As a Concord business owner who knows the important role housing plays in building and maintaining a strong workforce, I strongly encourage the Concord Zoning Board to reconsider its denial of a necessary variance to build 200 units of housing known as Monitor Way. Concord’s business community is acutely aware of the struggles inflicted upon current and prospective employees by New Hampshire’s ongoing housing crisis. Our workers are struggling to find clean, affordable and attractive housing in the immediate and surrounding areas. The impacts of the housing crisis extend far beyond the businesses already in our community. It discourages large companies from considering Concord for their newest location. The successful development at Merchants Way is proof that the area is ready for growth, but it is only a piece of the Whitney Road/Exit 17 puzzle. Monitor Way proposes 100 affordable housing units to be built and operated by CATCH Neighborhood Housing, which has empowered many of our neighbors and coworkers with the housing they need to thrive. It also offers 94 townhomes for sale, which could help free up existing rentals by offering those who can an opportunity to buy. Monitor Way is right for Concord and good for our economy. Please, do your part to make it happen.

Eric Foster

Concord