'We are thrilled': Our Place housing for intellectually disabled gets key Dover approval

DOVER — The leaders of Our Place, which seeks to create residences for adults with intellectual developmental disabilities, received great news from the city's Zoning Board of Adjustment.

The board granted a crucial variance, which allows Our Place, a nonprofit working to provide housing opportunities and support services, to move forward with its project, converting the former Garrison City Early Childhood Daycare Center.

“We are thrilled,” said Laurie McIntosh, chairperson of Our Place’s board of directors. “It was so nice to have such good support from the city, from both the ZBA and the people who came to support us.”

The organization is looking to create eight units for adults with intellectual developmental disabilities at the 105 Durham Road building, while a ninth housing unit would be used by on-site staff. Our Place needed approval from the Zoning Board of Adjustment, as the potential project is located in a city zoning district that permits a maximum of four dwelling units in a development.

Our Place leaders have previously noted the project would not be viable with less than eight units.

On Thursday night, Our Place’s request was approved by the board.

McIntosh estimated 25 people, including abutting property owners and parents of adults with intellectual developmental disabilities, turned out to support the project.

“People are starting to recognize that this is a need in Dover,” she said. “This population hasn’t been acknowledged. We are quick to find housing for seniors and we often forget that this is another group that needs it.”

In June, Our Place reached a lease and option to purchase agreement on the existing single-family home, previously used as a daycare center, with property owner Paul Seaver. Through fundraising and with allocation from Our Place’s operating expenses, more than $500,000 has been set aside to assist with just the purchase price of the building.

Project documents detail Our Place’s proposal to reconfigure the existing building on the property and construct a 2,700-square-foot addition. The outdoor space on the property would be used for gardening and recreation.

Our Place’s proposal now heads to the city Planning Board for consideration and approval of the applicant’s request to purchase the proposed units through the city’s Transfer of Development Rights program.

“It’s quite a big sigh of relief,” said Anna Boudreau, executive director of Our Place, on being granted the zoning variance.

If the organization’s ask wasn’t approved, Our Place would have had to scrap its plans on Durham Road and find a new property. But now that it's approved, if Our Place's plan is given the green light by the Planning Board, the nonprofit will launch a capital campaign and seek financing.

"We need to raise enough money to purchase the property, renovate the existing structure, and build an addition containing four studio apartments," McIntosh said. "We will be playing 'beat the clock' since our lease agreement runs out on June 1."

Details of Our Place plan in Dover

The Dover-based nonprofit’s proposal would house developmentally disabled adults 18 and older. Our Place searched for three years throughout the Seacoast to find a building that met their needs, including one with no existing tenants, one on a bus route and close to potential employment opportunities, and one that could house upwards of 12 people.

The proposal shows the 105 Durham Road building would be renovated to include three two-bedroom units, two one-bedroom units and a common kitchen and dining room area with a living room. The proposed addition would contain four one-bedroom units.

Each dwelling unit would be built with its own living room, kitchenette and bathroom. One or two staff members would stay overnight in the facility.

“The applicant’s mission to provide housing for adults with (intellectual developmental disabilities) does not stop at simply putting a roof over their heads. Our Place, Inc. is dedicated to fostering growth and independence through vocational, social and recreational opportunities,” the project proposal says. “As noted above, the proximity to Dover High School and UNH provides many opportunities for the residents and students at both educational institutions. Also, in furtherance of the applicant’s mission, residents, with the assistance of the staff, will have and maintain flower and vegetable gardens on the property. Staff will also supervise the residents to do daily chores to keep their apartments, the building, and the surrounding yard neat, clean, and picked up at all times. Residents will be working and volunteering within the community, doing their part to support community activities and keep Dover clean.”

The Durham Road building outlined in the proposal has sat unused since April 2022.

"As of 2021, New Hampshire had over 500 individuals with (intellectual developmental disabilities) living with caregivers over the age of 60. Now it is 2024 and the numbers continue to increase as parents age," McIntosh added. "If these people end up in institutions such as nursing homes, not only is it not appropriate for them, but it would be incredibly expensive for tax payers. The smart thing for the state to do is to be proactive and start creating housing that meets the needs of the population, but makes sense economically. We spend lots of taxpayer dollars on special education to help these people become independent, social and contributing members of society. Let's provide housing in a manner that allows them to use their skills and contribute."

The Planning Board meeting to discuss the proposal will be at City Hall on Tuesday, Jan. 23 at 7 p.m.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Our Place housing for disabled adults in Dover NH gets key approval