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Board approves RSA 79‑E tax relief for 944 Elm St.; aldermen debate term, deed restrictions
Summary
Following more than an hour of debate, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved a Community Revitalization Tax Relief (RSA 79‑E) agreement for 944 Elm Street; aldermen adopted a five‑year term and instructed city solicitor to record a covenant protecting the city's interests.
The Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted to grant RSA 79‑E Community Revitalization Tax Relief for the property at 944 Elm Street after extended discussion about term length and whether the city should require deed restrictions to secure long‑term affordable or workforce housing.
Economic Development Director Jody Nizaka described the two tax districts where RSA 79‑E has been used in Manchester — the Central Business Service District (CBSD) and the Redevelopment District (RDV) — and recommended a temporary pause on 79‑E in the CBSD while the administration develops parameters. The Board then considered a specific RSA 79‑E application for 944 Elm Street.
Why it matters: RSA 79‑E is a state program that allows municipalities to grant temporary property tax relief to encourage redevelopment. Alderwoman and aldermen said the incentive encourages reinvestment in older properties; other members pressed for protections ensuring the public benefits from the tax break, especially given rising rents.
Debate and vote: Aldermen debated whether to approve a four‑year or five‑year tax relief term and whether a deed restriction should be required for terms longer than four years. After multiple motions and roll‑call votes, the board approved a five‑year RSA 79‑E agreement for 944 Elm Street. The roll‑call for the final motion recorded eight votes in favor and five opposed: Yes — Aldermen Burkisch, Berry, Morgan, Goonan, Tony Sapienza, Cantor, O'Neil and Levasseur; No — Aldermen Terrio, Ed Sapienza, Vincent, Long and Fajardo. The board directed the city solicitor to record a covenant that protects the city's interests; the covenant was described on the record as not necessarily an affordable‑housing deed restriction.
What was promised: The applicant described planned rehabilitation of upper‑story units into six residential units (three studios and three one‑bedroom units in presentation materials cited by staff) and reported investment to renovate the building. Economic Development staff said a covenant will be drafted to reflect the board's approval and serve as the enforceable condition of the tax relief.
Ending: The board approved the RSA 79‑E agreement with conditions to be memorialized in a covenant prepared by the city solicitor. Aldermen said future committee work would examine 79‑E policy parameters, including whether longer terms should require deed‑restricted affordable units.
