Event Center Removed From Merrimack Outlet Plans

MERRIMACK, NH — A previously approved event center has been removed from plans for 1 Premium Outlets in Merrimack, where new apartments, a hotel and a restaurant are being planned as part of Phase I of Park Place development. Phase II of the project will include retail and office space, according to developers. The Planning Board considered plans for the changed Phase I plans on Tuesday, and final approval of the plans will be up for consideration next month.

Previously, Phase I of the development, to be located next to Continental Boulevard, consisted of retail, apartment, office and hotel space, in addition to an event center to be located next to the hotel. On Tuesday, engineers from VHR proposed 224 apartments to locate there — 32 more apartments than previously approved. Retail and office space would be removed from Phase I and instead be included in Phase II of the project. In addition to the apartments, Phase I would consist of a 7,600-square-foot restaurant and a hotel.

Several Spruce Street residents who live near the project were in favor of the event center being removed from the plans. Some were concerned about increased traffic, which would be entering the development through a cul-de-sac.

Planning Board member William Boyd III said that Merrimack needs a community center, such as for business conventions or weddings. Whether Park Place is the proper place for such an event center is at question, though, said Planning Board Chairman Robert Best.

"It's not our job as a community to entertain people and have all kinds of action going on behind a resident's home," said Spruce Street resident Beth Burns.

Phase II of the project, which is closer to Spruce Street, will likely include a mixed-use building with retail on the first floor and offices on the second floor, said Dave Fenstermacher, civil engineer with VHB. Phase II will also include a parking garage, he said.

The amended plans for Park Place Phase I are expected to come back before the Planning Board for approval on Sept. 3.