Economic Development Commission

City of Rochester, New Hampshire Office of Economic & Community Development 33 Wakefield Street, Rochester, NH 03867 (603) 335-7522, www.rochesteredc.com Rochester Economic Development Commission Minutes – March 24, 2026 City Hall Annex 33 Wakefield Street Rochester, NH 03867 Members Present: Jonathan Shapleigh, Tom Bowden, Tanya Hervey, Chris Malloy, Ray Wayman Members Absent: Ron Poulin, Kristen Bournival, Chris Harrelson, Matt Mayberry Others Present: Mike Scala, Lee Nentwig, Tom Kazinsky, Glenn Bailey, Susan Rice A. Chair Shapleigh called the meeting to order at 4:01 pm. Meeting Minutes A. Called the meeting to order and noted absent members. B. Tanya approved the minutes, and Ray seconded the motion. All approved. C. BR&E Update: • Lee provided a presentation of survey data collected to date • 20 online survey responses, 5 in-person interviews • Businesses include a mix of sit-down restaurants, food trucks, cafes, bakeries and caterers • Findings Overview: o Demand in industry to hire employees in year ahead exceeds layoffs in past year o While many employers note that technology is influencing the industry, interpersonal communication and customer service skills remain most essential o 80% of surveyed businesses reported that revenue either increased or remained stable over the past year. 50% revenue growth over the past three years o Current barriers to growth include cost of goods sold (ingredients and packaging materials). Other rising costs include utilities and labor o Overall, many business owners report steady activity and see strong potential for continued growth in Rochester. Many business  owners are enthusiastic to engage civically and play an active role in the community. • Challenging for REDC/Economic Development to directly address barriers such as costs of good sold, but there may be opportunities to increase communication and opportunities for civic engagement D. Project Updates: • Proposals for the redevelopment of 161 South Main Street (the former Care Pharmacy site) were reviewed by the City Council during a public workshop session on Tuesday, March 17. Two proposals were presented, one by Knox Marsh Development and the other by Cyrus Holding Corporation. Council members and residents in attendance had the opportunity to ask questions and provide input on each design concept. Selection process will proceed with a decision to be made by City Council. • Demolition work continues on 16 Bridge St development • Economic Development and Public Information completed public survey on priorities for redevelopment of the William Allen and School Street school sites E. Other: • Albany Industrial has a number of open job opportunities and would like to place a “Now Hiring” A-frame sign on city-owned property along Innovation Drive to advertise the openings o Open to allowing Albany Industrial to do so, but City would need to craft an M.O.U. and should consider what a system would look like if other businesses were also allowed to post such advertisements if interested. • Approval was given by Historic District Committee to begin demolition of 103 North Main St • Courthouse construction is currently ahead of schedule. Move and transfer of 76 N Main St to City will likely occur by summer • Hong Noodle Bar opened Main St location on Thursday, March 19th F. Public Input: • Tom Kazinsky asked about intention of City purchasing property and use of incentives such as RSA 79-E • The City acquires property for two primary reasons: o When the City owns property and resells it, the City can determine the use of that property for public benefit (ex. increasing housing stock and affordable units, catalyzing mixed-use development in downtown areas, providing public amenities, or incentivizing job creation in industrial zones) o The City also looks to expand its tax base through these acquisitions and sales, getting land back on the tax rolls by reselling it for productive, taxable use. • Tax deferment offered through the RSA 79-E program is temporary and encourages private investment in properties that would otherwise remain  underutilized. Over the long term, the City benefits from a substantial increase in property values, which expands the tax base, supports additional housing development, and stimulates greater economic activity in its downtown areas. Chair Shapleigh made a motion to adjourn at 5:04pm, Chris seconded. All in favor. Next meeting is tentatively set for April 28, 2026 @ 4pm. Respectfully Submitted, Lee Nentwig