Spruce Street Lot Return

At a glance

• What: Families in Transition asked the City to accept return of the lot at 401 Spruce Street.
• Where it stands: Approved October 6 (motion Sapienza, second Barry).
• Next: The Board can declare the lot surplus, sell it or reuse it.

October 6, 2026

• Belanger: the City bought two merged lots in 2010 using Neighborhood Stabilization Program money to clear a blighted building, and conveyed the land to Families in Transition in 2014 for a community garden and learning center. In 2022 the Board allowed affordable housing instead, which proved infeasible. The garden has been overgrown and inactive since about 2020.
• O'Neil said it is an important garden for residents near Massabesic Street. Trisciani said there is no water source.
• Mayor Ruais said the City will receive the property and then decide whether to deem it surplus or sell.

Sources

• Board of Mayor and Aldermen minutes, October 6, 2026: https://manchesternh.api.civicclerk.com/v1/Meetings/GetMeetingFileStream(fileId=5366,plainText=false)

Log

2026-10-06 - Board of Mayor and Aldermen

Return of the property approved.