Court Opinion

ID: 9719215
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 07:45:57.915207+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:24:05.243168
License: Public Domain

Duncan, J.,
dissenting: I see no reason to conclude that RSA 284:15-c(supp.), Laws 1971, 541:8 was intended to limit the power of towns to rescind votes previously adopted, so long as rights of third parties have not intervened. Frost v. Hoar, 85 N.H. 442, 443, 160 A. 51, 52 (1932), and cases cited. Such steps as were taken by the intervenor were necessary prerequisites to its application for a license, required under RSA 284:16-a(supp.). North Hampton &c. Ass’n v. Commission, 94 N.H. 156, 48 A.2d 472 (1946). In making its preliminary investment, “it took its chances” on the success of its application. Id. at 162, 48 A.2d at 477. Nor do I believe that RSA 284:15-c(supp.), Laws 1971, 541:8 was intended to modify or limit RSA 39:3.
RSA 284:16-a(supp.) requires that licenses be renewed annually. The concluding sentence of RSA 284:15-c(supp.) was obviously enacted to make clear that “only one” vote of approval by a town “shall be required,” and that “annual renewals” need not be similarly approved by the voters. The language employed contains no suggestion that it forbids a vote to rescind approval previously voted. Since the intervenor can acquire no right before a license issues, I would hold that full effect should be given to a vote of rescission if properly adopted prior to issuance of a license.