A plan to turn an orchard into a new village will bring major change to Londonderry. Fortunately, residents have an opportunity this week to have their say about the design of the project.
Pillsbury Realty Development wants to transform the 270-acre Woodmont Orchard property into a self-contained village that would be the first of its kind in the state.
The plans are extensive. The village will include commercial and office space with a centralized downtown. The village would support 1,400 residences of single- and multiple-family dwellings. There will also be space for a future school.
The design will include low-speed streets, walkways and parks. It could take 20 years to build to completion.
Mike Kettenbach, a principal in Pillsbury Realty, and the project's designers want ideas and other input from the community.
"We definitely want to know what the community wants," Kettenbach told reporter Suzanne Laurent. "This is going to be a village where people can live, work and play, and this can be a positive project."
Change on this scale requires public input and comment. The developers are to be commended for offering ample opportunity for it.
Beginning this week and continuing through Monday, a series of meetings is being held at the Woodmont Packaging Center, 15 Pillsbury Road.
All residents are encouraged to attend sessions tonight from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. as well as the closing presentation Monday from 5 to 7 p.m.
The Woodmont Orchard project will have a major impact on Londonderry's future. We encourage residents to attend a meeting and have their thoughts heard.
