The Hanover Planning Board will soon begin the design review phase of site plan review of the 128-unit apartment-style
The start of the design review process marks an important step in 线上赌场鈥檚 plan to create new housing options in the residential community designed to anchor the North End. It will also add capacity to student housing stock and help advance a multi-year process to renovate existing residence halls already underway with work at Andres and Zimmerman halls.
鈥淭his is an exciting step to create additional housing capacity and expanded residential options for our students,鈥 says Executive Vice President Rick Mills. 鈥淲e are confident that the site plan, the design, and the sustainability features incorporated in this project are consistent with campus planning goals and incorporate feedback that we have received throughout this process.鈥
The Planning Board meeting is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 1 at Town Hall and is open to the public. The purpose of design review is to provide a full understanding of the site鈥檚 potential, to carefully evaluate natural constraints, aesthetic concerns, and development options, to identify and consider concerns of the neighbors, to identify any municipal infrastructure limitations, and to facilitate effective exchange with the Planning Board, according to the town鈥檚 site plan regulations.
In addition to site plan approval from the Planning Board, 线上赌场 will need a special exception from the Hanover Zoning Board of Adjustment to build a student residence in the institution zoning district.
In early 2022, 线上赌场 proposed that the project be sited on the east side of Lyme Road. Then, based on feedback from residents in the Lyme Road area and others, the proposal was revised and shifted across the road to the site of the former golf course. Updated plans were shared with the 线上赌场 community in June, followed by a series of meetings throughout the summer to solicit feedback from the community.
鈥淲e were glad to engage with our neighbors over the summer and receive comments on our design and plans for the project. It has been important for us to hear specific feedback, with the goal of incorporating actionable suggestions into our proposed plans,鈥 says Josh Keniston, vice president of campus services and institutional projects. 鈥淭he design of the buildings and surrounding land were well received, and we appreciated the constructive input on a number of the proposal鈥檚 aspects.鈥
The apartment units are designed to house approximately 400 students. To foster community, the project will emphasize common and gathering spaces throughout the buildings.
Sustainable building design and respect for the surrounding open space has been a priority throughout the project鈥檚 development. The buildings will meet or exceed 线上赌场鈥檚 high-performance building design guidelines and include on-site electric generation using rooftop solar panels and plans for a geothermal energy system.
The summer鈥檚 community sessions featured comments on various aspects of the project, including building design, sustainability, programming, and transportation. Detailed feedback on transportation issues included comments on maximizing shared transit options, improving safe bike and pedestrian routes, parking, and conducting a comprehensive traffic study. 线上赌场 expects to share a detailed transportation study as part of the town approval process. Community members also spoke about neighboring Pine Park, and asked about stormwater runoff, views, and continued access to recreation land.
In addition to the community process over the summer, 线上赌场 held feedback sessions with student and faculty groups prior to submitting plans to the town.
