Next Planning Focus: The Village
By Gregory T. Federspiel
June 7, 2025

To plagiarize Danial Webster who is said to have told the Supreme Court in a famous case involving my Alma Mater: “It is, Sir, . . . a small college (insert village). And yet, there are those who love it.” No doubt many residents genuinely feel this way about Manchester’s village with its historic buildings and harbor views. Indeed, it is a charming New England village that the community enjoys and wants to see maintained. Discussions on how best to maintain the core commercial area of the village are planned for this Monday, June 9, at the High School cafeteria beginning at 6:30. Members of the community are encouraged to attend.

Summer Beckons!
By Gregory T. Federspiel
May 30, 2025

With much of May being cold and wet (at least it eliminated state drought postings!) it is nice to see the sun shining and warmer temperatures. It came just in time for the Town’s traditional Memorial Day observances. The gatherings at the Legion along the Inner Harbor and at Rosedale Cemetery were well attended and provided poignant reminders of those who served in the military. These observances helps us appreciate the freedoms we enjoy and our obligations to use and protect them. Community events like this provide an important opportunity for residents to gather for a common purpose and contribute to a strong sense of place and connectedness to one another. Many thanks to the American Legion for organizing the day.

Diversifying the Housing Stock
By Gregory T. Federspiel
May 23, 2025

It has been a busy few years regarding housing. The Town’s first 40B application in decades came in, an apartment complex was purchased with the intent of making all units officially affordable in the eyes of the state and zoning changes have been adopted that should allow for smaller lower-cost homes or apartments. However, the Town has yet to see any appreciable new construction that increases the diversity of housing options in town.