Concord's City Planners are stepping up to the plate and are looking into expanding our city's Middle Income and Workforce Housing.
They are looking into converting upper story downtown space into apartments or condominiums to encourage more downtown mixed-use development. They are considering tax incentives and even allowing overnight parking on city streets. They are also considering changing building codes to allow for more flexibility in dealing with older buildings and conversions....most of Concords buildings fit the 
older building category.
Several factors have contributed to the renewed interest:
- The aging population looking for the convenience of in-town living
- The increase in property value has made the cost of conversion less daunting
- Gas prices are adding to the attractiveness "walking to services"
One of the biggest obstacles is the fact that a large portion of the property is owned by a few who are realising enough income from the Commercial Rental of the lower level space. They are not inclined to consider further investment that would not generate immediate return.
The Main Street Concord Group 
did a study about the feasibility of bringing more housing to downtown. They looked into utilizing the Downtown Revitalization Tax Relief Incentive, a State program that has been approved by the Legislature. It allows for Municipalities to grant partial tax-relief for up to five years to projects that will improve downtown
Concord has yet to implement the program and the City Manager, Tom Aspell, is planning on introducing it next month to the City Council to have a Public Hearing in January.
I find the interest in going forward with these ideas very encouraging and very timely.There is a definite need for increased utilization of our existing structures and what better use than housing!
I , for one, would be very interested......
Concord, NH-A Main Street Community and a friendly place to live!
Concord NH Realtor Local Information
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Joan Mirantz - Joni is a Realtor® with Keeler Family Realtors, a locally owned, Customer Service oriented Firm.
Joan Publishes a monthly Newsletter "Food For Thought" under the pen name Realtor Sherpa.
(Joan also answers to Miz Maven and Miss Joni.)
Joan works in Buyer and Seller Representation with concentrations in the Merrimack Valley Area and towns surrounding Concord NH - the Capital City.
"I love what I do, and it shows in how I do it"
I hope this does happen in your downtown area. So many downtown areas have been abandoned and the buildings are vacant. What a wonderful setup this would be for the older population, within walking distance of business, restaurants, etc. I know it has been successful in some areas.
Hi Joan - in my neck of the woods we have the tax abatements made possible by the Community Reinvestment Act, tax breaks if you open a business meeting certain criteria in a established Enterprise Zone and almost any new construction (commercial or residential) is eligible for tax abatement for 15 years on the improved value of the property.
You may also want to check out the Main Street Tax Incentive program through HUD. That may be part of what the planners are talking about using to start this rejuvenation.
Keep me posted!
Ok,OK Laurie....you'll get there soon enough, don't rub it in!
Believe me the whole concept will start to look more appealing to you as time marches on!
Thanks for the info Carol...I'll check it out!
I like your new"name"
Joan, This is very interesting...I notice a similar trend in our downtown core with many old buildings now converting their upper levels into condominiums and apartments. It certainly makse a lot of sense from many viewpoints...
Jo
Joan~
This reminds me of the "Smart Growth" Plan to which Asheville, NC is committed. Thanks for sharing.
Joan! This sounds great! I love older buildings, are they going to make some lofts? Those would be neat as well! Good luck!
Hi Mary...haven't seen you on here for a while!
I will definately try to attend if I find when it is before it's over...I'm always a day late and a pund foolish!