Why not build a high-end mixed-use development at the Manchester site?

Among the measures recently passed by the New Hampshire House of Representatives was an action to close the Sununu Youth Services Center in Manchester. Little used, this facility serves young people who are sentenced by courts to terms of incarceration. Discussion of its future has taken place in virtually every legislative session.

Regardless of whether the House plan survives this session, the future of the facility undoubtedly will be the subject of great debate. There are 16 buildings, mostly vacant, on the site, which, according to the Manchester assessor’s office, is over 150 acres. It is located in the residential North End of Manchester, between River Road and the Merrimack River. As such, it undoubtedly constitutes one of the most valuable pieces of state-owned real estate.

There have been many proposals for future use of the site, from the state itself, the city and private nonprofit organizations. Plans have suggested educational institutions, health or treatment facilities, or urban parks.

This writer lives about a quarter of a mile from the property, and has for 46 years. I drive by the site twice on an average day, and I have had a lot of time to think about what should be sited there. Although it may be deemed radical, my proposal for the “highest and best use” of the property is purely capitalistic.

The use should fit the surrounding neighborhood. That includes the recently developed Manning Hill residential community directly across the street on what was the largest privately owned undeveloped property in the city until it was developed with high-end housing, as well as fashionable residential developments like the Straw Hill detached condominiums, and 300 River Road, a fashionable apartment house-style condominium. Privately developed, carefully planned residential use is the best use.

There are several reasons why.

On a site this large, mixed-use residential development could include several highrise residential condominiums placed nicely on the property. Detached or attached condominiums could fit in as well, while leaving open space for recreation, like a nine-hole golf course, ski trails connecting to other trails along the river and other amenities.

Economically, such development has several advantages. The state would be paid well for the facility and would not be saddled with another expense if it developed other facilities there. The city, county and school district, would all receive significant property tax revenue every year. Aesthetically, high-class development would fit in with the neighborhood and not detract from property values.

Whenever the discussion develops on the future of the YDC, serious consideration should be given to privatizing quality development with a comprehensive residential plan and having the public benefit from a business approach to the whole thing.

Several prominent people have died recently who have had a great effect on many in New Hampshire for various reasons. Three worthy of note are:

• John E. Cooperider of Bedford, an Ohio native, entered the Navy and made a career out of it, serving as a senior non-commissioned officer, running Naval activities at U.S. embassies and acting as the office manager of the Secretary of the Navy’s office. After retiring, he worked for Sanders Associates in Nashua, managing its antitrust case against IBM in the 1970s. After that, he was hired by IBM’s local law firm, Sheehan Phinney, as its first chief operating officer and served for 20 years. After retirement, he was featured in an exhibit at the McAuliffe-Shepherd Planetarium, featuring all the astronauts he had encountered in his service.

• Fred King was a fixture in the North Country all his life, both in Vermont and New Hampshire, until he died earlier this year. Car dealer, Coos County administrator, state representative, state senator, county commissioner, King was unfailingly friendly to all who encountered him, but also got the job done. His loss was significant to all who had the pleasure to meet him.

• Jesse Ganguer acquired the Town and Country block in Durham in 1960. From then on, generations of UNH students got to know him as the friendly proprietor of that store, just off campus, and as a fixture at UNH sporting events. Up until very recently, alumni returning to Durham and visiting the store were likely to see Jesse still there to meet and share memories with him. His death earlier this month was the loss of a fixture in the town and all those students he befriended.

Brad Cook is a Manchester attorney. The views expressed in this column are his own. He can be reached at bradfordcook01@gmail.com.