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Board approves purchase of Concordia Church for proposed senior center after debate; vote 8–1
Summary
The Town of Manchester Board of Directors voted 8–1 on May 5 to approve a purchase-and-sale agreement for 40 Pickens Street (Concordia Lutheran Church) to convert into a new senior center, and then authorized staff to scope renovations with architects for a possible November referendum. Directors and residents debated location, traffic and amenities including a therapeutic pool.
The Town of Manchester Board of Directors approved a purchase-and-sale agreement for 40 Pickens Street — the former Concordia Lutheran Church — and authorized the town manager to engage architects to scope renovations for a proposed new senior center.
The board voted 8–1 to buy the property after a discussion in which supporters and some board members said the site met the town’s immediate need and would be less costly and faster to convert than building new. Mark Wenzler, president of Concordia Lutheran Church, told the board the congregation voted to sell and that proceeds will be directed to nonprofit organizations after the church’s obligations are met: "We chose the town of Manchester — after 132 years in this town — to continue our community-minded legacy," he said.
Opponents and cautious colleagues raised concerns about the speed of the process, traffic in the residential neighborhood, and whether the site is the best long-term location. Director Conyers said the task force had met only since January and viewed two sites, adding, "I would have liked to have seen a more in-depth discussion." The purchase motion passed 8–1, with Director Conyers casting the lone dissent.
The board also passed a separate motion authorizing the town manager to direct staff and external architects to scope renovations at Concordia in consultation with the 21st Century Senior Center Task Force. Officials said the goal is to develop a scope and cost estimate the board can place on the November referendum; town staff emphasized a preference to underpromise and overdeliver on timing and cost estimates.
Task-force members and longtime senior advocates urged features that would serve non‑ambulatory and medically fragile seniors. Nancy Mistretta, an 84-year-old former emergency nurse, asked the board to include a therapeutic pool, saying aquatics "improves mobility and balance" and can reduce falls and town costs associated with injuries.
Mayor (speaker 1) framed the opportunity as a rare timing match between a property becoming available and the town’s needs, while other directors noted alternatives (including the Robertson site) and asked staff to ensure a thorough scoping process. The board recorded the purchase vote as 8–1. The scoping authorization passed with a similar recorded margin.
Next steps: staff and the task force will work with architects to develop renovation plans and cost estimates for a referendum; the town manager said he will attempt to have a scope and cost proposal in time for the November ballot but cautioned the timeframe is tight.
