Andrew Sylvia - Manchester Ink Link

School Committee makes first assessment on needed reductions for next year’s budget

Thursday, May 7, 2026Tuesday, May 20, 2025

The Board of School Committee gathered on Monday, May 19 for a special meeting to discuss budgetary next steps forward on what reductions should be made to bridge the approximately $9.5 million gap between the school district’s proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget bottom line they recommended to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen and the budget that the Board of Mayor and Aldermen ultimately approved.

If deemed surplus, city seeks to sell three more properties to further grow Affordable Housing Trust

Sunday, May 18, 2025Sunday, May 18, 2025

If deemed surplus by the Manchester Board of Mayor and Aldermen, the City of Manchester looks to sell three vacant parcels of land with the intention of adding the proceeds going into the city’s affordable housing trust.

School Committee meets Monday night for budget reduction deep dive

Thursday, May 7, 2026Sunday, May 18, 2025

A special meeting of the Manchester Board of School Committee (BOSC) is set for Monday as efforts continue to compensate for approximately $9 million less than expected compared to their recommended Fiscal Year 2026 Manchester School District budget.

Socha seeks to buy part of city’s Hackett Hill land

Monday, May 19, 2025Sunday, May 18, 2025

On Tuesday, the Manchester Board of Mayor and Aldermen Committee on Lands and Buildings will review a request from Socha Companies to purchase city-owned land on Hackett Hill identified as a key part to the city’s growing biofabrication industry.

New Beech Street School neighborhood board established

Sunday, May 18, 2025Sunday, May 18, 2025

The group, called the Beech Street Center City Initiative Community Advisory Board, seeks to develop criteria for a grant program that will allocate $100,000 in awards to organizations and initiatives serving youth ages 0–22 in the Beech Street School area. It also expects to help provide future recommendations and guidance to support the larger Beech Street School building project.

City announces Age-Friendly Planning process update

Sunday, May 18, 2025Saturday, May 17, 2025

Manchester Mayor Jay Ruais issued a press release on May 16 announcing the launch of a city-wide Age-Friendly Planning Process. In the announcement, Ruais stated that the initiative is designed to build a more inclusive, accessible and livable community for older adults, as well as other Manchester residents.

U.S. Amateur Soccer Championship coming to Memorial next month

Thursday, May 15, 2025

This year, the best amateur soccer team in the United States will be decided in the Queen City.

Change.org petition urging city leaders to install Pine Street bike lane circulates after committee votes to reassess feasibility and interest

Thursday, May 15, 2025Thursday, May 15, 2025

More than 170 people so far have signed a petition to support traffic calming efforts on Pine Street this year as the street undergoes repaving efforts.

Mayor tackles downtown topics during Ward 3 town hall meeting

Monday, May 19, 2025Thursday, May 15, 2025

On May 5th, Manchester Mayor Jay Ruais held his monthly town hall meeting. While it was held at the Bishop O’Neal Center in Ward 9, discussion was centered around topics about the nearby Ward 3. Here’s a recap of what was discussed.

School Committee responds to comments on ‘Wheel of Power’ teaching tool

Thursday, May 7, 2026Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Concerns were expressed about a professional development worksheet called “the Wheel of Power” during the public comment section of Monday’s Board of School Committee (BOSC) meeting, with members of the BOSC immediately responding to those concerns once public comment concluded.

School Committee voices frustration over Aldermen-approved school budget

Wednesday, May 14, 2025Tuesday, May 13, 2025

The Manchester School District’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget figure has been approved. Now comes the hard part.

Aldermen roll back limitations to testimony during public comment sessions

Saturday, May 10, 2025Friday, May 9, 2025

Advocates of free speech scored a victory on Tuesday as the Manchester Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BMA) approved a modification on BMA Rule 3, allowing greater latitude for members of the public during the board’s public participation sessions.

School Department idea moves forward to committee after tie-breaker vote

Friday, May 9, 2025Friday, May 9, 2025

The concept of Manchester’s School District becoming a department of the City of Manchester may still come before Manchester voters this fall after a decision by the Manchester Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BMA) on Tuesday night.

New downtown barbershop setting down Roots

Monday, May 12, 2025Friday, May 9, 2025

Located on Manchester Street between Elm and Chestnut Streets, Roots Barbershop held a ribbon cutting on Friday, officially opening for business this weekend.

Aldermen approve FY’ 26 school budget worth just under $238 million

Thursday, May 8, 2025Wednesday, May 7, 2025

The Manchester Board of Mayor and Aldermen on Tuesday night approved the Manchester School District’s Fiscal Year 2026 general fund budget with the amount of $237,999,925.

Aldermen hold off for now on Pine Street bike lane

Thursday, May 8, 2025Wednesday, May 7, 2025

A plan to create a new bike lane out of an existing car lane on Pine Street from Bridge to Webster Street has been tabled by the Manchester Board of Mayor and Aldermen Committee on Public Safety, Health and Traffic.

Manchester West HS Future Business Leaders of America seeking community help

Tuesday, May 6, 2025Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Members of the Manchester West High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Club are looking to get community help in their quest to afford the trip to the National FBLA Middle School and High School National Leadership Conference next month in California.

Ward 7 legislators and their constituents discuss state budget, energy policy, rat infestation and more

Tuesday, May 6, 2025Tuesday, May 6, 2025

A group of state representatives gathered at the Somerville Street Manchester Fire Department Station on Tuesday night to provide Ward 7 residents with information about ongoing biennial state budget negotiations, any other state government-related topics on their minds and even a few topics not related to state government.

Aldermen set to review upcoming Pine Street bike lane

Tuesday, May 6, 2025Monday, May 5, 2025

On Tuesday, May 6, the Manchester Board of Mayor and Aldermen’s (BMA) Committee on Public Safety, Health and Traffic will discuss a long-awaited bike lane coming to Pine Street.

Community Garden Open Houses coming on May 10, plots open at Playball Fields Garden

Monday, May 5, 2025Monday, May 5, 2025

The Playball Fields Community Garden at Cullerot Park is looking for more community gardeners.

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