Sectors

As previously noted, the Growth & Conservation Map is organized using the Sector framework. Sectors are used to guide where, and to what extent, open areas and growth areas are to be encouraged and directed. Sectors are assigned to different areas based on a number of factors, including availability of planned and existing infrastructure and preservation of valuable open space. There is a Preservation Sector in Manchester: P1Preservation Sector and four (4) Growth Sectors: G-1 Suburban Development Sector, G-2 Greenfield Growth Sector, G-3 Suburban Infill Growth Sector, and G-4 Urban Infill Growth Sector. These sectors are more fully described as follows:

P1 AREAS TO PRESERVE (PRESERVATION SECTOR) :

The Preservation Sector is intended to safeguard environmentally-sensitive lands and provide meaningful opportunities to link habitat and environmental features as well as link residents with parks, athletic fields, and nature. Except for park-related activities and cross-city trails and greenways, future development is discouraged in these locations to protect open space and natural areas throughout the community.

These areas include both natural open space, such as the Manchester Cedar Swamp Preserve, and recreational open space, including Livingston Park.

The Suburban Development Sector includes both established residential areas as well as industrial areas. In residential areas, the intent of this Sector is to maintain their current character, being sensitive to the scale, rhythm, and design of surrounding homes. Precise changes to upgrade the appearance and function of existing properties will be allowed within the Sector to enhance the enjoyment of these places while maintaining or increasing property values.

Industrial properties in this Sector would also continue to function in their current manner while allowing upgrades and improvement or redevelopment.

G2 AREAS TO TRANSFORM: (GREENFIELD GROWTH Sector)

The Greenfield Growth Sector is assigned to the small amount of undeveloped property that remains in the City. Development in this Sector is intended to create complete communities that reflect the most beloved attributes of historic neighborhoods in the City, including walkable, interconnected streets; a multitude of building types; and a mix of uses in locations that can support retail and office uses. In addition, the City owned property at Hackett Hill, and adjacent properties, have been included in this Sector to create a unique Innovation Village located in a natural setting. G3 AREAS TO TRANSFORM: (Suburban Infill GROWTH Sector)

The Suburban Infill Growth Sector provides opportunities to reimagine the development pattern for underutilized property in the City. Here, aspirational ideas for the City’s future can be realized as existing suburban commercial development that has experienced some economic decline can be targeted for beneficial reinvestment. In transforming these key locations, the City can look forward to renewed energy in newly revitalized and reinvented employment centers, regional shopping centers, and entertainment areas. The introduction of mixed-uses with new upper-story or adjacent residential units in some locations will add to the vibrancy. These transformations are intended to diversify Manchester’s development portfolio, not to compete with existing activity centers.

G4 AREAS TO STRENGTHEN (INFILL GROWTH Sector) :

The Infill Growth Sector includes Downtown, the Millyard, South Elm District, and their immediately surrounding areas. Together, these contiguous areas serve as the central hub for employment, entertainment, and civic and cultural activities. By strengthening this core area, it can continue on its path of reaching its full potential and becoming an iconic and vibrant focal point of activity in Southern New Hampshire. Building on the positive momentum already underway, strengthening should consist of efforts to remove barriers to investment and foster a sense a unity among the distinct parts while protecting the authenticity of the places within.