Zoning Board grants conditional OK for new day care
After months of reorganizing and gathering letters of support, the Nest Family Cafe is one step closer to opening a day care in the abandoned bank building next door, thanks to a variance unanimously granted by the Londonderry Zoning Board.
The variance is conditional, assuming the former Santander Bank location at 25 Orchard View Drive passes a site walk-through.
The owners of The Nest, Jamie and Ryan Getchell, had previously applied to open their daycare because, according to their legal representative William Reddington, it felt like a natural extension of the cafe’s mission.
“The building and the property are in an ideal location for a child care center,” said Reddington. “It will be located next to a related business, catering to the same clientele.”
The cafe was opened in 2022 as a place for parents and grandparents to bring young children to entertain and socialize them. The cafe often has activities for the staff to do with small children, like barista storytimes.
The Getchells are proposing a day care that would have space for approximately 50 children, with some full-time attendees, and others being spaces held for partial day attendees. The childcare workers would be fully licensed.
Several members of the community, both Londonderry citizens and out-of-towners, attended the meeting to show solidarity for The Nest. Several parents spoke about how the business has allowed them to socialize their children in a safe environment, as well as giving them some much needed adult interaction.
Several said how having a day care run by the same owners would give them a chance to get more work done and run errands while knowing their children are in a safe space.
A few businesses in the area wrote letters explaining how having The Nest has been a good way for their own businesses to expand, and a day care would give parents freedom to spend more time out and about.
Because the abandoned bank building is located in a commercial zone, the Zoning Board had to approve a variance for its use as a day care. The first request The Nest’s owners made was in July, but the board declined to issue a variance.
This time, Suzanne Brunelle, the vice chair of the board, said her major concern was safety in a busy commercial location. The Getchells provided police reports for the area, and between the reports and The Nest’s current safety measures, Brunelle said she was much happier with this application.
“I think that those have definitely been addressed, particularly in comparison to the first presentation” said Brunelle. “I feel more comfortable that the health, safety, and welfare of the children in the community has been met.” — KATELYN SAHANIAN/EAGLE-TRIBUNE
Elle Ferris, Kate Hannan join Fontaine Family Team
Elle Ferris
Elle Ferris, a realtor in Maine and NH, has joined the Fontaine Family team at their Scarborough location.
Elle was welcomed at Fontaine as an associate broker licensed in Maine and New Hampshire with years of experience. She is well equipped to provide her clients with service and expertise in the Northeast real estate market. She is a member of several local organizations, including the Strafford County Board of Realtors, the Maine Association of Realtors, the Oyster River Girls Lacrosse Boosters and the Community Gardens of Durham.
Elle can be reached at (603) 674-1118 or elle@fontaineteam.com.
Additionally, Kate Hannan has joined the Fontaine’s Scarborough team. With over four years of experience in the real estate industry, Kate brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong reputation for customer satisfaction. Based in Stratham, NH, she serves the Seacoast Region of New Hampshire along with Southern Maine.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus on International Affairs from the University of New Hampshire. Prior to her career in real estate, Kate owned and operated a gift and candy store in Bar Harbor, Maine, and later sold the business, marking a transition to Seacoast, New Hampshire, where she decided to pursue her passion for real estate.
Kate Hannan
Northeast Credit Union announced future headquarters
Northeast Credit Union recently announced the company will be relocating its corporate headquarters to 100 Education Way in Dover, NH. The new headquarters is expected to be fully operational by early 2025.
The relocation of the existing headquarters located at 100 Borthwick Avenue, Portsmouth, NH, is part of the organization’s ongoing growth strategy and will enable Northeast Credit Union to better serve its members and employees. The new 100,000 square foot Dover location is a central site for most of its 400+ employees and provides easy access to major roadways and transportation options.
The future headquarters will offer state-of-the-art facilities and amenities throughout the four-story building, including employee training rooms, a cafeteria, fitness center, outdoor spaces, car charging stations, and nearby walking and biking trails. The new design will also have a strong emphasis on incorporating natural elements and light, hybrid workstations, and an environment that fosters collaboration and creativity.
“We are excited to welcome Northeast Credit Union to Dover,” said Mayor Robert Carrier. “The company’s relocation is a testament to the strength of our community and commitment to attracting and supporting innovative and mission driven businesses. We look forward to working with Northeast Credit Union to help assist with growth, job creation, boost the local economy and support the communities they serve.”
The property is being sold by Tidemark and Kane & Co. development team, while PROCON is the architect and design-builder for the exterior renovations. The exterior of the building underwent a complete transformation by PROCON’s team, who incorporated new materials and expansive windows to reflect the unique New Hampshire vernacular.
Maugel DeStefano Architects is leading the interior transformation efforts with focus on creating an environment that fosters collaboration and innovation.
New Balance to break ground on sixth New England location
Shoe brand New Balance, based in Boston, Mass., will break ground for its newest athletic footwear manufacturing facility in Londonderry on Oct. 26.
New Balance’s $70 million investment in the factory will add more than 150 jobs at the 102,000-square-foot, single-story building that is planned to begin production in 2025.
New Balance employs 8,000 associates around the globe, and in 2022 reported worldwide sales of $5.3 billion.
Another piece of Chinese owned property in Nashua has come to the public’s attention — the former Daniel Webster College property, encompassing some 52 acres. Nashua Mayor Jim Donchess encouraged the Board of Aldermen on Sept. 9 to pass a resolution giving him the authority to seek state and/or federal funds to purchase the property, currently owned by Xinhua Education Consulting Services Corp.
The nonprofit and ReVision Energy expand renewable energy portfolio with new solar panels across five properties in the Monadnock Region
While home prices might be moderating in other parts of the country, the median price of a single-family house in New Hampshire rose to $550,000 in August, the second highest price point this current year. That price is just $3,000 more than the $547,000 recorded in July, but it is $47,500 more than January’s $502,500. The highest median price in 2025 was $569,450, recorded in June and the most ever recorded in the state.
ApprenticeshipNH has partnered with Associated Builders and Contractors of New Hampshire/Vermont and Elm Grove Companies to launch New Hampshire’s first registered apprenticeship program (RAP) for maintenance technicians
Explore how post-pandemic growth, affordability challenges, and evolving housing trends are transforming the Queen City’s future.
The Lake Estate on Winnisquam sees diamonds and stars in its future
Amid a statewide housing shortage, a religious nonprofit recently opened applications for more than 60 new workforce housing apartments in Peterborough.
Concord considers $535K rail purchase to extend Greenway Trail, raising questions for Scenic Railriders
Relax & Co., which provided an array of services to property owners in the Lake Sunapee area, had already been forced to lay off workers earlier this month.
