as a “junkyard.” Concerns have also been raised by neighbors and the Conservation Commission about potential groundwater contamination.
In July 2023, Hillsborough County Superior Court ordered the property owners to bring the site into compliance with state law and local zoning by either removing materials deemed a junkyard or applying for the necessary approvals within 30 days. Those approvals include a special exception, site plan approval and a license.
The owners appealed to the New Hampshire Supreme Court in December 2024. The court upheld the town’s order requiring them to either apply for a special exception to operate a junkyard or remove the equipment.
At a recent ZBA meeting, neighbor Murray Collette, who also serves on the Planning Board, said he would support the application if it complies with RSA 236. Under that statute, an unlimited number of vehicles may be stored if they are kept within a permanent structure, with only five vehicles allowed outdoors.
ZBA members questioned whether the structures proposed by Marsh would meet that definition. Marsh said the buildings would be similar to the tent structures used at Temple Beef Farm, which is owned by Mark Salisbury.
“We might actually buy Mark Salisbury’s tents, as he is getting out of the business,” Marsh said.
Board members noted those tents are not considered permanent structures because they lack foundations and are not taxed. ZBA member Clay Lennartz said that if the tents are not permanent, the proposal would not meet the requirements.
Marsh said at least one structure would include a concrete floor for garage and repair use.
“Everyone should drive by Temple Beef and take a look,” Marsh said. “The tents are attached to concrete blocks.”
The board closed the hearing pending the site walk and will continue deliberations at its next meeting on May 14.
More information is available at templenh.gov.