Report on NeighborWorks Southern New Hampshire Housing and Parking Deck Project

Project Overview and Planning Board Hearing

NeighborWorks Southern New Hampshire is scheduled to present before the Manchester Planning Board on Thursday regarding the architectural details of a new parking deck linked to a housing development at the Pearl Street parking lot. The hearing will commence at 6 p.m. at City Hall.

Parking Deck Specifications

1. Architect: John O’Brien
2. Structure: 1½ story, steel frame parking deck
3. Capacity: 312 parking spaces
4. Associated Housing: 4-story, 125-unit apartment building and 12 three-story townhouses
5. Extension Request: One-year extension for the project timeline

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Emphasis

• SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: The project aims to create affordable and accessible housing with integrated parking solutions that support urban sustainability.
• SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Use of galvanized steel and design following existing site contours minimizes environmental impact and supports resilient infrastructure.
• SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy: The parking deck is designed as a naturally ventilated open-air garage with ample natural light, reducing energy consumption for lighting and ventilation.
• SDG 13 – Climate Action: Minimizing site disturbance and environmental impacts aligns with climate action goals.

Architectural and Environmental Design Features

• Design follows existing site contours to reduce utility conflicts and environmental impacts.
• Construction uses galvanized steel consistent with regional standards for durability.
• Open-air, naturally ventilated garage with 50% open vertical screen panels to enhance airflow and aesthetics.
• Brick stair towers matching the darker grey color palette of the NeighborWorks project.
• Exterior lighting proposed for security and architectural enhancement.
• Goal to create an open, flowing parking structure that functions equivalently to the original surface lot, maintaining openness day and night.

Housing Development Adjustments

• Reduction in total housing units from 366 to 125, focusing exclusively on affordable rates.
• Former plan included 52 affordable units, 60 workforce housing units, and 254 market-rate units.
• Current plan includes 12 market-rate townhouses facing Orange Street and a parking deck.
• Increase in green space by 12%, supporting SDG 15 – Life on Land.

Affordability and Community Impact

• Housing units targeted to individuals and families earning less than 60% of the area median income.
• Income thresholds: $48,060 for one person and $68,640 for a family of four in Manchester.
• Unit sizes range from 510 to 910 square feet with rents between $1,000 and $1,600.
• Supports SDG 1 – No Poverty and SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities by providing affordable housing options.

Additional Development Context

• November 2022 master development agreement between Lansing Melbourne Group (LMG) and the city to develop two underutilized parking lots, including the Pearl Street and Hartnett Lots.
• Modifications include reducing building heights from six to four stories and parking garage levels from six to two.
• Focus on mixed unit types: one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments.

Conclusion

The NeighborWorks Southern New Hampshire project exemplifies a commitment to sustainable urban development by integrating affordable housing with environmentally conscious infrastructure. The emphasis on natural ventilation, energy efficiency, increased green space, and affordability aligns closely with multiple Sustainable Development Goals, promoting resilient, inclusive, and sustainable communities in Manchester.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article discusses urban development, housing projects, and parking infrastructure improvements in Manchester, which relate directly to making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
2. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • The focus on affordable housing units and workforce housing addresses poverty reduction by providing affordable living options.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Providing housing for people making less than 60% of the area median income helps reduce inequalities in access to housing.
4. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The parking deck design includes natural ventilation and natural lighting, which contribute to energy efficiency.
5. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Minimizing environmental impacts by following site contours and using galvanized steel supports climate resilience and sustainability.
6. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Increasing green space by 12% contributes to sustainable land use and urban biodiversity.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services.
   • Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory planning.
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including air quality and waste management.
2. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Target 1.2: Reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children living in poverty in all its dimensions.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all.
4. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Target 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
5. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
6. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Affordable Housing Units
   • Number and percentage of affordable housing units created (125 units all offered at affordable rates, including workforce housing).
2. Income Levels of Residents
   • Proportion of housing available to people earning less than 60% of area median income.
3. Green Space Increase
   • Percentage increase in green space (12% more green space included in new plans).
4. Energy Efficiency and Environmental Impact
   • Use of natural ventilation and natural lighting in parking deck design as a proxy for energy efficiency improvements.
   • Minimization of environmental impact by following site contours and using galvanized steel.
5. Urban Density and Building Height
   • Reduction in building height and parking garage levels to fit urban planning and sustainability goals.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: news.yahoo.com