Town looks to expand its commercial district

pepperell » As the town looks to expand and modify its main commercial district, a $47,000 grant issued by the state via the Community One Stop for Growth program will help hire a consultant to make sure the project meets the needs of the community.

Town Planner Jenny Gingras said Pepperell’s current mixed-use overlay district bylaws were adopted in 2014 and currently the Planning Board is allowed to issue special permits in the commercial industrial districts. However, the current overlay district is small — limiting possibilities to the former paper mill site on the north bank of the Nashua River.

As the town looks to make modifications, Gingras said the hope is to include railroad square and the full downtown area from the former paper mill site to the historic town hall building. Responses are due by Dec. 16. After proposals are received, a committee will evaluate responses.

“We want to create a mix of commercial uses, residential, open space areas, basically making it more friendly for pedestrian activities. Pepperell is a place where people want to come and stay and shop,” Gingras said.

With an overlay district, the underlying zoning will remain in place. However, Gingras said it would give potential businesses and the Planning Board more flexibilities to find spaces that meet their needs.

Gingras used the example of a bakery looking to open in town — it would still require a special permit from the Planning Board and the business would need to understand where it is moving in, but it may have more options as to where it can operate.

With the possibility for new development will come an emphasis on maintaining the town’s current look and feel. The intent is not to create new buildings with a modern looking design. Gingras believes Pepperell has much to enjoy already and the changes would allow more to reap the benefits of being in town.

“There’s going to be specific things that whoever is coming in has to adhere to so that you’re not losing that look that currently exists in Pepperell. You’re allowing more opportunities for affordable housing or senior housing, more limited commercial uses in the residential areas, but you’re just providing