Construction Plans Seem Tentative

A September 10, 2011 Union Leader article noted that Richard Danais expected to begin the first phase of construction of the Hackett Hill industrial/business park early next month, as well as the construction of a fire station - an undertaking that should be completed by Spring, 2012.

However, Danais was quoted as saying that financing for the undertaking was still not complete, despite announcements made in May, 2011. He felt that commitments were needed for tenants for the industrial park before spending $1.2 million on infrastructure needed for it.

Problems Surface

An October 12, 2011 UL article noted that the Manchester BMA was becoming concerned because the construction of the fire station had not occurred. Patrick Arnold, alderman from Ward 12, where Hackett Hill is located, was especially concerned about the delay, as was Fire Chief James Burkush. Burkush stated that the current fire station (Station 4) in the Hackett Hill area is "woefully small and inadequate" considering the recent growth in Ward 12, and other demands that the station must meet.

According to Richard Danais, the $2.96 million Recovery Act funding (in loans for infrastructure for his Hackett Hill development) had fallen through. He noted, however, that he had secured about 60%of the required funding for the fire station and would also discuss obtaining a $500,000 loan from the Manchester Development Corporation. He agreed to meet with the aldermanic boad to discuss the situation.

Breakdown of Danais/City Plans

On November 20, 2011, a UL article by Beth LaMontagne Hall, who had written many of the previous Hackett Hill articles, appeared with the headline - "Hackett Hill fire station, park proposal, dying".

She noted that the BMA voted unanimously on November 1, 2011, to seek legal advice about the City-Danais Hackett Hill park development/fire station plans, including information about how to get out of the contract with Danais. The Finance Department was requested to look into funding options for the City to build the fire station,

During the previous week, Danais had sent a letter to the MBA saying he was withdrawing from plans to obtain a $550,000 loan from the MDC, since the stipulations the City placed on the loan were too restrictive. He also had refused to set the concrete deadline that aldermen had requested for beginning the fire station construction.

No information was provided about another buyer for the business/industrial park.