'Massive' apartment building pitched in Exeter: Critics say it 'dwarfs' town hall

EXETER — A "massive" five-story apartment building is being proposed in downtown Exeter that some say, if built, would "dwarf" the iconic old town hall.

Representatives of Hajjar Management went before the town's Historic Commission Thursday night for a preliminary discussion on plans for the Citizens Bank ATM property at 11 Front St.

Paul Mahoney of Hajjar Management said they would like to build a 56-foot 44-unit building with retail on the first floor and parking underneath.

The overall reaction to the proposal could be summed up by one question from Historic District Commission member Pam Gjettum.

"And you don't think that is too big?" she asked.

"We don't, but again, it's important to make sure you folks here are happy with what we are bringing forward," Mahoney said. "We think it's going to bring some beautiful quality construction to the downtown that is much needed."

The project would need approval from the town's Historic Commission and the Zoning Board. Specifically, they would need a height variance as only 50 feet and four stories are allowed in the commercial mixed-use district, according to town planner Dave Sharples.

Mahoney said they are going for the extra height to make the project work financially. The top four floors would each include 11 apartments. The breakdown by floor would be one studio, six one-bedroom units, three two-bedroom units, and one three-bedroom unit.

"Candidly, we are trying to get the numbers to work on the project," Mahoney said. "In order to do it, we are trying to get enough units to make the numbers work, and obviously, we know the housing demand is there. But we know that we have to be doing things that are suitable for the commission."

Julie Gilman, the Select Board representative to the commission, sighed and said, "It's just massive. I have to say."

"It's a big building," said Gwen English, who is the town Planning Board representative to the commission. "And it really dwarfs the town hall."

"That is my biggest concern," said commission member Kevin Khan. "The town hall of Exeter has been described as iconic. When you look at the marketing materials and website, you have a great shot over the river, and it stands unobstructed. And this would eliminate that."

Another concern brought up was parking, especially with several projects like the First Baptist Church condo conversion project approved downtown without designated parking spaces.

Mahoney said there is currently a "great deal of parking," pointing to the Front Street development proposal and another project his team is leading at 154 Water St. That project has two retail spots on the first floor and suites above.

He said the two projects would have 54 parking spots combined.

"That's not including what we are going to add underneath," he said. "Of course, they have to serve both buildings. But there is a lot more than what it looks like."

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Residents speak out against the project

Several members of the Congregational Church in Exeter, including pastor E. C. Heath, aired their concerns regarding the proposal.

"The size is one," Heath said. "The interruption of the iconic view as you come around by the bandstand is another. "

Heath and other members also expressed concern about the proximity of the proposed building to the church and the impact on parking downtown.

"Living on that block, I can tell you we have a parking issue because people run out of parking and park at our church driveway all the time," Heath said.

"As a neighbor, I'm concerned for aesthetical, practical and historical reasons. As someone who cares about downtown, I just think we are asking for too much traffic in an already overparked area."

David Montgomery said one his main concerns was the size of the proposal.

"I understand the developer is trying to make it big enough for their numbers to work," said Montgomery. "However, I feel like it would dominate that area."

Lynne Monroe said the building is "oversized" and "quite frankly sort of unimaginative."

"We are extremely concerned about its proximity to the church and the fact that it blocks the church from many sight lines in many places," said Monroe.

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The next step for 11 Front Street project proposal

Mahoney said the developers went before the commission to get feedback on the proposal before filing formal plans.

"We are trying to be upfront with what we are bringing forward," Mahoney said.

"What we thought we would do is bring this before you and show it compared to city hall so we can give you a little perspective and be able to take some feedback from that to inform our future plans."

Gilman said she would like to see more detail in the design.

"It's very simple," she said. "And when you are sitting next to the town hall or even the church ... it still has a detailed feeling to it."

She also reiterated concerns about the project's height, stating the development is "totally maximizing the site."

"Consider shorter, maybe narrower," Gilman said.

"Smaller," Pam Gjettum added. "It's just too big."

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: 'Massive' apartment building pitched next to Exeter town hall