Salem's Tuscan Village Townhouses To Have Less 'Urban Feel'

SALEM, NH — Construction of new townhouses is ongoing in the North Tuscan Village, and as residents begin to occupy the new homes in Phase I of the development, changes are being proposed to Phase II. These changes are largely driven by the market demand — many who are interested in these new homes are "empty-nesters" or new retirees who would like all first-floor living, said Greenland-Pedersen Engineer David Jordan. As a result, Black Brook Realty is proposing a new look to the Phase II neighborhood, while keeping in line with the theme of the homes already under construction.

The townhouses will be located on Central Street, next to South Broadway Street. Instead of 38 three-story homes, a new proposal for Phase II shows 37 two-story homes with master bedrooms on the first floor rather than second floor. And because this would require a larger footprint for each home, the buildings would be closer together and one fewer home is proposed.

The Salem Planning Board took a first look at the new concept last week. Several board members said they would like added sidewalks and more open space — features that were part of the previously approved design for Phase II.

"It's going to change the flavor of what it's like to walk down and drive down Central Street," said Planning Board member Robert Gibbs. He said with the new layout, those viewing the new townhouses from Central Street would see the backs of homes rather than welcoming front doors, sidewalks and lush landscaping and that had been shown in the original plans.

"There's a lot crammed in there," said Planning Board Chairman Keith Belair. He suggested reducing the number of homes included in the revised Phase II plans.

Planning Board member Michael Banks said he liked the "urban feel" of the previous design, which had tall buildings visible from Central Street, with plenty of open spaces in between.

The original plans included a design similar to Phase I currently under construction, which includes 40 three-story townhouses, some of which have already been occupied. Jordan said with Phase II, the intent is to have the homes complement the style of the already-constructed homes, while also having a style of its own. Eighteen additional townhouses are also planned for a future Phase III.

Planning Board member Jeffrey Hatch said although the board cannot force a developer to build homes that are not marketable, it might be a good idea to reduce the number or size of the homes to make room for sidewalks and more open space.

According to Jordan, unfinished basements for storage have also been added to the revised plans after feedback. Although many of the occupants may be downsizing — with retirement or with children having grown up — the a good portion of the prospective residents had accumulated items over the years that would require more storage than previously planned, he said.

Although the development is not age-restricted, it is being considered "age-targeted," Jordan said during the July 9 Planning Board meeting. Asked whether a play area is planned for this phase of the development, he said, "I'm not sure there's any children at the townhouses at this point." But he noted it's something to consider going forward with the plans.

Phase II plans with more details and revisions are expected to return before the Planning Board at a future date.