The Hanover Zoning Board has rejected a local resident's request that the College be forced to seek special permission to build a 5,400 square-foot Rugby clubhouse on Reservoir Road, one mile north of campus.
Frederick Crory, who lives near the empty lot where the College plans to locate the building, argued that an outdoor recreational facility needs a special exception to Hanover zoning laws. The Board rejected Crory's plea, stating that it made public no new information.
Crory said he is drafting a new appeal and intends to file suit against the Town of Hanover in Grafton Superior Court next week.
Designed by local architect Randall Mudge, the two-story facility will contain showers, lockers, restrooms, offices, team rooms, training rooms, a storage area, a viewing deck and a kitchen. A large part of the second floor will be a social area reserved for functions like post-match dinners with opposing teams.
Deputy Athletics Director Bob Ceplikas said the building will cost about $1 million to build, including its maintenance endowment.
The funding comes primarily from the estate of writer Corey Ford. Although he never attended the College, Ford was an avid rugby fan, and he left money upon his death for the construction of a clubhouse to promote the sport.
The College has had Ford's money invested since 1970. The remainder was raised by Friends of Dartmouth Rugby, an organization composed mainly of Dartmouth Rugby alumni.
The facility will be the first college rugby house in the country and the first coed rugby clubhouse in the world.
Men's Coach Wayne Young said he is excited that the project is finally coming to fruition. "This will be the finest rugby facility in America," he said.
The facility is more good news for the men's rugby team, which already has plenty to celebrate. Their 5-1-1 record places them on the road to a fourth consecutive New England Championship.
Last year, the team finished fifth in the nation.
