The Somersworth City Council voted to approve a five-year Community Revitalization Tax Relief Incentive Program (CRTRIP) application from Devin Powell of Nostos MMA Gym for redevelopment of 1 Somersworth Plaza, the former Lucky’s supermarket.

The approval came after a public hearing in which Devin Powell described his business, said he operates Nostos MMA with his wife, Carolyn, that the academy has “over 300 students,” and requested space that would double his current footprint and provide better parking. Powell said the gym offers community programs including free months for bullied children and partnerships with UNH for self-defense training.

Councilors discussed the plaza and downtown revitalization at length during the council workshop and at tonight’s meeting. Several councilors said they oppose use of eminent domain on the plaza and favor creative solutions that keep existing tenants while improving the site. Councilor Parady Catanzaro, who made the motion to approve, said the CRTRIP is designed “exactly for this” type of investment; Councilor Barry noted the award should help drive downtown foot traffic. Councilor Vincent and others pressed city staff and public works to explore maintenance and access improvements to the plaza and alley.

City staff and the Economic Development Committee recommended approval for five years under the city ordinance. City Manager Bob Belmore told the council that the municipal ordinance allows up to five years of relief; additional years are permitted only in specific cases (new non-subsidized residential units or historic rehabilitation), which do not apply to this project.

The council formally amended a motion that had initially proposed seven years and approved the five-year award by roll-call vote. The City Clerk recorded the approval with the following votes: Councilor Parady Catanzaro — yes; Councilor Michu — yes; Councilor Witham — yes; Councilor Cameron — yes; Councilor Barry — yes; Councilor Pepin — yes; Councilor Vincent — yes; Councilor Gibson — yes; Councilor Benson — yes; (Goodwin absent). The motion carried and the CRTRIP application was approved for five years.

The council and speakers said the CRTRIP is intended to attract established businesses into underused storefronts and to stimulate nearby retail activity. Powell said he hopes the new space will let the academy expand without leaving Somersworth.

Next steps listed by staff include finalizing the CRTRIP agreement and working with the developer and public-works staff on any site access or parking issues. Councilors asked that the new city manager and public works review alley and parking maintenance near the plaza as a complement to the award.

Votes at the meeting that affected this item are recorded in the council’s official minutes and summarized in the city clerk’s roll calls.