Northeast Credit Union looks to move headquarters to Dover from Portsmouth

DOVER — Northeast Credit Union is planning to move its corporate headquarters from Portsmouth to Dover, according to documents filed with Dover's planning department.

Northeast Credit Union plans extensive renovations and improvements to a four-story 100 Education Way office building, according to plans filed on its behalf by Tighe & Bond, Inc.. The documents state the improvements would allow Northeast Credit Union, currently headquartered at 100 Borthwick Ave. in Portsmouth, to move to Dover.

The Dover property was most recently assessed at more than $10.1 million, according to city records. It is owned by Reynolds Avenue North LLC, the principal of which is Michael Kane, chief executive officer of the Kane Company in Portsmouth.

"We’re very excited about the prospect of Northeast Credit Union coming to Dover," Kane said Wednesday. "We think it speaks volumes about the progress that Dover has made in recent years in becoming a home to businesses and industry. I think this really showcases what a great job Dover has done because they managed to attract a world-class company to make this their headquarters."

Northeast Credit Union seeks 350 parking spaces in Dover location

A project narrative from Northeast Credit Union, written to Dover planning and community development director Donna Benton, is included in the materials for the city Planning Board meeting to be held at City Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m.

“Northeast Credit Union is a purpose-driven credit union with over 142,000 members and 18 branches throughout New Hampshire and Maine,” it reads. “Northeast has over 400 employees. Approximately 300 employees are assigned to the new corporate headquarters. In addition to being the assigned workplace for 300 employees, the site will also be the central site for the training of branch and remote employees. In addition, the new headquarters will host member events and seminars and community events aligned with its purpose driven mission.”

Diane Carragher, director of public relations for Northeast Credit Union, was contacted for this story, seeking answers to several questions about the company's plans in Dover and what it will do with its current home in Portsmouth.

Carragher responded with a statement from the company: “It’s too soon to share any future plans about our workforce space, but we will have more information to share later this fall."

The documents filed with the city provide some insights about the renovations Northeast Credit Union leaders have in mind.

A conditional use permit is being requested from the Dover Planning Board to allow more parking spaces than allowed by the city’s zoning ordinance. The proposal is also seeking acceptance of a site review calling for “exterior and interior renovations to the existing building and the associated site improvements such as sealing and restriping of the existing parking lot, parking lot expansion, stormwater improvements, lighting, and landscaping.”

The proposal states 332 parking spaces are allowed under the zoning code and Northeast Credit Union is seeking a permit for 350.

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“Northeast encourages its employees to bike to work and will provide bike storage and showers for employees to facilitate this, but with no other proximate on or off street parking available, 350 spaces is the minimum number of spaces needed to serve employees and guests at the Credit Union’s new headquarters,” the proposal states.

The existing 100 Education Way building, according to Benton, was last home to Cognia, which was formerly Measured Progress.

What are next steps for Northeast Credit Union in Dover?

Benton explained what could happen with Northeast Credit Union's proposal at the Sept. 12 Planning Board meeting.

“The Planning Board could potentially vote to approve the conditional use permit and site plan approval with conditions,” she said. “Then the applicant would need to meet those conditions of approval, have the Planning Board chair sign the final plans, attend a pre-construction meeting, and apply for building permits.”

Northeast Credit Union opens new branch in Portsmouth

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Wednesday morning at Northeast Credit Union’s new Portsmouth branch at 750 Lafayette Road, which will be staffed with 13 employees, according to information provided by Carragher. The event was attended by Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern and Chris Parker, Northeast’s president and chief executive officer.

“As we continue our efforts in making positive changes in the communities we serve, the new Portsmouth branch is no exception, providing a more central and inviting space that will offer our members a great banking experience from the same familiar faces they have come to know,” Parker said in a prepared statement.

This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Northeast Credit Union looks to move headquarters to Dover NH