Manchester city officials gathered Wednesday for an open‑forum meeting to chart the next steps for the Sununu Youth Services Center, a property the city plans to sell. The session, hosted by the mayor’s task force, gave residents a chance to voice concerns and preferences before the city issues a request for proposals that will outline how the site will be marketed and to whom.
Task force prepares sale process
Mayor Jay Ruais created the task force to evaluate options for the center, which has been slated for disposal since the state announced its intent to sell the property years ago. City staff are now drafting a request for proposals that will set the terms for the sale, including the mixed‑use zoning that permits both residential units and small‑scale commercial space.
Community input focuses on safety, green space, and development type
Attendees expressed a range of priorities. Steve Bartlett, a longtime Manchester resident, said he would not welcome a “Tuscan Village” style development, emphasizing the need for thoughtful planning that fits the neighborhood’s character. Tyler Vela raised concerns about safe access to any future project, asking, “Whatever it ends up being, how do we make sure it’s safe to get there?”
Other participants, such as Val Murphy, argued that the city should prioritize public parks over additional commercial space, noting that existing amenities like local coffee shops and hair salons already meet residents’ needs. “I drive to Aroma Joe’s, not a problem. I drive to my hairdresser, not a problem; I don’t need one over there. What I need is a green space,” Murphy said.
No final decision yet
The meeting concluded without a definitive resolution. Mayor Ruais indicated that the concerns raised would be incorporated into the task force’s recommendations, which will be forwarded to state officials for final approval. An official present at the meeting added that the current use of the site is expected to continue into the first quarter of next year, but a specific timetable for the sale will depend on the level of interest generated by the upcoming request for proposals.
What’s next for the property?
Because the site is zoned for mixed‑use development, potential buyers could propose a combination of housing units and small businesses, or they could focus on a single‑use plan such as a park or community facility. The city’s request for proposals will outline the criteria for acceptable projects, including considerations for traffic, safety, and alignment with Manchester’s broader development goals.
Residents are encouraged to stay engaged as the process moves forward. The task force will hold additional public hearings before finalizing its recommendation, ensuring that community voices remain a central part of the decision‑making process.
Original reporting: WMUR (Hearst) – local news — read the source article.
