Gateway Implementation

The vision for the Gateway articulated in the Town's draft Master Plan (2019) was adopted by the Planning Board in 2008.  The Gateway refers to the commercial/mixed use zones along Portsmouth Avenue beginning at the edge of Town near Route 101 and ending approximately at Raeder Drive. This district has a clearly articulated vision in The Gateway Commercial Business District Master Plan (District Master Plan), which states the district will…“Enhance the economic vitality, business diversity, accessibility, and visual appeal of Stratham’s Gateway Commercial Business District, in a manner that is consistent with the landscape and architecture of the Town’s agricultural tradition.”

aerial

The current zoning of the District was adopted to implement the Vision in the Gateway plan.  The opportunities and benefits to Stratham residents and the quality of life for those who live here are numerous:

• Upgraded amenities (i.e. modernized shopping facilities for groceries, markets)
• New services and uses and gathering spaces (i.e. theaters and civic spaces)
• Diversified housing options for seniors and people at all stages of life
• Modern site development that better cares for the environment (i.e. stormwater quality and waterways)
• Side and interior roads, which relieve congestion and turning movements pressure on 108 and invite pedestrians and bicyclists.
AND
• More viable economic structure for the Town through added property valuation

Quality of Development:
In addition to new uses including a mix of stores, eating places, residential units, and offices, the quality of site development will provide many physical improvements, site design techniques will incorporate sophisticated approaches to circulation, aesthetics, environmental sustainability, retail planning, and safety. Development concepts will be scrutinized for their ability to create cohesion between abutting land uses, the surrounding landscape, and meet the intent of the Gateway District Master Plan.

The Gateway District regulations require:

1. Public spaces that are attractive, inviting, and help define the character of a place;
2. Redevelopment scaled to the pedestrian experience, while being accessible and accommodating to the automobile;
3. Well-connected sidewalks, minimal curb cuts, and shade will help promote walking and cycling; and DRAFT #5 – Stratham Master Plan 17 July 26, 2019
4. Landscaping using indigenous plant communities found in New England with native granite incorporated into retaining walls, entry monuments, and other site features.

Every aspect of site design, building orientation, circulation, and architecture will be chosen to establish the Gateway as a unique destination where people live, work, dine and come for entertainment.

 ProjectYear
 Recent Past Efforts to Implement the Gateway Vision 
 Exeter Newsletter - What is a TIF and how can it help Stratham2020
 Stratham Magazine - March 2020 - Investing in the Town's Future2020
 TIF Public Hearing Presentation - 2/20/2020 
 TIF - Open House Days / Hours (Feb. 19 Select Board Newsletter) 
 TIF Frequently Asked Questions2020
 Public Hearing on the Route 108 Corridor Tax Increment Financing District - February 20, 2020 
 February 20 - TIF Development Program and Financing Plan2020
 February 6, 2020 presentation2020
 October 9, 2019 video 
 October 9, 2019 - Gateway Vision Presentation2019
 DRAFT TIF District Boundary2019
 Flyer Agenda - Pursuing the Gateway Vision2019
 Route 108 Corridor Study Committee Final Report, May 20192019
 Applied Economic Research-Final Report, May 20192019
 Weston & Sampson Engineering Report, January 23, 20192019
 Stratham Gateway Vision2018
 Route 108 Corridor Study Committee September Survey Data Presentation slides2018
 Video of Public Information Session on 2018 Survey 
   
 Past Studies