Claremont Senior Housing Project Takes First Step

Claremont — The first step toward the possible construction of nearly 70 residential units for seniors at the east end of Washington Street was approved by the Planning Board Monday night.

Next Monday, the Zoning Board of Adjustment will be asked to approve a variance on the 18 acres owned by Wayne and Jean McCutcheon that would reduce the lot size per residential unit in the rural residential zone from 30,000 square feet to 10,000 square feet.

On Monday night, the Planning Board approved a lot line adjustment that added a narrow strip of two-tenths of an acre to the McCutcheon parcel at 492 Washington St. from the abutting property that is owned by Sharlene Russell but is being purchased by McCutcheon.

Two other lot line adjustments on neighboring parcels were also approved by the Planning Board. They were presented by McCutcheon, who is a licensed land surveyor.

The board quickly approved the application with little discussion.

After the meeting, McCutcheon said adding the two-tenths of an acre to his property widens the right-of-way for better access. Additionally, he told the board that a turning lane can be created on Washington Street for the senior housing complex.

Last May, after a presentation at the Claremont Senior Center by the leasing and marketing manager of Quail Hollow in West Lebanon, many in the audience agreed that a similar facility would work in Claremont. McCutcheon later contacted the senior center’s executive director and suggested his land for the project.

He said after Monday’s board meeting he has investors lined up and wants to move forward with the project quickly, but added that the ZBA variance is a must, otherwise they would not be able to build the units.

Patrick O’Grady can be reached at pogclmt@gmail.com.