Akwa gets special exception from ZBA

The Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) this week granted special exceptions to the city zoning ordinance to Akwa Vista, LLC and Akwa Waterfront, LLC, partnerships between Soutworth Development and the Mailloux family, to develop multi-family condominiums units on two lots on either side of Scenic Road at The Weirs, in the shoreland residential district.

The partners own 4.9-acres adjacent to the railroad corridor bordering Lake Winnipesaukee as well as parcels of 8.1-acres, 10.7-acres and 7.3-acres at the foot of Brickyard Mountain on the west side of Scenic Road. The zoning ordinance permits a maximum density of six units per acre.

Chris Duprey, project executive with Southworth Development, said yesterday that the site plans for the project are not yet complete. However, he said that between 21 or 22 and 29 townhouse units would be built on the waterfront lot. The townhouses would most likely be two-bedroom units on three levels built in a rustic or Adirondack style, using natural materials. 
Another 72 units, divided among three buildings are planned for the 8.1-acre lot, which will be merged with the remaining lots into one 26-acre parcel with a maximum density of 156 units.

Duprey said that for topographical reasons development would be concentrated on the 8-acres and indicated that it was unlikely the parcel would be developed to its maximum density. He said that an application for a variance from the ordinance limited the height of buildings in the district to 35-feet is pending before the ZBA, which is expected to address it at its August meeting.

"We want to offer a variety, a mix of housing styles in each our projects and right now we only have single family house lots at Meredith Bay," Duprey said of the sprawling upscale development on Brickyard Mountain. He said that the sales office at Meredith Bay has fielded many inquiries about condominiums, adding that the townhouses, all with expansive views of Lake Winnipesaukee, would meet the demand.

"Originally we intended to hold back developing this property, which we consider to be prime real estate," he said, "but we see an opportunity."

Duprey said that if the variance is granted, a site plan would be submitted to the Planning Board soon afterwards in hopes of gaining approval for the project this year. He said that if the process goes smoothly, work would begin this year with an eye to marketing units by next spring or summer.