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Developers present Court Street mixed‑use concept; board urges parking and brook protections
Summary
Concept plan for a mixed‑use redevelopment at 295–319 Court Street would add housing, retail and boat slips; the board recommended moving parking behind buildings, avoiding dumpsters near the brook, coordinating with DOT on access and working with the WOW Trail group on pedestrian connections.
Developers and consultants presented a conceptual mixed‑use redevelopment for 295–319 Court Street during the May 5 planning‑board meeting. The roughly 3‑acre proposal includes a restaurant with retail, a fitness center, a range of housing types including workforce units, potential boat slips and connections to the WOW trail.
Dari Cassan (Brown Engineering) and owners Chris and Jen Buchard discussed reusing existing impervious areas, adding green space and stormwater retention on site, and creating pedestrian links to nearby Bartlett Beach and the WOW trail. The applicants said they anticipate around 134 parking spaces in the full concept but welcomed board feedback on parking layout, pedestrian access and stormwater measures.
Board members and residents suggested reducing visible surface parking and moving parking behind buildings where possible, protecting the brook by relocating dumpster locations, ensuring safe sight distances at access points and coordinating with DOT on any entrance modifications. The board and applicants also discussed trail lighting and dark‑sky practices; staff reminded participants that Laconia maintains dark‑sky‑compliant lighting standards but welcomed partnership with the WOW Trail association for enhancements. The presentation was a conceptual review and applicants will return with TRC and site‑plan submissions if they proceed.
