Condo Development Slated To Replace Espresso To Go Coffeeshop

A 10-unit condominium development proposed for 1 Toombs Court off Old South Road would replace the existing location of Espresso To Go, the popular coffee shop and takeout establishment.

The plan was presented to the Planning Board on Thursday by attorney Arthur Reade, who is representing a contract purchaser for the property. The plan, submitted as an apartment building special permit application, would include 10 separate condominium units and a total of 24 bedrooms on the .66-acre lot.

The property is currently owned by Toombs Court LLC, a limited liability company that is registered to New Hampshire resident Diane Downing, who purchased the lot back in 1998, according to property records.

With regard to Espresso To Go, Reade said, "Their lease expires in October of next year, and they're not planning to stay beyond that."

Espresso To Go owner Terri Dion told the Current "We are not ready to discuss the future of Espresso To Go at this time."

Reade emphasized that there would be a voluntary prohibition on short-term rentals, and that two of the units would be reserved for year-round housing. He described the development as "a project intended for sale as condominium units. A homeownership project...It will be housing attractive to people who are looking to buy property toward the lower end of the market."

The plan, however, was met with immediate criticism by neighbors on Toombs Court and members of the Planning Board, who called it too dense.

"There are way too many units here for what it is," said Planning Board chair David Iverson, who called on Reade and designer Arthur Gasbarro to eliminate three to four units and revise the parking plan. "We're asking for a different look completely."

"It's way too dense, and too many cars," Planning Board vice chair Joe Topham said. "It's way overdeveloped."

The hearing was continued to the Planning Board's meeting next month.