Greenland residents opposed to a large retail shopping center development are planning their next move.
As Correspondent Roger Wood reports, the developer has won approval for the project from a local land use board.
The Zoning Board of Adjustment has granted a special exception to Packard Development of Massachusetts. THE COMPANY WANTS TO BUILD A 300 thousand square foot shopping center off Route 33, between Portsmouth and Exeter. CLOSE to the Portsmouth line , THE PROPERTY HELD A GTE SYLVANIA MANUFACTURING PLANT UNTIL the 1980's. Since the 56 acres is zoned industrial, the developer needed a special exception to change its use to retail. After four public hearings and lengthy debate, the ZONING BOARD, by a 3 to 2 vote, approved the request, much to the relief of Leonard Rudofsky, a principal in the firm.
(SOT Rudofsky) :16
"I think that this is a reasonable development, and I think that it's a reasonable use of this land. I mean the alternatives of what could possibly go in here are, some of these uses could be detrimental to the area."
But some GREENLAND residents, mainly neighbors, CLAIM THE PROPOSED SHOPPING CENTER WILL BE detrimental to their way of life, because of increased traffic and noise. Two of the Board members ARGUED THE project will change the rural character of the town, so they voted against it. Many residents left the meeting before the final vote, realizing that the majority of the board would APPROVE THE DEVELOPMENT. RESIDENT BILL BILODEAU PREDICTS the large shopping center will CAUSE many residents TO sell their properties on Route 33 CAUSING further commercial projects.
(SOT Bilodeau) :10
"Portsmouth Avenue will be nothing but Burger Kings, and, like I say, Kentucky Fried Chicken, the whole nine yards, which you've seen happen all over the place. It's just a matter of time."
Noel Hickey also left the meeting disappointed. He said that he doesn't believe that a large retail shopping center WILL improve THE area of homes mostly built after the Sylvania Plant was erected there.
(SOT Hickey) :05
"It's right in my back yard. I'd rather see industry there myself."
Zoning Board APPROVAL doesn't mean the project can move forward IMMEIDATELY The developer must meet 17 conditions, INCLUDING road widening, buffering and wetlands mitigation. The developer also has to work with the planning board, which will review the project and the conditions. Opponents, meanwhile, have hired their own attorney, and plan to appeal the decision. They are also considering COURT ACTION, a move their attorney says may not stop the project, but might make financing it more difficult. For NHPR News, this is Roger Wood in Greenland.
