Manchester Prepares to Decide Future of Housing Development at Airport Road
MANCHESTER – The town of Manchester is approaching a significant decision on how to develop a 60-acre parcel of town-owned land at the end of Airport Road, and the community will soon have a chance to weigh in. The Select Board is waiting for recommendations from the Housing Task Force before moving forward with any plan, as three different proposals are currently under review.
Earlier this year, Manchester issued a Request for Proposal inviting developers to present ideas for residential or mixed-use projects that could include affordable, workforce, or market-rate housing. The proposals reflect a range of approaches. Herrmann Construction, a local firm, proposes building 40 smaller homes priced at around $258,000 each, aiming for a quick start and a spring 2026 completion for the first houses. DEW Properties is seeking a longer, 18-month research period to assess feasibility before deciding on the project scope. Meanwhile, the Integrated Manchester Housing Initiative envisions a large-scale development with up to 150 homes, mixing market-rate, affordable, and workforce housing options.
Jonathan West, chair of the Housing Task Force and member of the Select Board, emphasized the importance of this moment. “It’s not often we have a chance to shape housing in Manchester on this scale,” he said. He also noted the possibility of developers working together to create a plan that benefits the town in multiple ways.
The Housing Task Force plans to hold one or more meetings soon to review the proposals in detail and to invite public comment. These sessions will offer residents an opportunity to ask questions and share their views before a recommendation goes to the Select Board, which will make the final decision.
At the same time, the Select Board is considering updates to a “payment in lieu of parking” ordinance that affects development in the town center. The board asked the Planning Commission to revisit the proposed language after concerns were raised about setting fees and managing revenue.
With Manchester’s housing market continuing to evolve, the coming weeks will be crucial for setting the town’s path forward. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to follow the process closely and participate in the upcoming discussions.
