Sports dome project in Somersworth nears final steps to start construction
SOMERSWORTH — The long-anticipated sports dome project is coming before the city's Planning Board again Wednesday, this time seeking approval for a surety bond.
Michelle Mears, the city's director of planning and community development, said Monday she didn't yet have a dollar amount for the bond to be discussed. She was awaiting that paperwork from developer Craig Riotto.
"In our site plan regulations, there are two types of surety bonds we require, one being a letter of credit and the second being a cash bond," Mears said. "He is asking for a third option and that's what will be discussed on Wednesday."
Mears said if the board approves, it is her understanding Riotto is hoping to begin construction this fall or early next spring.
"There are still some technical aspects pending," she said. "In addition to the surety bond, we need a landscaping plan and a third-party review, required for projects such as this one."
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Riotto on Monday said, "This week’s meeting is about simple administrative adjustments with regard to a surety bond and value to cover the site work construction, which is standard in developing a site."
What the inflatable sports dome plans to offer in Somersworth
The site plan application was originally submitted to the city on Feb. 3, 2021. Proposed by New England Sports Hub, The Sports Hub Athletic Dome proposes to construct a 135,000-square-foot, climate-controlled, air-supported dome structure with several athletic fields and amenities for hosting sports leagues, tournaments, training camps and occasional special events.
Riotto previously said plans call for two football fields worth of field turf for year-round play in multiple sports for all ages.
The lot size totals 14.25 acres, with about 6 acres used by the Hilltop Fun Center, which has go-karts, mini-golf, batting cages and an arcade and will remain in place. The remaining 8-plus acres behind Hilltop Fun Center is the planned sports dome site.
According to the plan, the dome would be 250 feet wide and 540 feet in length. Its inflated height is expected to 98 feet.
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Access to the sports dome would be provided via two driveways planned to intersect the north side of Willand Drive approximately 1,230 feet east of Route 108 and approximately 4,000 feet west of High Street (via Commercial Drive, Penny Lane, and Handle Road).
During the summer months, the sports dome is expected to be used for summer camps during the day and adult league games in the evening. During the fall-winter-spring months, six sessions for retirees will replace the day-camp activities, and the six evening leagues will continue. The sports dome will also be available for occasional special events, likely on weekends. The venue is expected to attract up to 2,500 attendees to the city over the course of a typical event day.
Sports Hub has selected Air Structures American Technologies as the manufacturer.
This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Sports dome project in Somersworth NH seeks final approvals
