Much-debated Langley Cove project nears decision

LACONIA — The long-delayed 291-unit Langley Cove condominium project could come up for approval next month following a potential traffic solution in the form of a gate.  

The proposal for 553 Weirs Blvd., first made 11 years ago, faces opposition from some uphill residents in the Paugus Woods development because a proposed road would bring Langley Cove traffic through their neighborhood to a secondary access on White Oaks Road.

Langley Cove and Paugus Woods share the same developer, Brady Sullivan Properties of Manchester.

Planning Director Dean Trefethen said at the Planning Board meeting Tuesday night that once more than 49 units are developed, two ways of getting in and out of a development are needed in case of emergencies. Paugus Woods’ sole access is White Oaks Road. Langley Cove’s primary access would be Weirs Boulevard.

One potential solution would be a street linking Weirs Boulevard to White Oaks Road through the Langley Cove and Paugus Woods developments that would include a gate blocking routine traffic between the two neighborhoods. Emergency responders would have a key to allow them through the gate, giving them two ways in and out of either development.

“The planning staff is neutral on the gate, but we offered it as a suggestion to address concerns expressed particularly by the people of Paugus Woods but also the Planning Board members about the impact of traffic on Paugus Woods,” Trefethen said Wednesday. “It doesn’t solve everything, but it addresses many of the concerns.”

Trefethen said a traffic study will be updated and the Langley Cove project will likely come up for approval at next month’s Planning Board meeting, June 5 at 6:30 p.m.

Traffic impacts on Weirs Boulevard and the chance of increased siltation in the bay remain concerning, Todd Miller, of the Capri Condominium Association, told the board Tuesday.

“Weirs Boulevard is pretty busy right now,” he said. “We’re concerned about the safety of the people living in the Capris Condos on Weirs Boulevard. Sediment buildup will be exacerbated when they start construction digging. Boats are barely floating now.”

Trefethen said he is comfortable with plans for the Langley Cove development.

“There will be third-party engineering reviews,” he said. “It’s complex, creative at times, but legal.”