Incorporated in 1753, Hinsdale has long long been an unsung hero in trade and technological innovation.   The industrial age saw the town thrive with the introduction of wool, and later, paper mills along the Ashuelot River.  As the population of the town grew so did industry, with a foundry, machine shops and other supportive businesses.  Hinsdale was home to the first automobile, the manufacturer of prized chisels (used to carve Mt Rushmore), Gurian Guitars and wire cables and coatings.  Hinsdale is positioned for new economic growth in the 2000's and beyond...

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• In 2018 the town's Planning Board undertook a major re-zoning on the route 119 corridor in town.  The new zoning created two new Roadside Commercial districts.  The purpose of this re-zoning effort was to spur economic development and ease the introduction of new business opportunities to our community.
• In addition, the Planning Board is also reviewing the town's zoning ordinances to encourage specific types of residential development.
• Click here to view Hinsdale's zoning.
• The states of NH and VT recently completed work on a new bridge project spanning the Connecticut River.  The John Stark Bridge has provided easier access to Interstate 91 and neighboring Brattleboro, VT.
• Hinsdale is a New Market Tax Credits eligible community.  This is another advantage Hinsdale can offer developers that neighboring communities can not.  Click here for more information on New Market Tax Credits.
• At the 2025 town meeting, voters passed the adoption of two important tax incentives; RSA 79-E and RSA 72:81.
  • RSA 79-E encourages revitalization of underutilized buildings in designated downtowns by offering temporary property tax relief (up to 5 years, with possible extensions for projects that include 
    housing). ​
  • RSA 72:81 promotes commercial/industrial development by offering specific tax exemptions on certain 
    commercial construction or improvements for up to 10 years. This incentive encourages business 
    expansion or modernization.  Encouraging commercial growth can enhance the town’s economic base 
    and provide essential services.
• Also passed at the March Town Meeting were key zoning ordinance changes to support residential 
  development:

  • New, user friendly Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance.  The new ADU zoning provisions will provide
    far greater flexibility to homeowners who are looking to expand housing opportunities on their property.

  • Creation of a new Cottage Court and Cluster Development Overlay Districts.  These types of developments
    will allow for a higher density development while maintaining a rural aesthetic through the allocation and 
    conservation of common green spaces within the development.

  • Expansion of residential development opportunities into the Roadside Commercial Districts (Zones A and B) 
    and the Commercial/Industrial District.  This amendment opens up an additional 400+ acres of land to a variety of residential development projects.

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