On September 6th, Mayor Paul Callaghan announced that the City of Rochester will be teaming up with NH Listens to host a discussion regarding the Gonic Brickyard.

During a recent Planning Board meeting, a proposal to rezone the old Gonic Brickyard from industrial to high-density residential (R-2) was retracted by Economic Development, largely due to overwhelming public input provided by lifelong Gonic residents.

Residents said they were concerned about a potential “low-income” housing project, although no formal proposal has been submitted at this time.

According to Mayor Callaghan, the purpose of the upcoming discussion will be to provide information and clarification, answer questions, and allow neighborhood residents the opportunity to voice their concerns in more detail.

“I was pleased to see the residents of Gonic that came out on August 22nd to discuss the possible zoning changes to the old Gonic Brickyard,” said Callaghan. “As a result of the energy, I’ve scheduled a community engagement session that will include both Councilors from Ward 3.”

Desired Outcomes:

• A shared understanding of R2 and industrial zoning.
• A shared understanding of the development process.
• Gain community input on the specific property and potential vision for that property.
• Learn other concerns/ideas the community has about zoning and housing.

The meeting will take place in the Cafeteria at Gonic Elementary School, on Thursday, September 22nd, from 7-9pm. Light refreshments will be available. Gonic Elementary is located at 10 Railroad Avenue, Rochester, NH 03839.

About NH Listens
NH Listens is a civic engagement initiative of the Carsey School of Public Policy at the University of New Hampshire. They are committed to impartiality in their goal to create and sustain a fair process for public engagement. The mission is to help New Hampshire residents talk and work together to create communities that work for everyone.