The city of Portsmouth's Planning Board has recently given their approval for a major apartment project at the site of the former WHEB radio station on Route 1. This redevelopment initiative plans to demolish the former radio station office and construct three four-story apartment buildings, each containing 24 market rate units, for a total of 72 units.
Project manager Neil Hansen from Tighe & Bond explains that each building will have enclosed parking on the first floor for residents, as well as additional exterior parking spaces and electric vehicle charging stations. To add to the appeal of the development, there will also be a 1,200-square-foot leasing center on-site, along with a community trail running behind the buildings and adjacent to Sagamore Creek.
The Planning Board granted site plan approval for the project, which is situated along a busy commercial stretch of Route 1, complete with restaurants and a shopping plaza. However, concerns were raised by board member Greg Mahanna regarding the nearby homeless population. Mahanna observed that there was noticeable transient traffic from an adjacent commercial parcel and people living in the woods behind the property.
Hansen addressed these concerns by emphasizing that developing the front of the lot would discourage unwanted activities. The police are actively aware of the situation, and precautions will be taken, such as restricting the hours of use for the community path and avoiding lighting within the buffer zone.
Furthermore, the redevelopment plan includes significant improvements to the wetland buffer and stormwater management. The developers aim to remove all impervious surfaces within the buffer, enhance the Sagamore Creek tidal wetland buffer, and provide accessible community spaces along the upland bank of Sagamore Creek.
The property was purchased for $2.1 million by the current owners in 2022. The former owner, Clear Channel Broadcasting Inc., had bought it for $3 million in 2001, and its assessed value is currently $3.8 million.
While the unanimous approval from the Planning Board is a positive outcome for the project, concerns were raised about the appearance of the buildings. Board members, including Chair Rick Chellman, expressed worries about the "wall of white" that the buildings would present along Route 1. The developer's representatives, Mike Brown and Ed Hayes, assured the board that they were open to toning down the color.
Chellman and other board members suggested exploring darker tones to avoid any negative reactions from the public. The visual impact of the project, given its size and location overlooking the water, was taken into serious consideration.
Overall, the approval of the apartment project at the former WHEB radio station site in Portsmouth brings new housing opportunities to the city. The concerns regarding the homeless population and the appearance of the buildings demonstrate a commitment to addressing community needs and ensuring a visually appealing development.