Largest neighborhood revitalization project in Manchester history is well underway

MANCHESTER, NH – Last night, signs of change on the West Side were cause for celebration. The City of Manchester held a public lighting ceremony to mark the completion of two new arches over Amory and Kelly Streets. The arches were erected as part of the city’s Rimmon Heights/West Side Revitalization Plan.

The City of Manchester, The Southern New Hampshire Planning Commission and St. Mary’s Bank announced the launch of the urban renewal project early last year. The arches are some of the first visible signs of the progress being made under the plan, as much of the work to date has focused on design and infrastructure.

Approximately 30 people gathered on the third floor of America’s Credit Union Museum just across the street from the Amory Street arch. The group was able to watch the lighting and hear remarks from Mayor Frank Guinta, Alderman Russ Ouellette and representatives for the project’s leaders.

“These arches represent the work we’ve been doing and will continue to do to revitalize West Side neighborhoods,” said Robert Mackenzie, Planning Director for the City of Manchester. “We’re proud to say that the Rimmon Heights project is making great progress, and there will be much more to see in the coming months.” Slated for spring are construction of new side walks, addition of new lighting, park clean-ups and completion of the bike trail that will run through the neighborhood.

“St. Mary’s Bank got its start on the West Side, right on the corner of Notre Dame Avenue and Amory Street. We’re here to help make this project a success,” said Tom Champagne, St. Mary’s Bank Director of Community Outreach. “In support of the plan, St. Mary’s made $12 million in loans available to West Side residents and business owners at below-market interest rates. In fact, we’ve just lowered rates on many different types of financing. And we’re committed to keeping them low for the long term.”

St. Mary’s Bank is the plan’s sole financial partner. The credit union has already provided financing to several business owners and residents in the neighborhood. The Rimmon Heights target area for revitalization includes approximately 60 square blocks, bordered by Putnam Street on the south and Dexter Street on the north, and between Merrimack River on the east and Piscataquog River on the west.

The plan, drafted by the City and the Planning Commission, calls for improvements in six strategic categories: parks and green spaces, housing, business assistance, neighborhood identity and design, infrastructure, and security.

About the City of Manchester
The Planning and Community Development Department is working with the Highway Department, Parks and Recreation Department and the Economic Development Office in developing comprehensive neighborhood plans.

About The Southern New Hampshire Planning Commission
The Southern New Hampshire Planning Commission serves as the coordinating agency for the planning initiatives of thirteen communities in the region: Auburn, Bedford, Candia, Chester, Deerfield, Derry, Goffstown, Hooksett, Londonderry, Manchester, New Boston, Raymond, and Weare. By taking a regional approach to address development concerns, we can attempt to craft effective and efficient solutions that will preserve the special character and valuable resources of the region.