David Parker: Balancing The Needs Of All Our Commercial Sectors

Concord is truly three cities within a city: The downtown, the Heights, and Penacook. Each of these communities has its own distinct culture and needs. We should not believe the myth that the health of the overall community is dependent on just a healthy downtown; yes, New Hampshire’s Main Street is important and we all appreciate the improvements that were made. But it’s not everything.

Our mall – like many malls – is dying but the owners have found some unique tenants recently including a school. We need to see the mall – and the Heights – as an opportunity to flourish. They – like every other commercial center – deserve high quality services and leadership from our community. We need to envision the Heights and the mall area as its own community within our community. Currently, residents there have limited access to medical facilities even though a new retirement community was constructed there recently. There are also limited educational opportunities beyond the elementary school and recreation department.

Penacook – which has higher tax rates than the rest of Concord – is in dire need of a grocery store and additional small business outlets and amenities that residents have wanted for years. It has a lot of untapped potential. Community access to the Contoocook River should be enhanced and not just for recreational opportunities but maybe commercial, too. Think of what the Contoocook River looks like in the center of Henniker. What could we do to attract activity, young people and families, cafes, and restaurants, recreational activities like boating? It’s time to think big and expand the village’s tax base so their rates will be equal to the rest of the city.

We are facing a mental health crisis. I see it every day. Families are facing challenges they never expected. Concord is the catch basin for the region’s less fortunate and providing quality services, although essential, costs money. The county and state should share more of these costs.

Concord is a fantastic place to live. Yet, we can’t tax our residents out of their homes.

Looking toward the future let us be thoughtful. I am not one to follow the crowd. Vote for me on March 5 if you want an independent voice.