Condos at Somersworth National Guard site: Here's what they would look like
SOMERSWORTH — Residents will get a chance to weigh in on a proposal to purchase and develop the former National Guard property on Blackwater Road.
Hooksett developers Ken Scarpetti and Doug Anderson will go before the City Council for a public hearing on Dec. 11 on their offer to buy the former armory site on Blackwater Road for $399,900 and construct 24 Craftsmen style residential condominiums. The land, currently zoned for recreation, would need to be rezoned residential. The existing ballfield on the site, used for Little League, would remain under the control of the city.
"We will subdivide the ballfield out and return it to the city," Scarpetti said. In a letter to the city, the developers ask if the city decides to sell the ballfield property at any time in the future, they would get the right to make the final offer.
Developer promises to work with neighbors
Scarpetti said they want to work closely with the city and boards to create a project everyone will be comfortable with. He said they want abutting property owners to feel the development fits with their homes.
"We do not want to max out the property," he said. "We want to be good neighbors and build a well thought out design that is right for the property and presents the right balance for everyone."
Scarpetti said the condos would be sold, not rentals. He said the asking price has not been set yet.
"I really can’t give pricing yet until we go through the process of having the building evaluated by a structural engineer, and really begin designing the units and deciding on what features to include," he said. "We also have to learn the cost to abate the asbestos in the armory building and have it laid out by an engineer. Then I could give a better idea of pricing."
Scarpetti said their plan is to use local tradespeople and materials wherever possible. The condominiums will be no larger than two bedrooms, and the building not more than two stories high, he said.
Somersworth has grappled with future of National Guard site
The move to sell the property, given to the city after the National Guard vacated the site, came after the city sent out a request for proposals to develop it.
After a proposal by Chinburg Properties to build two four-story apartment buildings with 250 units at the property at 15 Blackwater Road failed, city leaders began discussing selling the property.
On Sept. 19, the city's Economic Development Committee recommended to the council the city contract with Heather Kretschmar of the Bean Group to market the property for sale. She had assisted the city earlier in the year with the sale of the former police station.
This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Condos planned for Somersworth National Guard site on Blackwater Road
