LONDONDERRY — Plans are in the works to transform the 270-acre Woodmont Orchard property into a self-contained village that would be the first of its kind in the state.
And the developer and designers want community input.
Town Council Chairman Paul DiMarco said he is "pretty excited about it."
"I'm anxious to see what they are proposing," he said. "It's in a prime location for businesses and I think it will bring small-town New England to Londonderry."
The land, previously owned by Bob and Steve Lievens, was sold to Pillsbury Realty Development LLC for approximately $7 million in January.
Massachusetts resident Mike Kettenbach is a principal in Pillsbury Realty. While he is the head of real estate acquisitions for DeMoulas/Market Basket supermarkets, Kettenbach said the land is a private venture not related to his work with the Massachusetts-based chain.
"We definitely want to know what the community wants," Kettenbach said. "This is going to be a village where people can live, work and play, and this can be a positive project."
The village will combine residential, commercial and office space with a centralized downtown. There will also be space for a future school. Project officials expect the village to support 1,400 residences of single- and multiple-family dwellings.
Town Councilor Tom Dolan said he is very curious to see the design charrette plans.
"I'm encouraged that the developer is seeking community input," Dolan said. "When the community is involved in major developments, it bodes well for maintaining its character, and the look and feel of the town that we've come to know and love."
Key features of the planned village are a lively town center, walkways, low-speed streets, parks, good landscaping practices and public spaces that are convenient, secure and comfortable.
"There is nothing like this in New Hampshire," Kettenbach said.
The project, which falls under the town's planned unit development zoning ordinance, could begin as early as next year and take up to 20 years to complete.
"This type of mixed use is tax positive," Kettenbach said. "Public input is key."
All residents are encouraged to attend the opening and closing presentations of the charrette, as well as the two pin-ups. But people also are welcome to stop by through Thursday between 1 and 6 p.m., or sit in at other sessions.
The charrette will be led by the design firm of Duany Plater-Zyberk and Company. To see other village projects done by this group, visit dpz.com.
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charrette schedule
Woodmont Packaging Center
15 Pillsbury Road, Londonderry
DateTimeTopic
Sept. 810-11:30 a.m.Environment and parks
Sept. 81 to 2 p.m.Retail
Sept. 87 to 8:30 p.m.Schools and recreation
Sept. 910 to 11:30 a.m.Housing
Sept. 97 to 8:30 p.m.Pin-up
Sept. 111 to 3 p.m.Neighbors' open house pin-up
Sept. 135 to 7 p.m.Closing presentation
