HAMPTON, N.H. (AP) – Discontent over a $12 million sewer infrastructure project has some in the village beach precinct talking about seceding from the town of Hampton.

Residents and business owners have expressed anger with the installation of sidewalks, loss of parking and the idea to turn Ashworth Avenue into a two-way street with a center turning lane.

Others are upset that land they thought was theirs, which is owned by the town, is being taken away from them, and they have to foot the bill to reconnect into the new sewer system once it’s completed.

“One of these days, they are going to push us too far and we are going to leave their town,” said resident Mike Scanlan.

By seceding, the precinct would become its own town and put a stop to all the changes people there say are destroying their livelihoods.

“We can call a special meeting with 10 registered voters,” Scanlan said. “It wouldn’t take much to leave this town, I can tell you that.”

Although Scanlan said all it would take to leave the town is the vote of the majority of the 135 residents in the precinct, Commissioner Mike O’Neil said it would also need the support of the town.

“I don’t see it happening,” O’Neil said. “The people in the town of Hampton will never vote to let the precinct go away.”

Selectboard Chairman Jim Workman said with all the concerns raised, it’s obvious the board needs to do a better job of communicating with precinct residents about the project.

“I don’t think it’s been missing, but it’s not as good as it could be,” he said. “I think we are seeing a lot of issues arise and the underlying theme is the lack of communication.”

Talk of secession is nothing new in Hampton Beach.

Since 1909, there have been four occasions in which members of the precinct discussed seceding. Scanlan said those issues had to do with fire service and taxation.

Information from: Portsmouth Herald, http://www.seacoastonline.com