The Heritage Commission met Thursday night for their bi-monthly meeting to discuss business regarding new design reviews brought to their attention. The first site plan was brought to the Commission by Doug MacGuire. The application was for a design review of a site plan for 44 elderly housing units and associated site improvements to 48 Old Nashua Road. According to MacGuire, the goal of this project is to create a smaller cottage style community that is geared to be more affordable than other 55+ communities that are currently in town. This community would also be made for people or couples who are looking to downsize to a smaller living arrangement. MacGuire also pointed out to the Commission that this project is meant to be a walkable community for residents to take walks along the entire property. The project is currently in formal design review before it goes before the Planning Board. An outside company would be responsible for the upkeep of the outside of the homes, which includes landscaping and snow shoveling. The Commission had just a few questions for MacGuire regarding the color scheme of the houses, but they were pleased with the overall answers they received. Members of the Commission overwhelmingly gave their recommendation for this plan to move forward.
After the first presentation, the second site plan given to the Commission was for the construction of a 5,840 SF, two-story salon, spa, and office. This plan also includes site improvements to 6 Mohawk Drive. The presentation was given by Matthew Routhier from Bedford Design. There are currently two lots located on this property. One lot is holding the office building and the other is currently vacant. According to Routhier, the goal of this project is to construct a two story salon/office building. The site plans were met some hesitations from members of the Commission who felt that this did not meet the architectural feel of the current building that is on the property on Mohawk Drive. Town Council liaison Jim Butler expressed his fear that if the proposed plans go forward, there will be push back from residents in the area and other townspeople. Ultimately, the Commission decided not to give their approval for the site plans to move forward until they fix some aesthetic issues they currently have.
The final site plan was brought forth by Jason Hill. This application was for a design review of a site plan to construct a 2,000 SF building addition with connector drives, display areas and associated parking and site improvements to 3 and 5 Tracy Lane. This bit of land is tricky, because it is both on Hudson and Londonderry town property, so the applicants will need two stamps of approval to get their project off the ground. The original Reeds Ferry Sheds building will remain the same, but a driveway is looking to be added to the north of the site to interconnect the facilities. The presentation was short and sweet and the Commission gave their stamp of approval for the project to continue on the Londonderry side.