ROCHESTER - Despite strong misgivings from Wakefield Street abutters Gafney Home 2.0 moved forward after approval from the city’s planning board Monday night.
Gafney Home 2.0 comprises the construction by Community Action Partnership of a four-story L-shaped building that will house 35 residential units for people assisted by the county nonprofit. The new building will built in back of Gafney Home.
Prior to the vote several abutters spoke out against the project including Governor’s Inn owner Herman Ejarque, Studley Flower Garden owner Molly Meulenbroek and Marilyn Foster, who argued that the deed to the Gafney Home property specifically called for senior housing and senior programs only.
CAP Attorney Joshua Lanzetta noted that the deed restriction was not the purview of the planning board and could not be a factor in its denial.
“The deed restriction is not part of this review,” he said. “We need more smaller housing projects like this.”
Meulenbroek said she was aware of the need for housing, but as a former Historic Commission member felt this project may not be a good fit.
“The scale and the height of the building could change the character of Wakefield Street,” she said.
She also indicated that people from the Gafney Home smoke just outside Studley’s greenhouse, which makes it unpleasant for workers.
Ejarque warned the board that the building would be an eyesore and a disservice to the downtown.
“This won’t help downtown Rochester,” he said. “The apartments are all studios or one bedrooms. They’re not for families. This may not be the direction you want to be known for.”
Nonetheless the project with several special exemptions was passed almost unanimously.
It now continues on a very fast track to the city's Historic District Commission meeting which begins tonight at 7 p.m.
A New Hampshire Press Association member