Summary
Elm Grove wanted the town to apply for a $750,000 federal grant to renovate its 70-unit apartment building and convert all units to income-restricted workforce housing, adding six studio units. Residents packed the hearing worried about displacing current tenants — including families with kids in Hooksett schools — and about the town borrowing its name and credit for a private project. The council voted no, 4-0 with one abstention.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Jul 8, 2026.
Impact analysis
No town money would have been required, but critics warned of long-term federal compliance obligations; the project would have added roughly $2.8M in reinvestment and raised the property's taxable value.
If approved, Elm Grove and future income-qualified tenants would have benefited; opponents said current market-rate tenants and Hooksett taxpayers would bear the risks.
Up to 10% of current tenants could have been displaced to Manchester or elsewhere if their incomes exceeded program limits.
Mentions & discussions (2)
Town Council - Jul 8, 2026
Elm Grove wanted the town to apply for a $750,000 federal grant to renovate its 70-unit apartment building and convert all units to income-restricted workforce housing, adding six studio units. Residents packed the hearing worried about displacing current tenants — including families with kids in Hooksett schools — and about the town borrowing its name and credit for a private project. The council voted no, 4-0 with one abstention.
Town Council - Jun 24, 2026
Elm Grove wants a $750,000 federal grant to renovate the Residences at River Hill and convert 48 units to workforce housing, adding 6 studio apartments from old storage space. The town is the grant applicant but bears almost no cost; a public hearing is set for July 8.
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