NASHUA, NH – The Planning Board approved a conditional use permit and waivers relative to the construction of Rivier Village 2 at Rivier University.
“With the growth of Rivier University, we’re in an opportune moment to expand our residential housing and we come before you tonight to seek approval for our site plan,” said Sister Paula Marie Buley, president of the university.
Phase one of Rivier Village, completed in January, added two new dormitory buildings on the corner of South Main Street and Oldfield Road along Clement Street each with 37 beds, additional parking, new curbs and sidewalks.
Phase two will include the construction of two additional apartment-style dorms – on a smaller scale than traditional dorms – with 37 beds per building on South Main Street. New curbs and sidewalks would also be put along Clement Street and Oldfield Road and additional parking would be added.
“As always our site goals are to provide increased green and organized walkways,” said project manager Tim Maness. “It’s interesting that in the last 10 years Rivier has become much more of a walking campus and a much more accessible campus because of the additional walkways.”
Board member Scott LeClair voiced concern over the numerous sidewalks on campus, but overall was confident in the project.
“If you have like five or six in a row you actually lose the effectiveness. Is it better to just have three or something? But I’m pretty comfortable with that being worked through engineering and the city, and the University seems to work well with the city, so I’m not concerned about that,” he said. “I think the first phase looks great and kind of improved the area so [I’m] looking forward to it.”