Present: John Badger (Chairman), Eric Botterman (Town Council Representative),Diane Hardy (Town Planner), Rick McMenimen, Janice Rosa, Peter Roy (Vice-Chairman), Val Shelton, George Willant
Absent: Justin Normand (alternate), Adam Schroadter (alternate)
Chairman Badger called the meeting to order at 7:12 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance
Public Comments
Review and Approval of Minutes: May 24, 2010
Rick McMenimen asked if on Page 3, Line 18, “closest” should be “closeness.” Town Planner Diane Hardy noted the word should be “closest.”
Action
Motion: Vice-Chairman Roy made a motion to accept the minutes from the May 24, 2010 meeting.
Seconded: George Willant
Vote: Janice Rosa, Eric Botterman and Val Shelton abstained, all others voted in favor
Janice Rosa, Eric Botterman and Val Shelton abstained from voting because they had not been present at the meeting.
July 13, 2010
George Willant noted on Page 2, Line 15, “Schanda Park” should be “Schanda Farm.” There is an extra period after the word “house” on Page 2, Line 22. On Page 3, Line 44, it should be clear the man who spoke is one of the abutters.
Val Shelton noted on Page 1, line 44 she had also abstained from voting, because she had not been present at the previous meeting. On Page 3, Line 7, it should be clear there was not a quorum present. Also on Page 3, Line 22 it should read: “in the wetlands or buffers after vegetation.” On Page 4, Line 41, “and the area” should be deleted.
Vice-Chairman Roy asked if on Page 3, Line 12, it should be shorelands or wetlands. Town Planner Diane Hardy noted it should be wetlands.
Rick McMenimen asked if kilowatt was shown correctly on Page 2, Line 31. He also noted on Page 6, Line 9 it should read: “it yet.”
Action
Motion: Vice-Chairman Roy made a motion to approve the minutes from the July 13, 2010 meeting as amended.
Seconded: Rick McMenimen
Vote: Eric Botterman abstained, all others voted in favor
Eric Botterman noted he abstained from the vote, because he had not been present at the meeting.
Regular Business
Preliminary Consultation with Newmarket Heritage Cultural Center Committee on Civic Space in Newmarket Mills
Michael Provost explained he was present tonight to review the plans developed to date and to receive preliminary feedback from the Planning Board on the proposed use and layout of the civic space designated within the Newmarket Mills. He provided historic background on the project, including studies that were done before the mills went on the market. Over the years, there have been many discussions about the mixed-use space for the mills including a public tourism feature. He discussed the Essex Mills study of 1994 and the redevelopment plan of 1996. There has always been an interest in what the community can aim to receive through the redevelopment of the mills. In February of 2004, there was a public forum in the downstairs auditorium, with a planning consultant, Richard Beatty, to explore public space opportunities in the mills, because of interest from the community for there to be space within the mills that could still be accessed by the public even after the redevelopment. The Bryant Rock development was not conducive to public space; it was felt the Main Street mills and courtyard would better serve that desire. Some of the suggestions during the public forum for use of the space within the mills included: dance space; museum; movie theater; live theatre; UNH resources; indoor walking arena; chamber of commerce; medical offices; restaurants; art space; and craftsman space. In 2004, Smuttynose Brewery showed an interest in the mills, but that venue did not work out. The Newmarket Community Development Corporation (NCDC) then engaged The Cecil Group out of Boston to prepare and send out a Request For Proposals (RFP) which included a set amount of public space, which at the time was 2,500 square feet. Eric Chinburg (a.k.a Chinburg Builders, Inc.) was soon identified as the “preferred developer”. In negotiations with Chinburg, the public space increased from 2,500 to just less than 5,000 square feet. The Newmarket Heritage Cultural Center Committee (NHCCC) was formed about a year ago to start looking at the space since its location within the mills was known. The committee further discussed how the civic space would be used, how it would be developed and who would manage the space. Other organizations in town, including the Lamprey Arts, Cultural, and Heritage Alliance (LACA), Newmarket Historical Society and Veteran’s committee, were included in these discussions and a proposal for the civic space was created. He noted a Town Council representative is still needed on the committee and the next meeting is scheduled for August 26, 2010.
Michael Provost continued explaining the Newmarket Community Development Corporation (NCDC) hired SMP Associates out of Concord, who designed the new Audubon Society and the Capital Center for the Arts. SMP Associates has been successful in working with non-profit groups on public spaces in old buildings. Mr. Provost gave a PowerPoint presentation of the architect’s concept for the civic space within the mills. He explained how each component would be multi-faceted and include the opportunity for a number of events to be held at the same time. The proposal includes a gallery/partitioned classroom; performance area; exhibit area; ADA access; rest rooms; meeting room; offices; kitchen and seating for 100 guests. The space will be sound-proofed. The PowerPoint presentation included a guided “walk-through” using a three dimensional rendition of the proposal, which illustrated the flow and movement of people throughout the space.
Arlon Chaffee, President of the Newmarket Community Development Corporation, expressed his excitement with the end result. He discussed the Bryant Rock amenities including the pedestrian bridge and public access to the waterfront. Mr. Chinburg who developed Bryant Rock is the same developer; and has proven his ability to remain true to his promises. He explained the floating dock system behind Bryant Rock was the result of an agreement with the developer during that project. There has been a lot of work done on the RFP. The community and interested parties held true to their dream of having public access within the mills and the community will start to see that dream come true. There is still plenty of opportunity for the public to have their voices heard.
Michael Provost noted there will be an “Open House” of the space during the Heritage Festival although people would not be allowed to walk around the area due to the instability of the floor at the moment. The Newmarket Heritage Cultural Center Committee has worked hard on this proposal and will be kicking off a capital campaign to raise $650,000 to completely outfit the space including addressing life safety issues. This will require the formation of a 501.3c non-profit organization to manage the space. The Newmarket Heritage Cultural Center Committee is beginning to move from an advisory role to a more formal organization as it moves towards the capital campaign. The Heritage Cultural Center will be a gift to the community from the community and should be celebrated.
Val Shelton stated the Planning Board had anticipated that access to be fully ADA compliant and was assured that it will be. Each floor within the mill will be connected by an elevator. There will also be ADA access to the mills via the proposed pedestrian bridge.
Rick McMenimen asked if Eric Chinburg has seen the proposal for the area. Mike Provost explained Eric Chinburg has been made aware of all meetings and has had the chance to review the plans.
Arlon Chaffee explained this report is available as a PDF file on the Newmarket Community Development Corporation (NCDC) website.
Old Business
Town Planner Diane Hardy noted the Town Council approved the Shoreland and Flood Plain Overlay District ordinances at their meeting on August 4.
Vice-Chairman Roy asked if the Town has received a modified plan for the Schanda Farm project. Town Planner Diane Hardy noted that it has been received.
Town Planner Diane Hardy noted she has received copies of the developer’s agreement for the mill redevelopment project, although she has not yet received the legal documents for the easements. She received an email from Eric Chinburg noting he is working on the final stages of the easement documents.
Vice-Chairman Roy asked if there has been any movement on obtaining a consultant to work with on the impact fees or if there is an update on 3 North Main Street. Town Planner Diane Hardy had no update to provide for either items.
George Willant asked if Eric Chinburg is on schedule to implement the underground utilities and remove the poles. Town Planner Diane Hardy noted Eric Chinburg is grappling with the final stages of financing. He is in the process of locating buyers for the tax credits. He has indicated he will be finishing the ADA access and sidewalk/ramp improvements within the public right-of-way by the end of August. There is an approved developer’s agreement and a bond will be issued before mill construction begins. The project is still on-track with respect to various time commitments made.
Adjournment
Action
Motion: Janice Rosa made a motion to adjourn at 8:02 p.m.
