Economy Slows Building Projects
September 30, 2008
Tough economic times are taking a toll on Epping’s retail boom.
Local developer Rob Graham has shelved plans to bring a retail project to the former granary building property along Main Street and Railroad Avenue. Graham said yesterday he was hoping to have tenants, but no one signed onto the project.
“We are in a wait-and-see mode,” he said yesterday.
The planning board in May conditionally approved Graham’s plan to build a 2,497-square-foot restaurant that would have included a Taco Bell and a Kentucky Fried Chicken. The plan also called for a 3,480-square-foot bank.
Graham said his project isn’t the only one being put on hold.
“A lot of projects in town are holding off and waiting to see what’s going to happen, and it’s not just in Epping,” he said.
Despite the uncertainties, Graham said, there are still a lot of “great locations and good fits” for certain types of businesses.
Full story from JASON SCHREIBER
Epping Auto and Salvage honored for environmental safety
August 22, 2008
Epping Auto and Salvage was honored recently for its commitment to environmental safety.
Epping Auto was designated a “Certified Green Yard,” by the state Department of Environmental Services. This honor is doled out to automobile businesses that go above and beyond the state requirements for environmental safety.
“This was a great, business-friendly environmental program,” said Kelly Graham, office manager for Epping Auto and Salvage. “The DES did a great job of working with businesses without making it an enforcement action. We are really glad to be a part of the program.”
She said that recycling has come a long way, to the point where businesses are receiving $1 each for mercury switches they recycle. She added that programs like the Green Yard Program are helping to make even further improvements.
Full story from Terrill Covey
NE Dragway Collects Over 1000 Meals For The NH Food Bank
June 17, 2008
EPPING, NH — Fans of the New England Dragway’s Jet Wars event donated over 1000 meals to the NH Food Bank on Saturday. The Dragway’s promotion offered $5 off admission to anyone who brought urgently needed items to fill the truck parked at the gate, such as canned tuna, chicken, soup or beans, peanut butter, tomato sauce, pasta, rice and beans.
“We were happy to see the support our race fans provided to the New Hampshire Food Bank. Drag racers and fans of the sport have the reputation of always being ready to lend a hand both on and off the track. We intend to keep this program going throughout our entire major event season. It’s a worthwhile cause. We’re glad we could help,” explained New England Dragway Track Manager Joe Lombardo.
“These efforts come at a critical time of need, with food and fuel prices climbing”, said Melanie Gosselin, Executive Director at the NH Food Bank.
Simply put, supply is down and demand is up.
On the supply side, grocery stores and manufacturers have improved their inventory controls, so 100,000 pounds less is being donated per month.
On the demand side, there is a 39% increase due to the shocking price of fuel and the sharp rise in food costs.
The 350+ food pantries that the NH Food Bank supplies state-wide aren’t just a safety net for those at poverty levels anymore. More & more neighbors that would traditionally be considered middle-class are being forced to choose between putting gas in the car or food on the table.
Summer is an especially devastating time for children that survive on breakfast and lunch programs during the school year. Now that school is out, these children are at-risk.
The NH Food Bank is working on creative solutions to provide healthy food to those in need and address the root causes of hunger. The ‘Recipe for Success’ program includes a licensed commercial kitchen for culinary training, nutrition education classes, and the fresh rescue and distribution of meat for protein-rich meals. The Food Bank has also established a production garden, in partnership with the Youth Development Center. The ‘Backpack Program’ allows children to bring home nutritious food in the context of a fun, interactive activity on weekends & during school vacations.
Commons of Epping Set To Open in July
April 15, 2008
Opening in July, the Commons of Epping is a 25,000-square-foot commercial property offering retail units starting at 1,200 square feet and office suites starting at 500 square feet.
The new construction features earth tones and cultured stone and brings open, airy and spacious office opportunities to local, regional and national businesses. Located on Route 125 in Epping, the Commons is owned by the principals of The Stove Shoppe and Fences Unlimited. Both businesses plan to open second locations at the property and currently own storefronts at 25 Indian Rock Road (Route 111) in Windham.
“We built the Commons so both the Stove Shoppe and Fences Unlimited can better serve Epping and the Seacoast, and we look forward to sharing our expanding line of products and services with more of New Hampshire,” said co-owner Ken Szymansky. “We’re excited to partner with other businesses to offer a fresh, new convenient shopping location for residents of Epping and neighboring communities.”
Full story in Seacoast Online.
Plans for 288,000-square-foot Retail Center Before Planning Board
February 26, 2008
The long-awaited project behind Burger King in Epping, may finally be growing legs, as the developers say they should begin work on the property within the next month.
Representatives of Waterstone Retail, owners of the site, appeared before the Planning Board on Thursday night to go over the details of the plans for a 288,000-square-foot retail center, which has been in the works since 2001.
Doug Richardson, vice president of development for Waterstone, came before the board to outline the plans for architecture, landscaping and signage.
The Planning Board approved the layout of the plan at an earlier meeting, and Thursday night Waterstone returned to begin to move the project forward.
More from Terrill Covey
Wal-Mart Helps Town Stay Warm
February 22, 2008
The Wal-Mart corporation gave back to the Epping community this year, with a $2,500 donation to the town to help support families in need throughout the winter months.
Selectmen recently accepted the donation, which is earmarked for needy families to assist with heating fuel costs. The board will now forward the money on to the Raymond outreach center, a branch of the Rockingham Community Action program. It will use the money to assist Epping families in dire need of heating fuel assistance.
Selectmen chairman Jeffrey Harris said he was glad to see the town receive the donation, which could be particularly helpful during this long winter.
- More from Terrill Covey.
Elaine Gatchell Reacts to Building Sale
February 5, 2008
The energy level at the Leddy Center for Performing Arts in Epping is in high gear these days. Executive Director Elaine Gatchell and her staff are dealing with the buzz of recent news of the sale of the Main Street buildings.
According to a press release issued by Gatchell, the board of directors of the Leddy Center received notification of the sale of the buildings on Main Street by the owners, Paul and Elisabeth Gustavson, on Jan. 21. The buildings have housed the Leddy Center, its theater, studios and offices for more than 20 years, Gatchell said.
Former Church Transforming Into Pub
February 1, 2008
There will be a new type of spirit inhabiting the church on Main Street.
David and Maureen Kennedy purchased the church and will convert it into a restaurant and bar called The Holy Grail.
David Kennedy said the project is the culmination of 10 years of hoping and planning, and he hopes to open sometime early this spring.
“It’s unique and different,” he said. “It’s not just another Applebee’s or Fridays.”
The restaurant will feature an Irish pub and restaurant atmosphere, which Kennedy said is inspired by his and his wife’s heritage.
Terrill Covey, Seacoast Online.
Town McDonalds first in region to go ‘upscale’
January 22, 2008
Route 125’s famous Golden Arches got an extreme makeover.
The McDonald’s restaurant is sporting a slightly new location, along with a brand new look.
Storeowner Dwight Barnes said the changes have modernized the building, and so far, he has gotten a good response from customers.
“The changes seem to be pretty well-received by customers,” Barnes said. “The old store was old and tired, and this one is nice and new, and more contemporary.”
Manager Justin Place said the aesthetic improvements are very nice for customers, but he believes the one improvement that hasn’t yet been completed may be the biggest boost for customers.
Full Story from Terrill Covey
80,000-square-foot Retail Center Planned Behind Walgreens
January 15, 2008
The Epping Planning Board recently reviewed the preliminary plan for a building on land behind Walgreen’s on Route 125. The proposed plan calls for an 81,000-square-foot, as yet unnamed, retail center.
Robert Duval, chief engineer for TFM, said the plan is the next step in the project, which began with development of the Walgreen’s.
“This is part of a larger plan,” Duval said. “We want to use the land in a way that it can best be developed to provide for maximum use and tax base for the town.”
Full article from Terrill Covey on Seacoast Online.
