MANCHESTER HOUSING TASK FORCE
MARCH 8, 2023
Manchester Town Hall – Kilburn Meeting Room
5:30-6:30 P.M.
Minutes
In attendance: Gordon Black, John Burnham, Victoria Silsby, Judd Hoffman,
Seth Bongartz, Kathleen James, Melanie Johnson
In attendance as audience: Cat Bryars, Depot Street project in agenda
In attendance virtually and in person: Ed Morrow
Absent: Kevin Neilsen
Meeting called to order at 5:01pm
Minutes of February 13, 2023 meeting
Judd Hoffman made motion to accept the minutes as circulated from the meeting on February 13, 2023
Gordon Black moved to accept the minutes, John Burnham seconded
7 in favor/0 opposed, Motion Carries
Brief recap of organizational meeting
Brief introductions from task force
Discussion and Finalization of Mission Statement
Proposed Mission Statement read
Identified three words in statement that raise concerns: shovel ready, design, and procure
Seth Bongartz will prepare draft for March 22, 2023 meeting
Review of Shires Housing proposal for Depot Street property
6 month window to determine what’s possible, up to 44 Units
Technically in 100 yr flood, didn’t flood in Irene, talk to get FEMA to change designation
Even if not in flood, parking underneath.
Town ordinance/planning regs: Maximum height: 40’
Shires doesn’t have same act 250 requirements.
Shires does not want 3 front buildings.
EverNorth is a nonprofit with experience across NE and in VT.
Discussion about the formula of income levels and draft design. middle income needs addressing-more inclusive array of income levels. Income levels are finalized based on shires funding of the project
Discussion about design being big shoebox-not innovative-could design be inspirational. This is a front and center property-design should be reflective.
Review of potential Housing sites (Gordon)
Based on access to water and sewer or areas slated for water and sewer access. Town received grant funding in amount of $600,000 for water/sewer along 7a up to Town Hall
Dailey’s driving range: 16+ acres-don’t control it, privately owned.
Drunsic 7A, near VT Country Store, behind casablanca: 10 acres not all buildable
Keelan and group: Opposite casablanca next to VT Country store 6+ acres
Sessions property: Route 7a abutting Manchester Engine Works: 9.7 acres
Hauben Group: Cone Rd: end of Cone Rd. with ROW to 7A and Cottage
Street: 5 acres
Town Hall Property: there is some limited room for building housing in front of town hall and between town hall and emergency services.
Drunsic spa property: employee housing being considered along Rt 7a
Town: airport Rd, 60 acres, Land Rover uses it: No water or sewer, pretty far back from Richville, about 1 mile distance and several years away for bringing water/sewer to site
Depot property: existing water/sewer, concerns about property can be overcome.
Reviewed zoning districts - Gordon will share description of each district
a. Town Center designation allows for Depot St project
b. Mixed Use 2 District
c. R10 District
d. Rt 7 properties are in MU2
Align on Project tracks/subcommittee and key deliverables
Moved to meeting on March 22, 2023
Discussion of next steps for Task Force
Gordon to share description of each district
Kyle to present at next meeting
Judd to create document outlining possible locations:
i. property owner, acreage, zoning district, address
Review Mission Statement
Public Comments/Questions
Concerns some housing task force members hard to hear in audience
Concerns large scale projects are 2 ½ years away and we need immediate housing
Other Business
Recommendation for name plates
Reconfirm: depot project is a total of 3 acres and Shires wants to divide in about half.
John Burnhan made motion to adjourn, second by Judd Hoffman all in favor Motion Carries
Meeting adjourned at 6:37pm
Respectfully submitted,
Victoria Silsby, Secretary