FOCUS - Friends of Concord / United South End

Meeting Notes, January 29, 2003

Feb 03, 2003

FOCUS Meeting
January 29, 2003

A FOCUS meeting was held on January 29, 2003 in offices of Concord20/20 at 72
North Main Street. Present at the meeting were the following persons:

Amy Currie, Heidi Douglas, Judy Dickinson, Ruth Engel, Steve Finch, Eric Halter,
Carol Hargrove, Randy Raymond, and Mike Tardiff. Steve Duprey was also in
attendance to present information about his plans for the former Blue Cross/Blue
Shield property between Allison and Pillsbury Streets.

Introductions H. Douglas opened the meeting, welcomed Steve Duprey and
introduced the FOCUS group.

Duprey Presentation Mr. Duprey advised the group that he is a former
attorney who left his law practice to do development work in the 1990's. He
mentioned projects which he had led, including certain local developments -
notably, Firehouse Block, Canterbury Meadows, and the Marriot Courtyard complex.
He explained that he had been involved with the Blue Cross/Blue Shield (BC/BS) organization when it left Concord and gained an interest in the Concord
property, which he has continued. He reported of the current office market in
Concord that it has weakened, with a 20% vacancy rate - which would be increased
by the move of State offices to the rehabilitated Walker Building on the former
NH Hospital campus. Yet, he felt that there are parties that might be interested
in a rehabilitated BC/BS property He suggested that the building could be
redone to reflect the office building at One Pillsbury Street, but that it is
essentially a steel frame which would need a new roof, new wiring, new HVAC
system and new elevator. The building consists of six floors of about 20,000 sq.
ft. each, for a total of 120,000 sq. ft. of floor space. Mr. Duprey mentioned
parties that might be interested in leasing some of the floor space, but that
some 55-60,000 sq. ft. would have to be committed in long term leases to get
financing for the project. He indicated that if these leases could be obtained, he would create ownership opportunities through establishment of condominium
units.

Mr. Duprey explained he had retained engineers, architects and traffic
consultants to review the building and site development possibilities. He
indicated it would be his intent to restore child care use to the building at
the corner of Dakin and Pillsbury Streets - which would be an attractive feature
for office users. He stated his interest in obtaining the College of Lifelong
Learning as a tenant, which would mean office occupancy, classroom use and
evening activity on the site. He stated that he should learn soon of interest of
prospective tenants; if this did not materialize, he would not undertake the
project. He then asked the group for an articulation of concerns regarding
re-occupancy of the building.

Discussion ensued about potential traffic problems. The intersections of Allison
and Pillsbury Streets at South Main and at Broadway were cited as concerns due to poor sight lines, pedestrian use and student paths to Conant and Rundlett. It
was learned that there are some 500+ parking spaces at the BC/BS property and it
was asked whether some of this paved area could be reduced and returned to
landscaped, or "park" use. Informed of meetings that had taken place with City
representatives, concern was expressed about intersection reconstruction and
signalization. The conflict of Allison/South Main and South State/South Main
intersections was noted and poor sight lines to the south from the
Pillsbury/South Main intersection were also noted. It was felt that sidewalk
gaps on Pillsbury, Allison and South Main Streets should be resolved due to
pedestrian use around the site.

Mr. Duprey informed the group that VHB traffic consultants would do the analysis
for re-use of the site and would prepare recommendations. He indicated he would
ask that consultant group to meet with FOCUS. He was advised of the intent of FOCUS to collaborate with Concord 2020 on a March workshop about neighborhood
traffic. He felt he would know at that time whether he would be undertaking the
project and would seek to have proposals for consideration. There being no other
discussion, Mr. Duprey left at 8:10.

Following his departure, it was agreed that an effort would be made to bring
information from the meeting to friends and neighbors so that more feedback
might be provided Mr. Duprey.

March Workshop H. Douglas indicated that a neighborhood workshop - on
traffic, pedestrian issues and traffic calming concepts was tentatively planned
for March 22. She said the date would be posted on the FOCUS Web site, and when
it is confirmed, FOCUS members should seek to get fellow residents to reserve
the date. FOCUS would assist in the process of identifying problem areas in the
neighborhood in advance of the workshop.


Other items Carol Hargrove agreed to have her name put forth as a representative of FOCUS on the City Transportation Advisory Committee.
After discussion, Amy Currie agreed to act as Scribe for FOCUS meetings.

Other items on the agenda prepared by H. Douglas were deferred to the next FOCUS
meeting.

Next Meeting: The group will meet next on Wednesday, February
5, at 7:00 PM at 72 North Main Street.