The Somersworth Planning Board on July 2025 approved site plan review for Press Cafe, a proposed fast‑food restaurant and retail use at 459 High Street, subject to conditions including third‑party traffic and stormwater comments, required state permits and city council approval for an off‑site traffic signal.
The plan approval, moved by Planning Board member Jeremy Rhodes and seconded by George Gilmatt, includes a requirement that the developer address outstanding comments from third‑party reviewers (Bowman and Horsey Witten), secure federal and state permits including a New Hampshire DES alteration‑of‑terrain permit, and obtain city council approval before installing a new traffic signal at the site driveway intersection with High Street. Director Mears told the board staff recommends a 240‑day period to submit final signed plans because the traffic signal and other off‑site work require additional coordination.
The board’s action carries detailed conditions set by staff. Plans must note daytime and nighttime noise limits (60 dB daytime, 55 dB nighttime), clarify water‑tap responsibility (city water division performs taps under 2 inches; taps over 2 inches by private contractor), provide an emergency access point to the pickleball court fence, and show final fencing and landscape details. The city requires escrow and performance surety for site construction and inspection; water and sewer connection permits; erosion controls; a landscaping survival surety (10% of landscaping cost or minimum $500 held for two growing seasons); and as‑built plans before a certificate of occupancy.
Traffic and pedestrian elements were central to discussion. Applicant representatives described ongoing responses to the traffic review and a planned new four‑way signal to be coordinated with the corridor’s existing traffic signal timing. Several board members and Councilor Witham urged careful signal design — including possible protected left‑turn operations or a flashing yellow left feature — and recommended the project proceed first to the Public Works-related committee for vetting before full council review. The board and applicant agreed that the signal, if approved by City Council, must be installed before certificate of occupancy and that all signal engineering, easements, and review costs will be at the developer’s expense.
Board members discussed internal queuing and a potential “do not block intersection” pavement marking to reduce the risk of southbound queueing on High Street blocking the site drive aisle. The applicant said most stormwater and traffic comments can be resolved as conditions of final plan approval and that some stormwater underground chambers would be reduced in size after site soil infiltration testing. The applicant also confirmed intent to grant an easement for a Coast bus stop/shelter on the frontage if the transit agency proceeds.
The board’s approval followed staff confirmation that outstanding third‑party items are manageable as conditions and after the applicant agreed to revise landscape plans (fewer evergreens behind the building, additional shade trees up front), provide final pickleball fencing details and show waivers on the final plans. The motion carried with the board voting in favor.