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Due Diligence Review of Property Concludes Not Enough Space to Build 
  
Manchester, NH – After several weeks of review, field research and measurements, the Board of 
Directors of the Mark Stebbins Community Center has unanimously voted to seek a new location for a 
West Side children and family centered facility for the city of Manchester.  The Board has notified the 
Mayor and Board of Aldermen of this decision.  The search is now underway to find a new location 
nearby to relocate the project. 
 
“The topography, the traffic and the fact that we made promises to neighbors and abutters about our 
approach led us to the only conclusion, we have to look elsewhere,” says William Steele, Chairman of 
the center’s Board of Directors.  “We were not going to compromise and break promises, so we will find 
a location that is more suitable to the vision we have for this community center.  We deeply appreciate 
all of the support from parents, neighbors and from the administration and staff at the two schools next 
door.  We are undaunted and simply need to find more space.” 
 
The review of the property revealed that of the more than four acres of land, there is just over an acre 
of buildable space.  Community center leaders had promised that an existing community food garden 
and open green space would remain a part of the project’s priorities if it were to move forward.  The 
review of the land revealed there simply isn’t enough space without either scaling back the project or 
infringing on the existing use of the area. 
 
In a letter to the Mayor and Aldermen of Manchester, Steele thanks city leaders for their ongoing 
support and says the project will continue forward, as the participants are undaunted in their efforts to 
make this dream into a reality.  “Fortunately, our efforts to provide resources remain strongly supported 
by the center’s anchor organizations, Amoskeag Health and the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester, who 
pledge continued support for this project and who will help us find a suitable location on the West Side,” 
says Steele in his letter to City Hall.  “Despite this temporary setback, we have made strong overall 
progress in bringing this dream to a reality.  We have a vision, program plans and building concepts; we 
have a strong and capable team of leaders and volunteers with relevant areas of expertise; we have 
strong friendships and allies at City Hall.  We just need to find a new space.  We will take the lessons 
learned from this process and apply it to a more suitable location.” 
Steele asks city leaders, business leaders and those in the community to reach out with ideas for a 
location that offers enough space for the Boys & Girls Club and Amoskeag Health, and other services, 
with room for parking and outdoor activities.  Those interested are asked to email 
[email protected]. 

“Our needs assessment makes clear the West Side of Manchester would benefit from programs and 
activities offered by both Amoskeag Health and the Boys & Girls Club, so we will continue our efforts to 
find the right place,” says Diane Fitzpatrick, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester.  “As we stated 
in our letter to the city, Manchester's West Side is a high-density urban area which is a wonderful place 
to live, work and raise a family.  Our recent needs assessment study also concluded the West Side has 
pockets of high and extreme need which is exacerbated by a significant lack of accessible resources and 
services for young people and their families.” 

“I am optimistic and excited about the future,” adds Kris McCracken, President & CEO of Amoskeag 
Health.  “We have made great progress in our plan to bring children-centered health care services and 
programs to families on the West Side.  I am encouraged by the strong support we have received from 
so many people cheering us on, which makes this effort even more important to those of us working to 
make it a reality as soon as possible.” 

The Board of Directors recently voted to formally withdraw from the purchase of city-owned land 
adjacent to Parkside Middle School. The Board intends to continue to search for another location on the 
West Side and hopes to have a new spot picked out in the coming months. 

“On behalf of the Stebbins family and the board of directors, I deeply appreciate your support and 
guidance through this process,” says Steele. “We will keep you informed of any new developments in 
the coming weeks.”