Hundreds of Manchester residents gathered on Thursday, October 16th for a public info session about the future of the Sununu Youth Services Center property colloquially known as the YDC. The room was already packed when I arrived well before the official start time. It was an impressive display of our community’s civic engagement.
I quickly greeted some familiar faces, gave my next-door neighbor a hug, and made sure to say hello to Mayor Ruais and shake his hand. I found a spot to stand near the back of the room. Then it was off to the races. As the meeting dragged on for nearly two hours, I didn’t take the microphone to speak – because I was there to listen. But I believe now is the time to go on record.
All of us in Manchester have a vested interest in the future of the massive, 157-acre property. Especially those of us like myself who live near that parcel in the North End. The state has made it clear that they will sell the property. That much is certain. If we’re lucky, the state might voluntarily give the City of Manchester an opportunity to match the winning bid. Or, the state might not.
Regardless of what the state plans to do, I want to say something critically important: To my knowledge, there is nothing preventing the city from making an offer of its own.
We could take control over our own destiny as a city by banding together and putting in a strong bid for the property. Manchester has a history of being on the cutting edge. There is no reason to think we lack the vision or the capability as a city to handle this better than the state.
We could even get a return on investment by designating the area as a Tax Increment Financing district. Known as a TIF district for short, this is an incredibly powerful tool in the city planning toolbox. It is specifically enabled by state law, and proven to succeed in other places.
Creating a TIF district would allow us to make infrastructure improvements, like fixing River Road, preserving green spaces, and extending sewer and water service – all while paying for itself over time through the increased property value of the current YDC parcel.
The City of Manchester could create a master plan for the YDC property, in collaboration with local residents and stakeholders, then subdivide the parcels as needed. Some parcels could be kept by the city for infrastructure and parkland. Some could be sold at a profit to responsible developers for senior housing, starter homes for young families, or quality workforce housing for teachers and veterans. The possibilities are endless.
Manchester could choose its own future – but only if its leaders have the requisite vision and the motivation. At the latest Board of Mayor & Aldermen meeting, I respectfully requested that this topic be referred to the appropriate committee for future discussion. This issue is too important for us to sit passively by while the state does whatever it wants.
Let’s take the initiative. Let’s make sure Manchester’s future is shaped not by the politicians and bureaucrats of Concord, but instead by the people of Manchester.
Bryce Kaw-uh is a candidate for Alderman in Ward 1. Learn more at bryce4manchester.com
This content is paid for by Bryce Kaw-uh for Ward 1 Alderman.