After three consecutive public hearings, the Peterborough Selectboard approved the Community Development Block Grant application by Catholic Charities NH to support phase two of its Vose Farm Residences project.
This highly competitive grant, provided by the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA), would fund up to $1 million of the project. If successful, Catholic Charities NH would receive up to $750,000 for its low- and moderate-income housing project, as well as an additional $250,000 for providing supportive housing services.
Additionally, the Peterborough Selectboard unanimously voted to pause the beautification project by the Greater Downtown Tax Increment Finance District (Downtown TIF) to focus on safety at the intersection on Main Street in front of Roy’s Market.
Phase two
Since the proposal of phase one of the Vose Farm Residences, which opened to applicants in February, Catholic Charities NH has planned to renovate 10 Vose Farm Road into more affordable housing with permanent supportive services and community space.
In approximately five months, 59 of the 64 apartments have been filled at Vose Farm.
Jeff Lefkovich, executive director of real estate and senior living development at Catholic Charities NH, said the total cost of the project is $14,036,238. That’s an increase of $2 million from the original presentation years ago due to rising costs.
Phase two includes 32 more apartments for a wide variety of low- and moderate-income residents based on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s standards in Peterborough. There will be three apartments for people at 30% of the average income level, while the rest of the apartments will be set at a range of 40% to 80%.
This building will also house a free supportive service coordinator for people facing homelessness or in need of familial support.
Lefkovich further explained a residency advisory council has already been formed and will establish the uses of the community spaces during the phase two building process.
The Selectboard unanimously showed support for the project and the affordable housing it would provide for the town.
“This is really helping the town … You really see the benefit,” said Bonnie Tucker, a selectboard member.
The application for the Community Development Block Grant is due July 27. Lefkovich said they will not know the decision until December, but the plan is to start construction in late summer 2027.
When asked, Lefkovich said Catholic Charities NH has no clear Plan B if it does not receive the competitive grant.
Intersection Safety on Main Street
Anna Von, chair of the Downtown TIF, presented a plan to halt the beautification plans for Depot Square while the town continues to evaluate the subsurface infrastructure and hold further discussions with residents and businesses.
Von pointed out the original plan was created in 2022, and since then, the majority of businesses in Depot Square have changed hands. While the goal is still to create a peaceful and green downtown, Von advocated for more discussion.
After much debate about the dangerous intersection on Main Street in front of Roy’s Market, the consensus was to focus on creating safer driving and walking conditions.
For next steps, Seth MacLean, director of public works, and Danica Miller, director of planning and building, will create a plan moving forward.