City of Manchester Mayor's Letter

Dear New England Real Estate Journal readers, During these challenging financial times, New England communities are assessing their commercial and industrial real estate stock, as well as their current economic activity, to gauge their next steps. In Manchester, we are justifiably optimistic for the city's future. Within the last year, economic conditions have hindered and halted major real estate transactions and development projects throughout New England. However, Manchester defies this trend and continues to grow, with projects in the areas of health care, high-tech and post-secondary education currently in development. The Elliot at River's Edge project, the largest development in Manchester in more than 30 years, is a state-of-the-art health care, retail and residential project. For the next 18 months, is will bring hundreds of new construction jobs and, when completed, hundreds more high-paying medical and administrative jobs to the city. Meanwhile, no less than five colleges and universities in the city are in the process of major expansions, which will enhance the city's offerings it the medical, scientific and liberal arts concentrations. The city is also aggressively marketing the Northwest Business Park, one of the largest undeveloped commercial and industrial parcels in Southern New Hampshire. With easy access to Interstate 293, suburban residential dwellings, the downtown area and the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, Northwest Business Park is primed to be New England's next great business destination. One of the first developments will be the state's first Job Corps campus. When completed in 2010, regional youth will have the opportunity to learn skills to excel in a demanding and more technical world. As 2009 progresses, those businesses looking to provide top-level service to customers and clients, attract the best and brightest and to do so in a business-friendly climate would benefit by looking at Manchester for their relocation or expansion needs. We have an economic response team that can meet your needs in a timely and informative way, and will work with you every step of the way. Sincerely, Frank C. Guinta Mayor of Manchester, NH www.manchesternh.gov