Advocates for Housing Accessibility Rally for Zoning Revisions in Manchester
On a recent Tuesday morning, advocates for affordable housing gathered outside Manchester City Hall to urge city leaders to incorporate housing-friendly provisions into the forthcoming zoning ordinance rewrite. Organized by the community group Manchester Neighbors Welcome, the demonstrators called on residents to voice their perspectives to the Zoning Ordinance Rewrite Steering Committee, emphasizing the need for changes that promote mixed-use neighborhoods, simplify regulations for accessory dwelling units, reduce minimum lot sizes, and eliminate mandatory parking minimums.
The participants highlighted the pressing need for affordable housing in Manchester, as escalating rents have made homeownership unreachable for many working families. “Home ownership is out of reach for far too many working families, and at the same time, the rent keeps going up,” stated Bryce Kaw-uh, Chair of the Manchester Planning Board, speaking on his personal behalf. Kaw-uh underscored the broader community impact, noting that an increasing number of residents struggle to make ends meet, with some facing homelessness.
Jessica Margeson, a member of the Manchester Housing Commission, amplified the concerns, linking housing disparities to inequities in well-being. “Not many know that your life expectancy is greater the further away you travel from the inside of our city,” she said, referring to varying access to resources across different neighborhoods. Her comments brought attention to the stark reality that life expectancy can differ by as much as two years in areas like Crystal Lake compared to more urban settings.
Discussions held last year concerning the zoning ordinance revealed a spectrum of attitudes towards concepts such as Mixed-Use Zoning, which combines residential and commercial spaces. According to a report from the University of New Hampshire Research Center, support for such measures was markedly higher in urban areas like Ward 3, where 61% favored the initiative, compared to lesser enthusiasm in more suburban locales such as Ward 6, where only 8% supported it.
While acknowledging that change might stir apprehension among residents, Kaw-uh encouraged communities in less urban parts of the city to support strategies aimed at increasing density in areas keen on development. He argued that the housing crisis affects the entire community, and it is essential for all neighborhoods to contribute fairly to the solution. “What that fair share is may differ for Ward 6 or 8 compared to downtown areas like Ward 3. I think there’s a lot more capacity for housing downtown,” Kaw-uh added.
The proposed elimination of mandatory parking minimums aligns with trends adopted by other municipalities nationwide as they grapple with housing shortages. Kaw-uh maintained that developers are likely to include parking in their projects if they deem it necessary for financial viability, even in the absence of mandatory requirements.
A finalized version of the proposed zoning rewrite is anticipated to be presented to the Manchester Board of Mayor and Aldermen this summer. Residents can find further details about the process at the Manchester Planning and Community Development Department’s website.
This initiative underscores a critical discourse surrounding urban development in Manchester, as officials and residents alike navigate the complexities of housing accessibility, community identity, and sustainable growth. The outcome of these discussions may significantly shape the city’s future, influencing its ability to attract and retain young professionals and families amidst rising living costs.
