Advancing Infill and “Missing Middle” Housing in Manchester
Manchester’s participation in the 802 Homes initiative reflects a growing focus on infill and missing-middle housing as part of a broader, multi-pronged approach to addressing housing shortages. By looking at how additional homes can be thoughtfully integrated into existing neighborhoods—using vacant or underutilized land already served by infrastructure—this work aims to expand housing options while maintaining community character. Modular and small-scale development strategies also offer opportunities to reduce costs, shorten construction timelines, and lower barriers for local builders and homeowners. This effort aligns with ongoing work by the Selectboard and Housing Task Force to identify practical, community-supported pathways that help ensure Manchester remains accessible to working families now and into the future.
Airport Road Housing Moves Forward Through Collaborative Agreement
Manchester has reached an agreement to advance workforce housing on Airport Road while conserving flood-prone land on Richville Road, marking a collaborative step forward in the town’s housing strategy.
Manchester Selected for Statewide Infill Housing Pilot Program
Manchester was selected as one of three Vermont communities to participate in a statewide infill housing pilot focused on workforce and missing-middle housing.
Housing Task Force Weighs Next Steps for Airport Road Housing
The Housing Task Force is assessing options for developing the Airport Road site, weighing urgency, legal considerations, and the need for workforce and affordable housing.
Airport Road Proposals Reviewed as Housing Task Force Delays Recommendation
The Housing Task Force reviewed final proposals for the Airport Road site but delayed its recommendation to refine criteria and ensure long-term affordability and legal clarity.
Housing Task Force Hosts Second Public Forum on Airport Road Proposals
The Housing Task Force held its second public forum on Airport Road to review a mixed-income housing proposal and gather community input before making a recommendation.
Manchester Hosts First Circle of Visibility in Support of LGBTQ+ Community
Manchester held its first Circle of Visibility, bringing the community together to affirm LGBTQ+ inclusion, belonging, and support for youth and families.
Housing Task Force to Review Airport Road Proposals Before Selectboard Decision
The Selectboard is awaiting a Housing Task Force recommendation before moving forward on development of the Airport Road housing site.
Town revises flag policy, unfortunately.
The Selectboard unfortunately, revised Manchester’s municipal flag policy following public input and debate over inclusion, legal risk, and community values.
Selectboard Opens Public Hearings on Updated Town Plan
The Selectboard held the first public hearing on Manchester’s updated Town Plan, with housing needs and state compliance at the center of discussion.
Selectboard Denies Pride Flag Request Amid Legal and Policy Debate
The Selectboard denied a request to fly the Pride flag, citing legal concerns and sparking debate over inclusion, free speech, and municipal policy.
Community Responds to Closure of Local Pharmacies
The closure of Pharmacy Northshire has prompted urgent concern about healthcare access and renewed efforts to identify sustainable pharmacy solutions for Manchester.
A Thanksgiving Message to Our Community
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As the season of gratitude fills the air and the first snow graces our beautiful corner of Vermont, I find myself deeply thankful for the power of this incredible community. We are blessed to live among caring, devoted people who are committed to building a bright future for generations to come.
Housing Task Force - Inaugural Meeting
The newest iteration of Manchester’s Housing Task Force hosted their inaugural meeting on Thursday, Aug. 15 where they elected officers, identified initial steps in service of their mission, and reviewed existing housing projects as well as properties with potential.
Housing Task Force
By including members from key municipal bodies along with broad community input, this task force aims to enhance communication and efficiency to bring solutions to the housing crisis in Manchester. We need to move as one with all the resources available to us as a community. With dedicated members to this task force from our boards and commissions, our commitment to working together on this very difficult issue has never been stronger.
Our First Pride Month Proclamation
June is an incredibly special month for me as we celebrate Pride Month and the vibrant spirit of the LGBTQIA+ community! I’m thrilled to announce that the Town of Manchester has unanimously passed its 1st Pride Month Proclamation, officially declaring June 2024 as Pride Month to show our unwavering support for the LGBTQIA+ community.
A Call to Action for Manchester's Housing Crisis
Every 30 days, another family faces the harrowing reality of losing their home. This isn't a distant issue; it's happening right here, right now, in our backyard. Yet, amidst this crisis, there's a glimmer of hope. Our work as a Selectboard has the power to unite our community in acknowledging the devastating impact of the housing crisis. Manchester stands at a critical juncture. The severe shortage of housing options threatens to unravel the very fabric of our thriving community in Vermont. We need more voices willing to stand up and declare, "Yes, we can, and we must do more to protect the most vulnerable in our town." I'm asking you to help me do just that.
Enhancing Virtual Meetings in the Town of Manchester
I sincerely appreciate the resilience and determination shown by Town of Manchester employees in tackling the persistent virtual meeting issues. From grappling with unreliable meeting links to coping with poor audio quality, these challenges have disrupted the proper flow of communication, leading to understandable frustration among staff and, more importantly, the community.
The stakes are high—town meetings are vital for discussing important community matters, and ensuring smooth virtual interactions has become essential in today's interconnected world.