Peterborough Town Election 2025: Contested Zoning Board Race
The Peterborough, NH, Town Election on May 13, 2025, includes a contested race for a seat on the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA), offering voters a choice between two candidates for a critical role in shaping the town’s land-use policies. Here’s a detailed look at the candidates, the election process, and the importance of this position.
The Candidates
The Zoning Board race features Daron L. Janis and Christopher Maidment, as outlined in Article 1 of the FY 2026 Town Meeting Warrant. Voters will select one candidate for a three-year term on the ZBA. The ZBA’s role involves deciding on appeals, variances, special exceptions, and equitable waivers from zoning requirements, often impacting property development and community growth. Residents can learn more about the candidates through local forums, the Town Clerk’s website, or community discussions leading up to the election.
The current ZBA members include Chair Chris DiLoreto (term ending 2026), Vice Chair Dan Latini (2026), Sharon Monahan (2025), Leah Seymour (2027), Jonah Wheeler (2027), and alternates Loretta Laurenitis (2027) and Don Selby (2027).
Election Details
The election will occur during the second session of the Annual Town Meeting:
- Date: Tuesday, May 13, 2025
- Time: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Location: Town House Upper Hall, 1 Grove Street, Peterborough, NH 03458
This session involves ballot voting on Articles 1-18, with Article 1 covering the election of officers, including the ZBA position.
The filing period for candidates likely closed earlier this year. Voters must be registered residents of Peterborough to participate. Same day registration is available. Check with the Town Clerk about required documents as new requirements are in place as of 2025.
The Role of the Zoning Board
The Zoning Board of Adjustment is a state-required body established once a town adopts a zoning ordinance. Its primary function is to provide relief from strict zoning rules by handling four types of applications: appeals of administrative decisions, variances, special exception uses, and equitable waivers from dimensional requirements. These decisions directly affect property owners, developers, and the broader community, balancing individual property rights with the town’s zoning goals.
For example, the ZBA might grant a variance for a homeowner to build closer to a property line than zoning allows or approve a special exception for a business use in a residential zone. Recent zoning discussions in Peterborough, such as the 2024 debates over workforce housing ordinances and rezoning the Family District to allow multifamily housing, highlight the ZBA’s role in navigating complex land-use issues. The elected member will influence how these policies are applied, impacting housing availability, density, and community character.
Why This Race Matters
The Zoning Board race is significant because its decisions shape Peterborough’s growth and development. With ongoing debates about housing affordability—evidenced by the 2024 failure of Zoning Amendment 1 to rezone the Family District (366 votes for, 395 against) and Amendment 2’s passage to close a loophole on elderly housing (579 votes for, 190 against)—the ZBA’s role in approving or denying variances and exceptions is critical. The board’s rulings can either facilitate or restrict development, affecting everything from affordable housing to downtown density.
Historically, Peterborough has seen contested ZBA races, such as in 2024 when Leah Seymour (351 votes), Jonah Orion Wheeler (503), Ivy Vann (263), and Paul C. LaRoche (282) competed for seats. This indicates community interest in zoning issues, especially as the town grapples with balancing growth and preservation, as noted in the Planning Board’s recent focus on the 2023 Master Plan updates.
Community Context
Zoning remains a contentious issue in Peterborough. The Planning Board and ZBA recently postponed work on an inclusionary housing ordinance until 2025 to align with the Master Plan process, reflecting ongoing efforts to address housing needs. The new ZBA member will likely face decisions related to these efforts, as well as potential zoning proposals from the Conservation Commission and discussions on rezoning Commercial District lots. Their votes could influence whether Peterborough prioritizes denser development near downtown or maintains stricter zoning to preserve neighborhood character.
How to Participate
- Vote: Cast your ballot on May 13, 2025, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Town House Upper Hall.
- Stay Informed: Visit the Town Clerk’s website for candidate information, voter registration details, and the full FY 2026 Town Meeting Warrant.
The contested Zoning Board race offers Peterborough residents an opportunity to influence how zoning decisions will shape the town’s future. Research the candidates and make your choice on election day.
