Plans for Building Retail Space, CVS in Hampton on Hold

Return to Table of Contents

Revisions Being Made to Allow Bank

By Patrick Cronin

Hampton Union, Friday, January 9, 2009

[The following article is courtesy of the Hampton Union and Seacoast Online.]

HAMPTON -- Plans to construct a new CVS Pharmacy and retail space where Hampton Cinema Six currently sits on Lafayette Road is on hold for the time being.

Representatives for cinema owner John Tinios came before the Planning Board Wednesday night, Jan. 7 to inform its members they will coming back at a later date with an amended site plan.

While the CVS and retail space was conditionally approved back in December, Tinios now wants to use a portion of the retail space as the home of a new bank in town.

"The big change is we are adding a bank with a drive-thru window and the retail/office space in the rear is now smaller than what was approved," said Joe Coronati, of Jones and Beach Engineers, who represents Tinios.

Another possible change the board will see when the plans are resubmitted, Coronati said, is the separation of the CVS building from the bank and retail space.

"We are now looking at options to do that," Coronati said. "CVS was not happy with the conflict of the bank having a drive-thru window and they having a drive-thru window."

Attorney Peter Saari, who also represents Tinios, said the project may also need to go before the Zoning Board of Adjustment for variance.

The board voted to continue the public hearing on the project until April 1 to give the developer time to draw up new plans.

"I guess we will be watching movies for a little bit longer," Planning Board member Tom Higgins said.

Two of the articles deal with alternative energy; one concerns wind turbines and the other solar panels.

Another two amendments deal with conservation. One includes the ocean and Hampton Harbor as tidal wetlands, and the other would designate the tidal marsh as prime wetlands.

There is also an article that asks voters to amend the multi-family dwelling setbacks in town from 40 feet to 20 feet.

The remaining articles are being called "housekeeping" items. One would amend the current zoning ordinance to comply with the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program, while another would bring all town ordinances in line with the state building and fire codes.

Return to Table of Contents