Economic Development Resource Inventory

Prepared for: The Town of Winchester Revitalization and Economic Development Committee

Prepared by: Community Development Training Institute, Inc. 2012

TOWN OF WINCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE 1 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This Physical Resources Inventory would not have been possible without the support of the Revitalization and Economic Development Committee and staff at the Town of Winchester. A special thanks to Daniel Borges, Jeanette Duhaime, John Guamero, H. Gregory Johnson, Joan Morel, Gus Ruth, Margaret Sharra, and Mark Tigan.

2 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RESOURCE INVENTORY TOWN OF WINCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgements...... 2 Introduction ...... 4 Project Background ...... 5 Infrastructure ...... 6 Workforce Analysis ...... 9 Survey of Top Employers ...... 11 Available Business Sites ...... 13 Travel and Leisure ...... 15 Sports and Recreation ...... 20 Camping ...... 21 Hiking...... 21 Entertainment...... 22 Historic Places...... 23 Funding Sources...... 27 Banks...... 32 Foundations ...... 33 Appendix A: Business Survey Questions ...... 34

TOWN OF WINCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE 3 INTRODUCTION

documents. The information contained in this The Town of Winchester is located in inventory provides a snapshot of the current the Monadnock Region, an area best known physical resources in the following categories: for outdoor recreation, including Mount Monadnock, the most climbed mountain in the world. The region attracts visitors from INFRASTRUCTURE neighboring states, which places Winchester The inventory identifies the existing at an advantage, as it is located at the water and sewer system, transportation intersection of major routes connecting to capacity, and electrical system. This Northern New Hampshire, Vermont and section also includes a comprehensive Massachusetts. Commissioned by the Town analysis of Winchester’s workforce. of Winchester’s Revitalization and Economic Development Committe, the Community AVAILABLE BUSINESS SITES Development Training Institute is pleased to present this Winchester Physical Resources A research was conducted to identify Inventory. This inventory serves as a guide for all the existing businesses and vacant lots Winchester to establish economic development that are currently on the market. It includes goals in order to boost tourism, revitalize a map of the available sites, the zones and downtown, and attract new businesses. the infrastructure available at the sites.

TRAVEL, LEISURE AND RECREATION While tourism is an area of focus, another OPPORTUNITIES priority Winchester hopes to address is the expansion of new businesses and industries to This section contains an extensive list of create economic development opportunities for recreation activities and travel opportunities the town to create jobs for residents. In order in Winchester and the surrounding area. to be in a position to boost tourism and new HISTORICAL SITES industries, it is important for Winchester to understand what resources are available, which This section contains a map the town’s of these resources are strengths for the town to Historic District including the five historical sites utilize to help implement the town’s economic that are recognized on the National Register. development planning. This report provides information, in part, to enhance decisions EXTERNAL FUNDING SOURCES FOR for improving the local tax base as well as ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT employment for expanding current businesses A description of public and private and attracting new environmentally sound funding sources is included in this investments. This is a resource inventory and inventory to help Winchester identify does not make recommendations or suggest the funding sources to pursue. strategies. For context the reader should refer to the town’s Master Plan or Downtown Charette

4 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RESOURCE INVENTORY TOWN OF WINCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE Winchester Town Hall. Photo courtesy of Dave Campbell.

PROJECT BACKGROUND town’s revitalization goals. The Community Development Training Institute (CDTI) The Winchester Physical Resources was selected through a competitive Inventory is a project commissioned by the process as the consultant team to prepare Revitalization and Economic Development the physical resources inventory. (RED) Committee. The RED Committee is a group of Winchester residents who are committed to promoting “the economic growth, The Community Development Training social cohesion, and conservation of the natural Institute (CDTI) is a collective of practitioners resources.1” In 2008, the RED Committee dedicated to creating and implementing realistic participated in a town charrette led by a team development strategies. Since 1982, CDTI has of planning consultants to guide residents of provided training and technical assistance to Winchester through a visioning exercise to plan state and local governments and to community the future of Winchester. In the charrette, based organizations in the areas of community residents expressed the desire to revitalize and economic development. In January 2010, downtown Winchester and compiled a wish the staffing and board composition of CDTI list of establishments to bring to the town. underwent a reformation. The new governing To begin the process of revitalizing Board of Directors consists of graduate students downtown Winchester, the RED Committee and alumni of the Community Development and decided to create a physical resources Planning program at Clark University. Staffing inventory as a first step to achieving the for consulting projects draws from the talent and expertise of Clark University Community 1 Town of Winchester RED Committee mission Development and Planning students. statement. Retrived 12/1/2011 http://www.winchester- nh.gov/Pages/WinchesterNH_BComm/redc

TOWN OF WINCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE 5 W a t s o n R d Ñ Town of WinchesÑter, NH - Municipal Water Model Hill d Pump Road to the town Center. There is n Rd R Joh d Ñ R k Ñ d i o NFRASTRUCTURE R i o I t r k ¯ o n Ñ o Ja B also a stretch of 8” water main along Lake r y B r Ñ r d Ñ e

a V E t dOak Cir lm o R C rt r o v tp S K es Winchester has a well-developed t r B W A ld e Shore Drive and along Plumb Pak Road e O e d n t Ñ i r n C t a e d n S d M a R R Ñ c o m t i e d Julia C o g s infrastructure for future community and n in u as well as throughout the town center. a W D o h h Ñ t t c l C D e o C o a m w M h economic development including electricity, l lo r Maple St Ñ c E m il S H d W Ct o l o ill u ld M O w O t Ñh a C water, sewer, and transportation networks. Ñr d o

l Ñ S

Eight inch sewer mains are located H t Ñ Ñ Chapel St w Ñ Ñ y Ñ P throughout the town center along Parker i n e t S ELECTRICITY r C h D t t d e Ñ Rd r d o Ñ R e d t Street, Richmond street (between Forest o Ñ l d a n i t d w R r g d L H S s Ñ n e Ñ e n o e c Ñ f o L n a R la m Ñe ig x Ñ F r i Rd A i a e h er L a cÑ R app While Public Service of New s K i O K h Ñd N t e d Lake Rd and Goamko Dr), along Howard o M H e l n R u o l C d i N g O

Ñ S h p 2 Ñ Ñ S o Hampshire (PSNH)does not have GIS t f f Street, along Main Street (between Parker o t r S d

in Ñ R Ñ Ñ a Ñ d data available on all power distribution M kins Street and Richmond Road, and along R w d t a Ñ Ashuelot S Ñ t H S Ñ

e Ñ within Winchester, PSNH confirmed that t various smaller residential roads. e S Ñ d k R r n Ñ so u io u Ñ ÑD n Ñ all major and residential roads have single- D Ñ U Ñ

P Ñ ar kÑe t phase electrical lines providing power to WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT Ñ r S d S n R Six inch water mains are located t d H a Ñ e i Ñ w k R Ñ n S a s e d L al Ñ t n e s e

t e e both residential and small business users in R Ñ r d C throughout residential areas around Clark o K B F e h l t l i C Ñ R t m ic all but the most remote areas of the town. S hm Road and Woodard Avenue, all along Forest d o R n d Ñ d R O Ñ d Ñ n l o d r P C DB Lake Road, and along Warwick Road s i h lo Ñ m f Three-phase power, necessary for many e A o a v l s o l t T Ñ e u r M F f e ie l from Snow Road until the town limits. l Ñ v industrial and commercial applications, d e in R B Ñ m Ñ r d a Ñ id N g Ñ Ñ e WÑATER PUMPS 1 & 2 o R is available along Route 10 traveling east Ñ N Ñ d Ñ Ñ Having just completed major renovations Ñ Ñ Rd from the intersection of Roures 10 and 119 rt po Ñ st Ñ F Ñ e Ñ o on and expansions of the municipal water W r ld Ñe Ñ Ñ s O t Ñ for aproximately 2.6 miles. Three phase Ñ d A R v Ñ se system and sewage treatment facilities, Ñ Ñ R Ice H ou iv Ñ e F r o

power is also available along Route 119 C r e t d s n Ñ t u Winchester has expanded its capacity to be able Ñ L o Ñ r a Ñ g k e Ñ p traveling southeast for 1 mile from the town C m a S Ñ a outh Dr to accommodate future projected growth in m C e p k g a r center as well as southeast along Route o Ñ L d u t Ñ R n L s Ñ a s both the residential, commercial, and industrial e d Ñ d r k

Ñ Ñ r o e H la n Ñ D F S ead 78 for 1.4 miles from the town center. Ñ Ñ Ñ Ñ h Ñ F d oÑre o Ñ u Dr sectors. As of this writing, the town has plans l o m

w Ñ Ñ a Ñ Ñ

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g N A P

d

u s o e h n Ñ r Ñ Ñu d Ñ ÑW for expansion of water infrastructure capacity. m R WATER AND SEWER e d i l d o R d R t e Ñ R d M C k Ñ l a l l L a in e a r M t c St k Ñ Ñ s Ñ r Ñ Ñ e R Ñ e r SEWAGE PUMPING STATION #1 u d c o

P d h Winchester is equipped with 10” water, Hill R Ñ St F RANSPORTATION APACITY Ñ enton idge a T C A F Br Ñ n l i Ñ c l Ñ e n Ñ Ñ S H t and 8” and 6” water and sewer mains along all Ñ t i l Ñ l Ñ C Ñ Ñ R Ñ r Winchester is located close to I-91, d Ñ e D n t Ñ i t Ñ S C a n major arteries. Eight inch sewer mains run 3.2 M r H a Ñ Ñ w m g o o Maple St Ñi v l o h l w A i u c a major truckinga and transportation a Ñ i Ñ d t W r r Ñ h M d Ñ Ñ Ñ d Ñ a E Ñ C miles along Ashuelot Street from Broad Brook l Ñ R d m S Ñ o e o S r t Ñ Ñ l Ñ o t l a corridor. According to the State of New d D H s Ñ W d t Ñw in o Ñ Ñ Ñ S Ñ H A o y Road east to the town center, along Keene ld sÑh hÑ Ñ H O ton w t Ñ Ñ Ñ Ru d e Ñ e e Ñ r i g Ñ R ld Hampshire Department of Transportation’s Legend Hinsd i Ñ Ñ h ale Rd H S

Ñ t Road from the town center northeast until Ñ t Ñ Ñ Ñ S Ñ Ñ n t t 3 Ñ Ñ Ñ i S S Hydrants Ash Ñ a Ñ Average Annual Daily Traffic Studies , the uelo Ñ Ñe n t St Ñ M e o Ñ e k i Ñ Ñ Ñ r n Ñ Tamarack Circle (1.3 miles), along Richmond m u Ñ d d U Ñ a P Municipal Water R R D a o r Ñ Ñ N s Ñ k n u Ñ er most heavily traff cked road in Winchester t o WASTEWATER TREATMENT PÑLANT D S Ñ N Ñ t M Ñ Road southeast for .6 miles to Forest Lake Main Size n Ñ n Ñ u Ñ R G ic is Route 10 (Keene Road) with an average Ñ Ñ hm d 6" Ñ Ñ B o R n r Ñ i d d Road, and throughout the town center itself. lo R n ÑD

Ñ AÑ d u v o o B Ñ r k 8" ack Ñ Ñ g m of 7,500 vehicles per day during 2011. As Ñ ir hue Ñ y a lot a o Rd a F Ñ G W Ñ d r Ñ 10" e R t Ñ Ñ k a Ñ a Ten inch water mains are located along w PÑ Ñ e Ñ Plu b g Ñ Ñ m Roads d d d E R 2 R Ñ # w l d o l d i Ashuelot Road between Broad Brook Road R n S R l Lakes H Ñ l Ñ p N i t o r m H

N u u Ñ g P a B Jo n n and Elm Street and along Keene Road Riversm i d es e n R R n d 3 New Hampshire Department of a w Ñ o O W M n Ñ l S a d Transportation. Retrieved 10/15/2011 http://www. r r

B w e i 0 0.5 o 1 p c l p k d t ods R 2 GIS, Geographic Information System nh.gov/dot/org/operations/traff c/documents.htm d o R o U Warwick Rd. 6" water main extends to town limits Ñ R n d W Miles Ñ y n R e n o d i t P Map created byl Community Development Training Institute on 12/1/2011. Projection: NAD 1983 State Plate New Hampshire FIPS 2800 Feet. Data Sources: Avitar Associates & NH GRANIT o

B 6 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RESOURCE INVENTORY Ñ Ñ W a t s o n R d Ñ Town of WinchesÑter, NH - Municipal Water Model Hill d n Rd R Joh d Ñ R k Ñ d i o R i o k t r ¯ o n Ñ o Ja B r y B r Ñ r d Ñ e

a V E t dOak Cir lm o R C rt r o v tp S K es t r B W A ld e e O e d n t Ñ i r n C t a e d n S d M a R R Ñ c o m t i e d Julia C o g s in n u a W D o h h Ñ t t c l C D e o C o a m w M h l o r Maple St Ñ c l E m il S H d W Ct o l o ill u ld M O w O t Ñh a C Ñr d o

l Ñ S

H t Ñ Ñ Chapel St w Ñ Ñ y Ñ P in e t S r C h D t t d e Ñ Rd r d o Ñ R e d t o Ñ l d a n i t d w R r g d L H S s Ñ n e Ñ e n o e c Ñ f o L n a R la m Ñe ig x Ñ F r i Rd A i a e h er L a cÑ R app s K i O K h Ñd N

to e M H d e l n R u o l C d i N g O

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in Ñ R Ñ Ñ a Ñ d M ins k R w d t a Ñ Ashuelot S Ñ t H S Ñ

e Ñ t e S Ñ d k R r n Ñ so u io u Ñ ÑD n Ñ D Ñ U Ñ

P Ñ ar kÑe t WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT Ñ r S d S n R t d H a Ñ e i Ñ w k R Ñ n S a s e d L al Ñ t n e s e

t e e R Ñ r d C o K B F e h l t l i C Ñ R t m ic S hm d o R n d Ñ d R O Ñ d Ñ n l o d r P D C Bi h s lo Ñ m f e o A a v l s o l t T Ñ e u r M F f e ie l l Ñ v d e in R B Ñ m Ñ r d a Ñ id N g Ñ Ñ e WÑATER PUMPS 1 & 2 o R N Ñ d Ñ Ñ Ñ Ñ Ñ Rd rt po Ñ st Ñ F Ñ e Ñ o W r ld Ñe Ñ Ñ s O t Ñ Ñ d A R v Ñ se Ñ Ñ R Ice H ou iv Ñ e F r o

C r e t d s n Ñ t u Ñ L o Ñ r a Ñ g k e Ñ p

C m a S Ñ a outh Dr m C e p k g a r o Ñ L d u t Ñ R n L s Ñ a s e d Ñ d r k

Ñ Ñ r o e H la n Ñ D F S ead Ñ Ñ Ñ Ñ h Ñ F d oÑre o Ñ u Dr lm o

w Ñ Ñ a Ñ Ñ

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u s o e h n Ñ r Ñ Ñu d Ñ ÑW m R e d i l d o R d R t e Ñ R d M C k Ñ l a l l L a in e a r M t c St k Ñ Ñ s Ñ r Ñ Ñ e R Ñ e r SEWAGE PUMPING STATION #1 u d c o

P d h Hill R Ñ St F Ñ enton idge a A F Br Ñ n l i Ñ c l Ñ e n Ñ Ñ S H t

Ñ t i l Ñ l Ñ C Ñ Ñ R Ñ r d Ñ e D n t Ñ i t Ñ S C a n M r H a Ñ Ñ w m g o o Maple St Ñi v l o h l w A i u c a Ñ i Ñ d t W r r Ñ h M d Ñ Ñ Ñ d Ñ a E Ñ C l Ñ R d m S Ñ o e o S r t Ñ Ñ l Ñ o t l a d D H s Ñ W d t Ñw in o Ñ Ñ Ñ S Ñ H A o y ld sÑh hÑ Ñ H O ton w t Ñ Ñ Ñ Ru d e Ñ e e Ñ r i g Ñ R ld Legend Hinsd i Ñ Ñ h ale Rd H S

Ñ t Ñ t Ñ Ñ Ñ S Ñ Ñ n t t Ñ Ñ Ñ i S S Hydrants Ash Ñ a Ñ uelo Ñ Ñe n t St Ñ M e o Ñ e k i Ñ Ñ Ñ r n Ñ d m d u UÑ Ñ a P Municipal Water R R D a o r Ñ Ñ N s Ñ k n u Ñ er t o WASTEWATER TREATMENT PÑLANT D S Ñ N Ñ t M Ñ Main Size n Ñ n Ñ u Ñ R G ic Ñ Ñ hm d 6" Ñ Ñ B o R i nd d r Ñ l n D o R Ñ Ñ AÑ d u v o o Ñ r k 8" Bac Ñ Ñ g k As Ñ r m hue Ñ y i a lot a o Rd a F Ñ G W Ñ d r Ñ 10" e R t Ñ Ñ k a Ñ a w PÑ Ñ e Ñ Plu b g Ñ Ñ m Roads d d d E R 2 R Ñ # w l d o l d i R n S R l Lakes H Ñ l Ñ p N i t o r m H

N u u Ñ g P a B Jo n n Riversm i d es e n R R n d a w Ñ o O W M n Ñ l S a d r r B w e i 0 0.5 o 1 p c l p k d t ods R d o R o U Warwick Rd. 6" water main extends to town limits Ñ R n d W Miles Ñ y n R e n o d i t P Map created byl Community Development Training Institute on 12/1/2011. Projection: NAD 1983 State Plate New Hampshire FIPS 2800 Feet. Data Sources: Avitar Associates & NH GRANIT o

B Ñ

Ñ O

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S

p a t o s f o f o n r Legend R d

d Town of Winchester, NH - Municipal SeR wer System

d Sewer System

t e S M Main Diameter idg Br e c d h Hill n Rd R a h 4" n Jo d R k k Rd d i o r c i Cla R i o t r k S o n B o t Ja v r y 6" B r A t El r d e d m C

r a K V ir S r dOak C a t o e e rt R d t r e po 8" n C st n e o i n B ld W o a e O M m R W ¯ g n d D d i R 15" D a e t r s t m C C u o o w m u h l lo Maple St l Roads E l t o i H h o h o t C W ill C c

w M ld o O S

a l d Lakes H l r

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S y t Rivers Chapel St

t r S

D h d t e o r o d ld w n i R t d S L n e H e e c n R L n a Rd A la r m e ig d e s i a e h R t h L a c t d N K i a o H d n e e M r g d R u o s C i o R g f o N h x F i d d r R l ppe S R Ka e i t d f l t r S e O t in s a e M h ins R C k d w W uelot St d Ash l o a o t O d S H D d r R e t e S so k u r n D u io D n

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N P a o rk t er S d N S n R H t a e in w k s S a d L al t e s R re d o R F ich d m R

on e d n Rd e t e

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m

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m a l l u M F e lv e in B m r a id N g e WATER PUMPS 1 & 2 o R N d

Rd rt po st F e o W r ld e s O t

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C r e t d s n t

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C m a S a outh Dr m C e p k g a r o L d u t R n L s d a s e d r k

r

o e H la n D d F S ea h F d or o e u Dr lm o a w n e

g N A P s d u o e h n r u d m W e R l d i d o R d R t e M R d C k l

a l i l a n e a L r M t St c k s r e SEWAGE PUMPING STATION #1 R e r u d c o

P d h Hill R St F enton idge a F n A Br

l i l c

e S n H t i t l l C R r

d e

D n t i t S C a n M r H a w m g o o Maple St i v l o h l w i u c A i a d W t r r h M d E a C l d m S o o S r t o t l

D H W d t w o S A o y sh h ton w t H d Ru d e R e e r i e g al R ld sd Hinsda i h in le R H d H S ld t t O S t d t in S S R A sh a uelo e n n t S M e o t e i o k t r n d l m d u U o a P R R D a

B o r N s k n u e t d o r l D N WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT St M O n n u R G ic hm d o R B n r i d d lo R n D A d u o v o B r k Map created by Community Development Training Institute, January 2012. ack g m Ash r uel y i a ot R a a o d W F Compiled from data provided by town of Winchester from "Wastewater G W a d r rw e ic R Collection Facilities" Map produced by Anderson-Nichols & Co, Inc. t k k a R a w d d P e Plu b R m (July 1976), "Water Utility Model" by SVE Associates (November 2000), g l d l d E i R 2 H # Base layers provided by Avitar Associates and NH GRANIT. w d o d g n R n R i S l Map for informational use only. Please refer to engineering specificationl s d p n i R n m H a w u at town hall for detailed information. Datum: NAD1983. t o P d r M n u 0 0.5 1 R S J B o Projection: State Plate New Hampshire FIPS 2800 Feet. r n n e e o Miles s t p R l p d o U B TOWN OF WINCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE WORKFORCE ANALYSIS Table one provides a complete summary of each occupational area in the county, their size of employment, and mean wages. The Town of Winchester and Cheshire County have experienced economic losses due Examining the local level provides an even to the global recession, although to a much more precise understanding of Winchester’s lesser degree than most communities across the labor market. According to the U.S. Census’ country. As of August, 2011, the unemployment County Business Patterns, the total number of rate in Cheshire County (Keene Micro-Area) establishments for the Town of Winchester is 86 was 4.8%, down from 5.3% in January of this (Table 2). The majority of these businesses were year. In comparison with the unemployment very small. Out of the 86 total establishments, rate for much of the previous decade, which was 62% had between 1 and 4 employees, 19% had in the 3% to 3.5% range, the current rate is still between 5 and 9 employees, 9% had between high for the region. However, when compared 10 and 19 employees, and 8% had 20 or more to national data, New Hampshire and Cheshire employees. Certain sectors had a greater County have much lower unemployment rates. number of establishments in Winchester than The national unemployment rate in August others. The sectors with the most frequent 2011 was 9.1%, nearly twice as high as Cheshire number of businesses were Retail Trade County (4.8%) and New Hampshire (5.2%). (15), Construction (12), Manufacturing (10),

Other Services (9), and Accommodation and Cheshire Counties overall labor force was Food Services (6). In contrast, the sectors 32,889 workers in August 2011. According with the least number of establishments were to the Occupational Employment and Wages Farming, Fishing, and Forestry (1), Real Estate Survey, there were 27,610 employees in 22 (1), Educational Services (2), Information occupational areas in Cheshire County in May (2), and Finance and Insurance (2). 2010. The top five occupations by size of employment were Office and Administrative While small businesses were more frequent Support (4,570), Sales and Related (3,340), in Winchester, larger establishments may have Education and Employment (2,740), Production an equal or greater impact on the workforce. Occupations (2,460), and Food Preparation Top employers maintained a disproportionally and Serving (2,000). These occupational areas larger workforce than the smallest businesses. made up 54.7% of the total workforce and The top five employers in Winchester were averaged hourly wages of $17.47. On the in the Manufacturing (100-249 employees), other hand, the bottom five occupations by size Retail Trade (50-99 employees), Professional of employment were Farming, Fishing, and Services (50-99 employees), Health care (50- Forestry (30), Legal (100), Life, Physical, and 99 employees), and Accommodation and Social Science (100), Architect and Engineering Food Services (50-99 employees) sectors, (290), and Arts, Design, Entertainment, respectively. The following section provides Sports and Media (380). The bottom five additional workforce information based on a occupational areas made up 3.3% of the total survey of large establishments in Winchester. workforce and averaged hourly wages of $28.00.

TOWN OF WINCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE 9 TABLE 1: CHESHIRE COUNTY OCCUPATIONAL EMPLOYMENT AND WAGES, 2011

May 2010 Est. June 2011 Occupation Employment Mean Wages

Management Occupations 1,560 $48.80

Business and Financial Operations 1,230 $32.21

Computer and Mathematical 550 $32.68

Architecture and Engineering 290 $31.21

Life, Physical, and Social Science 100 $28.14

Community and Social Services 400 $18.52

Legal 100 $38.97

Education, Training, and Library 2,740 $24.30

Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media 380 $23.78

Healthcare Practitioners and Technicians 1,430 $33.27

Healthcare Support 850 $14.42

Protective Services 420 $18.52

Food Preparation and Serving 2,000 $10.47

Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance 940 $12.80

Personal Care and Service 770 $11.28

Sales and Related 3,340 $19.18

Office and Administrative Support 4,570 $15.95

Farming, Fishing, and Forestry 30 $13.50

Construction and Extraction 1,050 $19.34

Installation, Maintenance, and Repair 990 $19.48

Production Occupations 2,460 $16.03

Transportation and Moving 1,390 $14.28

All Occupations 27,610 $16.15

Source: New Hampshire Employment Security, Economic and Labor Market Information Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns

10 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RESOURCE INVENTORY TOWN OF WINCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE SUMMARY OF RESULTS SURVEY OF TOP EMPLOYERS The first section of the survey investigates A brief survey of the largest employers the work skills desired in the hiring of potential in Winchester was conducted in October employees. The questions distinguished and November of 2011. The survey (see between technical/specialized skills and soft/ Appendix A) asked employers six questions general skills in order to understand and rank about the desired skills and attributes of the importance of each category. If employers their workforce, the necessity of attracting emphasized technical skills, then the proper employees from outside the local area, and workforce response would be investing in ways to improve workforce development. Ten technical training programs. On the other hand, of the largest employers in Winchester were if employers emphasized soft skills, then general targeted and nine replied to the survey. education and job readiness training would do the most to improve the local workforce.

TABLE 2: TOTAL WINCHESTER ESTABLISHMENTS BY SECTOR AND NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES

Tot al Description 1-4 5-9 10-19 20-49 50-99 100-249 Estab**

Forestry, fishing, hunting, 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 and Agriculture Support Construction 12 9 1 1 1 0 0 Manufacturing 10 5 1 3 0 0 1 Wholesale Trade 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 Retail Trade 15 7 5 2 0 1 0 Transportation and warehousing 5 2 2 0 1 0 0 Information 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 Finance and Insurance 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 Real Estate and rental and leasing 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 Professional, scientific, 4 3 0 0 0 1 0 and technical services Administration and Support 5 5 0 0 0 0 0 and Waste Management Remediation Services Educational Services 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 Health care and social assistance 5 2 1 1 0 1 0 Arts, entertainment, 4 4 0 0 0 0 0 and recreation Accommodation and 6 4 1 0 0 1 0 food services Other services 9 6 2 1 0 0 0 Tot al A ll Se c t ors 86 54 17 8 2 4 1 Figures for Zip Code 03470 & 03441 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2009 County Business Patterns **Total Establishments counted in Census are known to be less than actual establishments as of this writing.

TOWN OF WINCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE 11 The results of the survey indicate that was consistent for all employers: it is rare employers desired a blend of technical and that Winchester employers hire from outside soft skills with three out of nine employers the local area. Some employers explained clearly preferring technical skills, three out that their higher skilled employees commute of nine preferring soft skills, and three out of from larger towns in the vicinity, but did not nine saying that they needed a combination relocate to Winchester. The consensus among of technical and soft skills. Most employers employers was that their employees lived locally. indicated that both skills were important to them even if they weighted one more highly Finally, the questionnaire allowed than the other. The technical skills specified employers the opportunity to provide feedback by employers were meat cutting, welding, on ways to improve the quality of their the use of precision instruments, machine workforce. As employers responded, many operating, plumbing, pharmacy, nursing, expressed satisfaction with their employees. fabrication, childcare, and teaching. The However, a number of common themes soft skills highlighted by employers include emerged that provide insight into areas communications, customer service, character, for improving workforce development. work ethic, honesty, punctuality, time management, math, people skills, and teamwork. First, a number of employers expressed dissatisfaction with their ability to pay suitable As a follow-up question, the survey asked wages. In turn, lower wages were said to cause what certificates or licenses were required higher employee turnover. Higher turnover by the employer. Because of the diversity of lowered the quality of the workforce and sectors within which the employers operate, caused managers to spend more of their time there were a wide range of certificates and training and re-training employees. Second, licenses required. Responses are listed below: employers communicated their desire for higher levels of education or training for new employees. Some employers emphasized Certificates: welding, inspection, general work skills and wished that the high childcare, water distribution, water school graduates they hired were more work- treatment, pharmacy technician ready. Others desired that they had a larger talent pool of technically trained applicants Licenses: teaching, pharmacist, for their openings. For example, one employer commercials driver’s license, registered nurse, expressed a need for more new employees with licensed practical nurse, nursing assistant, waste machine shop skills, while another wanted water operator, CPR, childcare, food service employees with previous childcare abilities.

The fifth question of the survey asks how Lastly, several employers said that the often employers hire from outside the local overall physical environment and image of the area. As a qualifying statement, it was asked town deterred their ability to attract higher how often employees relocated to take a position levels of talent. They cited the presence at the place of employment. The response of junkyards and dilapidated buildings as

12 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RESOURCE INVENTORY TOWN OF WINCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE problem areas that affect worker’s perception AVAILABLE BUSINESS SITES of the quality of life in Winchester.

The geography and infrastructure of Winchester place the town at an advantage to attract new businesses and industries. Winchester is located close to Interstate 91, a major trucking and logistics corridor, and along Routes 10, 78 and 119, which are major roads that connect to Vermont, Massachusetts and Keene, NH. Moreover, These roads make Winchester a desirable location for businesses looking to attract a large and diverse workforce and consumers. According to H. Mt. Pisgah Diner. Photo by Dave Campbell. Greg Johnson, local commercial real estate agent, Winchester has large parcels of land and infrastructure in place to attract large industries.

In the business site study, 16 sites were identified as available sites for potential business developments. Of the 16 sites, seven sites are located in the Central Business District and only three of the sites in the Central Business District have existing buildings. The sites range in size with the smallest parcel at 3,235 sq ft to the largest parcel at 10 acres. The abundance of available business sites in the Central Business District could potentially serve as a catalyst for Winchester to develop a revitalization plan for the Central Business District.

Larger parcels of land are located outside the Central Business District. Many of the larger parcels are zoned under the Agriculture/ Aquifer District, which, according to the Zoning Ordinance4, are areas with no municipal water and sewer service and limited permitted uses.

The Tannery site (formerly A.C. Lawrence Leather) and the gravel pit, are two town-

4 Town of Winchester Zoning Ordinance. Retrieved 11/20/2011

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TOWN OF WINCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE owned sites that are not currently on the largest state park in New Hampshire.6 Pisgah market but have been identifed by the Town borders the towns of Winchester, Chesterfield of Winchester as development opportunities. and Hinsdale. This 13,300 acres park is open year-round and offers an array of recreation activities for all seasons. The park’s trails are TRAVEL, LEISURE AND dispersed, allowing visitors the opportunity to RECREATION peacefully explore its rich biodiversity. The ponds within the park are popular destinations for fishing. The Pisgah Reservoir provides a Winchester is located in the charming mile and a half of water trail for canoeing. Monadnock Region, an area famously known for Mount Monadnock. The Monadnock Region is a destination for visitors looking for outdoor The Town of Winchester owns adventures and the ultimate New England back six municipal parks, offering additional roads experience. The region offers a number opportunities for outdoor recreation activities. of year-round outdoor recreation activities The Winchester Conservation Commission for all ages: hiking, mountain biking, boating, (WCC), a local board whose mission is scenic foliage trips through traditional small to preserve the town’s natural resources, New England villages and plenty of antique is responsible for the maintenance and stores selling traditional 18th and 19th century conservation of the municipal parks. Efforts American pottery, crafts and furniture. to conserve the parks include creating and maintaining trails, installing picnic tables and Winchester offers a number of outdoor docks for boating activities and collaborating recreation activities as well as the classic feel with local students to create maps of trails. and scenes of a small New England town Table 3 provides a list of the municipal parks. such as a white clapboard church and historic covered bridges. The town’s municipal parks, Activities: ATV, cross-country skiing, Pisgah State Park, the Rail Trail, Forest canoeing, equestrian, fishing, hiking, hunting, Lake, and the Ashuelot River offer a variety mountain biking, and snowmobiling of year-round recreation, making outdoor ASHUELOT RIVER & RAIL TRAIL recreation activities the leading attraction in Winchester. In addition, the town has five The Ashuelot River is perhaps the most historic sites listed on the National Register, popular destination for boating activities two of which are covered bridges.5 and has the potential to attract water sports enthusiasts and casual vistors alike. With a UBLIC AND P L public boat launch near downtown, the river According to the New Hampshire Division is accessible to all. In May 2011, Winchester’s of Parks and Recreation, Pisgah State Park is the RED Committee hosted the first annual Lower Ashuelot River Canoe and Kayak Race. The

6 New Hampshire Division of Parks & Recreation. 5 See page 18 for more information Retrieved 10/11/2011. http://www.nhstateparks. on Winchester’s historic sites org/explore/state-parks/pisgah-state-park.aspx

TOWN OF WINCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE 15 TOWN OF WINCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE TABLE 3: WINCHESTER MUNICIPAL PARKS

Park Location Activities

Forest Lake Circle Off Keene Rd. Boating dock for canoeing, kayaking and swimming. Picnic area Meeting Hill House Forest Lake Rd. & Richmond Street Camping, snowmobile club meeting place Musterfield Park Forest Lake Rd. & Richmond Street

Gardiner Mountain Recreation Area Off Route 10 Loop trail to Mt. Gardiner summit

Willard Jenning Town Forest Off Richmond Street Hiking and snowmobile

Wulff Conservation Project Off Ashuelot Street Snowmobile, dog sled, part of the rail trail

Downtown Pocket Park Across from Town Hall

race was open to both amateur and pro racers: FOREST LAKE a seven-mile race for amateur and a 16-mile The pristine Forest Lake is home to race for pro racers in various classes.7 Winchester’s Town Beach. The beach is opened to the public from Memorial Along the Ashuelot River is the Ashuelot Day weekend to September. It is an Rail Trail, a 23-mile scenic trail8. The trail attractive summer destination for swimming begins at the Town of Hinsdale, heads east behind the New Hampshire foliage. through Winchester, passes the Ashuelot Covered Bridge, all the way to Keene. Its multi-use trail The Forest Lake Camping Ground is popular amongst, snowmobile, cross-country is a privately owned campground. This skiing, equestrians, hiking and mountain bikers. campground has 150 camping and trailer sites with full facilities. Activities including Activities: canoeing, kayaking, hiking, golfing, swimming, boat rentals and sports cross-country skiing, equestrians, mountain field for baseball, volleyball and tennis. biking, dog sledding, snowmobiling

7 New England Canoe & Kayak Racking Association. Retrived 12/7/2011. http://www.neckra. org/races/race-information/2011/lower-ashuelot 8 Rails to Trail Conservancy. Retrieved 11/23/2011. http://www.railstotrails.org/news/ recurringfeatures/trailmonth/archives/0302.html

TOWN OF WINCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE 17 racetrack and the Winchester Speedpark, a OTHER RECREATION ACTIVITIES supercross and motocross racetrack. Both Recreation clubs in Winchester organize racetracks are located along Route 10. activities for community residents and visitors. Local snowmobile clubs maintain 40 kilometers Winchester’s Pickle Festival is a traditional of snowmobile trails for club members. The town fair held annually in September. The clubs coordinate with local property owners to event is held in downtown Winchester obtain permission to pass through properties filled with food vendors, crafts, costumes, and plans the annual Winter Fest in January parades, live music and free pickles. for the community.9 The Ellen Lambert Murphy Memorial Community Center (E.L.M. There are six local farms in Winchester Community Center) offers activities for all that practice sustainable farming. At the ages, from sports clubs and a day camp for Country Critters Farm, fresh goat cheese, feta youth to social gatherings for the elderly. The and raw goats milk are available for purchase center also offers community space for rent, at the farm and various local vendors in the including a four-lane candlepin bowling alley. county. Piccadilly Farm is a certified organic farm and a community supported agriculture Winchester is home to two major race (CSA) which offers vegetable shares to its facilities: the Monadnock Speedway, a NASCAR members. Cheshire Garden is a certified organic farm that specializes in heirloom 9 Mondanock Travel. Retrieved 11/20/2011 http://www. monadnocktravel.com/festivals-fairs-monadnock-new-hampshire.html berries and fruits. Their popular preserves are

Winchester Pickel Festival. Photo by Cheryl Senter.

18 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RESOURCE INVENTORY TOWN OF WINCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE available for purchase online. Manning Hill • Ten or more acres must be classified Farm operates in a farmhouse that was built as undeveloped or unimproved farm, in the 1850s. This 126-arce farm is devoted forest or unproductive land (may to humane and local agriculture through be any combination of the three) the production of fresh local milk, grass-fed • Wetland less than ten acres in size beef, pasture-raised pork, chicken and eggs. • Certified tree farm of any size • Undeveloped land of any size that is allocated to producing agricultural or CURRENT USE horticultural crops with a yearly gross The Current Use tax program permits crop sales profit of at least $2,500 certain reduction in property taxes if a “ land management plan” is filed with the Town. In addition to the property tax incentives, The management plan could include areas landowners are eligible for the Recreational for additional recreation uses than reported Discount, which grants landowners an additional in this inventory. The Current Use Law is 20% reduction for posting their land for the a state program that aims to promote the following recreation uses: skiing, snowshoeing, preservation of New Hampshire’s natural fishing, hunting, hiking and natural observation. landscape and open space. Under Current Additional information regarding Current Use Use, landowners are offered a property tax can be found on the New Hampshire’s Current incentive for maintaining their land in its Use Coalition website at www.nhspace.org. natural state. In order to be eligible to enroll in Current Use, the land must meet one of the following minimum requirements:

Pisgah State Park. Photo by Ellen Edersheim

TOWN OF WINCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE 19 SPORTS AND RECREATION Name Location Activities Northfield Golf Club 31 Holton Street, Northfield, MH Golf Keene Country Club 755 West Hill Road, Keene, NH 03431 Golf Bretwood Golf Course 365 East Surry Road, Keene, Golf NH 03431-5308 Ellen Lambert Murphy Memorial 20-21 Durkee St. Organized sports clubs for youth Community Center Winchester, NH 03470 Forrest Lake Circle Off Keene Rd, Winchester, NH Boating dock for canoeing, kayaking and swimming. Picnic area Ashuelot River Off of Route 10, Winchester Canoeing and kayaking Elite 180 Lacrosse Camp Winchester, NH Lacrosse Camp The Cheshire Fair 247 Monadnock Rd, Public ice skating, figure skating Swanzey, NH 03446 and hockey programming. Pisgah State Park Along Route 63 or Route Hiking, hunting, snowmobile, 119 in Wincehster fishing, camping Spofford Lake Off of Route 9 or Route Rainbow Trout, Small and 63 in Chesterfield Largemouth Bass, Pickerel, Horned Put, White Perch, Northern Pike Greenfield State Park- Otter Lake Forest Rd, Route 136W, 1 Boat Launch mile west of Greenfield Gould Pond Hillsborough Brown Trout, Brown Bullhead, Yellow Bullhead, American Eel, Common White Sucker, Yellow Perch, Pumpkinseed, Eastern chain pickerel, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout Connecticut River Off of Route 119 towards Brattleboro Fishing, boating

20 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RESOURCE INVENTORY TOWN OF WINCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE CAMPING Name Location Activities Forest Lake Camping Grounds 331 Keene Rd, Winchester NH 03470 Golfing, swimming, boat rentals and sports field for baseball, volleyball, tennis Camp Takodah 55 Fitzwilliam Road YMCA Camp Swanzey Lake Camping Area 88 East Shore Road, Swanzey, NH Shir-Roy Camping Area 100 Athol Road, Richmond, NH Swimming, Fishing, Boating, Hiking, Group activities (game room, sports) Camp Spofford 24 Route 9A, Spofford, NH Christian family camp Hinsdale Campground 29 Pine Street, Hinsdale, NH Full service campgrounds with swimming pool Ashuelot River Campground 152 Pine Street, Swanzey, NH Family campgrounds along Ashuelot River.

Monadnock State Park 116 Poole Road, Jaffrey, NH Mt. Monadnock, 3,165ft high is the most climbed mountain in the world.

HIKING Name Location Activities Pisgah State Park Along Route 63 or Route 119 in Winchester

Gardiner Mountain Recreation Area Off Route 10 in Winchester Willard Jennings town forest Hiking and snowmobile Wulff Conservation Project Back Ashuelot Rd Snowmobile, dog sled, part of rail trail Chesterfield Gorge Natural Area Off NH Route 9 in Winchester Open year-round for hiking along the gorge with scenic views Rhododendron State Park Route 119W, Fitzwilliam, NH Beautiful state park with 16-acres of Rhododendron Maximum. Trails include a wildflower trail maintained by the Fitzwilliam Garden Club Monadnock State Park 116 Poole Road, Jaffrey, NH Mt. Monadnock, 3,165ft high is the most climbed mountain in the world. Many trails for all levels. Miller State Park Route 101E, Peterborough, NH Miller is the oldest state park in New Hampshire. There are three main trail that leads to the summit of Pack Monadnock. Gap Mountain Off Route 12 between There are 2 main trails: South Troy and Fitzwilliam Summit is a wooden trail North Summit trail offers a beautiful view of Mt Monadnock Rail Trail From Hillsdale to Keene Runs along old railway

TOWN OF WINCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE 21 ENTERTAINMENT Name Location Activities Cathedral of the Pines 10 Hale Hill Road, Rindge, NH Open air cathedral with panoramic view of the Grand Monadnock. Friendly Farm Route 101, Dublin, NH Over 5 acres of farmland for families to freely wonder, picnic and interact with farm animals. Pickle Festival Dowtown Winchester on September - fairgrounds, parade, pickle Main Street (intersection of costumes, local crafts and free pickles Route 10 and Route 101) Stonewall Farm 242 Chesterfield Rd, Keene, NH Nonprofit working farm and education center ELM Memorial Comm Center Bowling 21 Durkee St., Winchester, NH Bowling Yankee Lanes 477 Park Avenue Keene, NH Bowling The Colonial Theatre 95 Main St, Keene, NH Opera, ballet, comedies, musical performances and films New England Youth Theatre 100 Flat St., Brattleboro, VT Youth theatre programming and live performances Brattleboro Music Center 38 Walnut St, Brattleboro, VT Live musical performances and music school for youth Fat Chance Antiques 102 Keene Rd, Winchester Antiques The Cheshire Fairgrounds 247 Monadnock Rd, Swanzey Commercial booth of exhibits, crafts, fresh produce, canned goods, furniture, antiques. Knotty Pine Antiques Market 787 West Swanzey Rd., Swanzey Antiques auction and gallery Secord’s 937 Keen Rd., West Swanzey Antique store Antiques at Colony Mill 222 West St. #3, Keene Antique store Yankee Smuggler Antiques 69 Windsor Court, Keene Specializes in Americana antiques in the 18th and 19th centuries Bloomin Antiques 3 Templeton Tpke., Fitzwilliam, NH 18th and 19th centuries furniture and accessories Twice Upon A Time Antiques 62 Main St., Brattleboro, VT Vintage clothing and furniture Conant Library 111 Main St., Winchester History department features historic town artifacts including Henry Pratt’s first organ Mariposa Museum & 26 Main St., Peterborough, NH Hands-on museum featuring arts World Culture Center and artifacts from around the world with performing arts center Sheridan House 391 Back Ashuelot Road, Home of the Winchester Winchester, NH Historical Social Museum

22 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RESOURCE INVENTORY TOWN OF WINCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE HISTORIC PLACES FEDERAL AND STATE REGISTER OF HISTORIC SITES Incorporated in 1753, Winchester is a Winchester is home to a variety of town that prides on its historical past. The architecturally significant properties that book, Walking Back Through Time: 50 dates back as early as 1837. The town Historical Sketches of Winchester, N.H., by currently has five properties listed on the Winchester native, Edith W. Atkins, chronicles National Register of Historic Places, each various historically significant periods of with distinctive architecture styles. Winchester including the first town meeting on March 3, 1740, the first Henry Pratt CONANT LIBRARY organ, the tanning and paper industries, the The Conant Library is a Romanesque historic department of the Conant Library Revival built in 1891 by architect, J.M. and the festivities that once took place in Currier. The library’s historic department Forest Lake 10. Winchester has made efforts to preserve the town’s historic resources by holds a collection of town artifacts placing fve sites on the National Register and including Henry Pratt’s first organ. establishing a Historic District Ordinance.

10 “Walking Back Through Time” by Edith W. Atkins. Retrieved 11/1/2011

Conant Library. Photo by Dave Campbell.

TOWN OF WINCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE 23 NEW HAMPSHIRE CONSERVATORY OF COVERED BRIDGES MUSIC AND THE ARTS Winchester is home to two covered Built in 1912, New Hampshire bridges, The Ashuelot and the Coombs, both Conservatory for Music and the Arts, now of which are featured in the World Guide known as the Universalist Heritage Church, to Covered Bridges. Covered bridges are is a Colonial Revival style structure, a very considered to be historic monuments in New prominent architectural style in New England. Hampshire and are protected under state law.

WINCHESTER TOWN HALL POTENTIAL HISTORIC PROPERTIES

This brick Gothic Revival building is Members of the Winchester community unique in the area; in fact, the National Register have identified several historic significant of Historic Places Inventory nomination form sites including the Sheridan House, home of notes that the Winchester Town Hall is the only the Winchester Historical Society and the medieval style town hall in Cheshire County.11 Albee House, which is the former home of the “Mother of Avon, Mrs. Persis Foster Eames Albee.12 While these sites are not recognized

11 National Register of Historic Places. 12 Albee House. Retrieved 11/20/2011. Retrieved 10/15/2011. www.nps.gov http://www.albeehouse.com

Center Church. Photo by Dave Campbell.

24 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RESOURCE INVENTORY TOWN OF WINCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE on the federal and state historic registers, it offers zoning methods for New Hampshire may be worthwhile for Winchester to purse municipalities to preserve characteristics of a the application process for historic recognition neighborhood14. Other programs include tools under the state and/or federal register. for barns and farms preservation and procedures to obtain historical highway markers. A detail HISTORIC DISTRICT list of programs and resources are available In 1997, the Town of Winchester adopted at http://www.nh.gov/nhdhr/programs/. an Historic District Ordinance to preserve the historical, architectural and culturally significant properties and structures in Winchester13. The ordinance serves as a guide for Winchester to preserve the historic heritage of the town, improve the town’s visual character to boost tourism and economic development, promote civic pride in the town’s history and achievements, utilize areas within the historic district to serve as educational and recreational space for Winchester residents and visitors. Ashuelot Bridge. Photo by George C. Jobel

The Historic District Ordinance is administered by the Historic District Commission, a five member party appointed by the Board of Selectmen. The commission is responsible for the adoption and amendment of regulations to the ordinance, as well as the review of applications related to the construction, and alteration or removal of properties within the historic district. However, the power of review is limited to plans that impact the character of the historic district.

The New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources offers programs and resources to help municipalities effectively preserve their historic character. These resources provide creative approaches to historic preservation beyond the scope of historic districts. One useful tool for municipalities is the Neighborhood Heritage Districts, which is a handbook that 14 New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources. Retrieved 12/5/2011. http://www.nh.gov/ 13 Winchester Zoning Ordinance. Retrieved 11/30/2011. nhdhr/documents/neighborr_hert_handbook.pdf

TOWN OF WINCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE 25 Town of Winchester Historic Sites

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C R h d e s t e r f i e d l d d R R Hill i hn ti R Jo n d a J Coombs Covered Bridge

d 106' long and built in 1837 R

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B original builder and owner, d a o r d Anthony Coombs. The Coombs B R d r Bridge once played an important fo ix R role in both the social and ld O commercial development of the area. Ashuelot Covered Bridge Built in 1864, the Ashuelot covered bridge is considered to be one of New Hampshire's most elaborate covered bridges. At 169 feet long, the original purpose of the bridge Universalist Heritage Church was to transport wood across the Built in 1912, the New Hampshire Conservatory of Art river for use by the Ashuelot & Music, also known as the Universalist Heritage Church Railroad. and Center Church, is a Colonial Revival style building that is prominent in New England. In this building In 1803 the declaration known as The Winchester Profession was drafted. The Winchester Profession served Universalists for almost a century.

v A H i d d ns r R d a a n le d t R o M d o Rd e W dal n ins n ld H u O G Winchester Town hall This brick Gothic Revival Conant Public Library building is unique in the area, The Conant Library is a in fact, the National Register Romanesque Revival built of Historic Places Inventory in 1891 by architect, J.M. Currier. nomination form states that the The library’s historic department Winchester Town Hall is the holds a collection of town only medieval style town artifacts including Henry Pratt’s hall in Cheshire County. first organ built.

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Map created by Community Development Training Institute on 12/1/2011. Projection: NAD 1983 State Plate New Hampshire FIPS 2800 Feet. Data Sources: Avitar Associates & NH GRANIT TOWN OF WINCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE FUNDING SOURCES activities. For economic development activities, the national objective is primarily to create or retain jobs for low to moderate income There are a broad range of financial persons. At least 51% of jobs created or resources in Winchester and throughout retained must be made available to low to Cheshire County. Public programs invest moderate income persons. The public benefit in community services, affordable housing, requirement is to use no more than $35,000 of environmental preservation, economic CDBG funds for each job created or retained. development, agricultural development, transportation networks, and many other Contact: areas. Banks provide savings and commercial State of New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority lending services to individuals and businesses. 14 Dixon Avenue, Suite 102 Foundations help connect charitable giving Concord, NH 03301 with community needs. Together these Phone: (603) 226-2170 resources summarize the potential sources of funding for economic development. HOME

Amount: $4,597,107 state allocation COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT The HOME Investment Partnership BLOCK GRANT Program was authorized in 1990 under Title

Amount: $8,393,689 state allocation II of the Cranston-Gonzalez Affordable Housing Act. It provides flexible funding Community Development Block Grant through formula grants to participating states (CDBG) is a program that provides communities and localities for expanding the supply of with resources to address a wide range of affordable housing for rent or home ownership community development needs. The CDBG as well as direct rental assistance or security program seeks to ensure that low and moderate deposits. Participating jurisdictions have a income citizens receive sufficient services large amount of discretion in how HOME such as housing and employment. All CDBG funds are distributed. Funds can come in the programs must meet one of three national form of grants, direct loans, loan guarantees objectives: 1) to benefit low to moderate income or other forms of credit enhancement. persons, 2) to eliminate slum or blight, or 3) The HOME Program is a critical form of to meet an urgent need. For cities or towns subsidy for affordable housing projects. under 50,000 people, CDBG is administered at the state level and is non-entitled, Contact: meaning that communities must compete New Hampshire Housing for state-wide allocation of CDBG funds. 32 Constitution Drive Bedford, NH 03110 Assistance can be given to Community (603) 472-8623 Based Development Organizations, Community Mailing address: New Hampshire Housing Development Financial Institutions, universities, PO Box 5087 or for-profit businesses to carry out eligible Manchester, NH 03108

TOWN OF WINCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE 27 local historic district. Projects must also be NEW MARKETS TAX CREDITS “income-producing” for five years and meet Tax credits are a reduction in the standards as a substantial rehabilitation. Finally, amount of money a taxpayer owes to federal rehabilitation projects receiving historic tax or state government and are a valuable credit funding must preserve the historic means of attracting and retaining business character of the property being rehabilitated investment. New Markets Tax Credits are a type using the Secretary of the Interior’s ten of federal tax credit given to private investors standards for determining a project’s to stimulate investment in economically eligibility. Applications for Historic Tax Credits distressed areas. The U.S. Department of the are submitted to the State Historic Preservation Treasury’s Community Development Financial Officer (SHPO). In New Hampshire, the Institutions Fund provides the New Markets SHPO is Ms. Elizabeth Muzzey of the New Tax Credit for investors that make Qualified Hampshire Division of Historical Resources. Equity Investments (QEIs) into Community Contact: Development Entities (CDEs). With this equity, Ms. Elizabeth Muzzey CDEs in turn must use these proceeds to make New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources Qualified Low-Income Community Investments 19 Pillsbury Street 2nd Floor (QLICIs). QLICIs include a variety of Concord, NH 03301-3570 investments including, investments in businesses Phone: 603-271-8850 E-mail: [email protected] and real estate projects. CDEs are required to trace at least 85% of the QEI proceeds to specified QLICIs or demonstrate that 85% of its ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY, aggregate gross assets are invested in QLICIs. BROWNFIELDS PROGRAM

Contact: The Brownfields Program, administered New Hampshire Community Loan Fund by the Environmental Protection Agency, 7 Wall Street Concord, NH 03301 funds efforts to prevent, assess, and safely Phone: (603) 224-6669 clean up brownfield sites. According to the EPA, brownfields are real properties HISTORIC TAX CREDITS that are complicated by the presence or Historic Tax Credits are a potential presence of hazardous substances, significant source of funding for the pollutants, or contaminants. States, local preservation and rehabilitation of historic government, or other stakeholders who wish properties. Administered by the National to redevelop, reuse, or assess brownfield Park Service, these tax credits can cover up to sites can apply for funding for site clean- twenty percent of the rehabilitation costs of up or technical assistance from the EPA. eligible properties. To be determined eligible, Locally, the Brownfields Program is properties must be on the National Register of administered by the Southwest Region Planning Historic Places, although exceptions may for Commission. The local program is aimed properties deemed eligible by State Historic at helping municipalities understand the Preservation Offices or certified within a real or perceived contamination of vacant

28 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RESOURCE INVENTORY TOWN OF WINCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE or underutilized properties. Since 2003, the SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION commission has administered three mixed The Small Business Administration Hazardous Substances Assessment grants provides funding and technical assistance and two Petroleum-only Assessment grants. through several business development programs. Technical assistance and training is Contact: provided through Small Business Development Southwest Region Planning Commission Centers, Women’s Business Centers, and other 20 Central Square, 2nd Floor Keene, NH, 03431 local providers to equip small businesses for 603-357-0557 start-up and growth. Financial assistance is offered through key programs such as the SBA 504 loan and SBA 7(a) loan programs. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The SBA 504 loan program provides ADMINISTRATION long-term fixed rate financing for fixed assets The United States Economic and long-term equipment. The program must Development Administration (EDA) provides be administered by Certified Development Companies (CDC), which are private non- competitive grants to states, municipalities, profit corporations established to contribute universities, non-profits, or Indian tribes to economic development in the community. who foster entrepreneurship, innovation, SBA 504 funding cannot be used to support and growth. The EDA works in partnership projects engaged in speculation or real estate with distressed regions to address long-term investment. Depending on the characteristics or sudden economic problems, such as those of the borrower as well as anticipated job relating to natural disasters, conversions of creation outcomes, public policy goals, and/or military facilities, changing trade patterns, community development goals up to $4 million and the depletion of natural resources. EDA can be borrowed through the SBA 504 program. grants are intended to stimulate private The SBA 7(a) loan program provides investment in targeted areas through a wide financing to start-up and existing small range of assistance, including planning and businesses for a wide range of purposes technical assistance, public works projects, including: working capital, machinery and trade adjustment assistance, business equipment, furniture and fixtures, land development, and business financing. The and buildings, leasehold improvements, EDA is a federal agency with regional offices. and debt refinancing. Loan maturity is New Hampshire is a part of the Philadelphia up to 10 years for working capital and generally up to 25 years for fixed assets. Regional Office and serviced out of Maine. Contact: Contact: New Hampshire District Office Philadelphia Regional Office JC Cleveland Federal Building 100 Middle Street, East Tower, Suite 203 55 Pleasant Street, Suite 3101 Portland, ME 04101 Concord, NH 03301 (207) 347-3139 Phone: (603) 225-1400

TOWN OF WINCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE 29 EB-5 VISA PROGRAM profits, and public transportation providers are all eligible for Section 5311 funding. Using Through U.S. Citizenship and Section 5311 funding, the New Hampshire Immigration Services, the EB-5 immigrant visa Department of Transportation manages the program permits foreign investors to acquire Rural Transit Assistance program to provide a U.S. visa if they invest in a new commercial training, technical assistance, and improved enterprise in the United States and create coordination for rural transportation services. at least 10 full-time jobs. New commercial enterprises are businesses that were established Other statewide programs offer funding after 1990 or are being restructured for a 40% for assorted purposes. The Airport Block increase in net worth or number of employees. Grant program funds non-primary airport The minimum investment in new commercial improvements. The Safe Routes to School enterprises is $1 million or $500,000 in targeted funds sidewalk improvements and educational areas, which include rural areas. Regional activities to encourage children to safely walk Centers have been set up to facilitate foreign and ride bicycles to school. The Scenic and investments in a particular geographic regions. Cultural Byways program provides competitive Investments made through Regional Centers are grants for byway related projects that highlight permitted a broader definition of job creation the state’s natural beauty. The Congestion that includes both direct and indirect jobs. Mitigation and Air Quality program addresses air quality issues within non-attainment Contact: areas. The Transportation Enhancement New Hampshire EB-5 Regional Center Program focuses on upgrading the surface 620 Ragged Mountain Road Danbury, New Hampshire 03230 transportation system, including projects that (603)768-5700 provide facilities for pedestrians and bicycles, beautify the landscape, acquire historical sites, and mitigate environmental concerns. The DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aid Surface Transportation Program The Department of Transportation allows municipalities to make improvements provides funding through a wide range of to eligible highways. The State Highway Aid federal and state programs. The Other than program funds Class I, II, and II highways, Urbanized Areas (Section 5311) program while the Highway Block Grant program funds offers grants through states to rural areas Class IV and V highways. The Municipal Off- on a formula basis. Funding can be used system Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation in rural areas to 1) improve access to health program funds municipal bridge projects. care, shopping, education, employment, public services, and recreation facilities 2) Contact: New Hampshire Department of Transportation develop or maintain public transportation PO Box 483 systems 3) facilitate more efficient use of 7 Hazen Drive transportation funds 4) assist in the development Concord, NH 03302-0483 (603) 271-3734 of intercity bus transportation, or 5) provide for the participation of private transportation partners. State and local government, non-

30 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RESOURCE INVENTORY TOWN OF WINCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE assistance and information to start cooperatives, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, support producers, and help producers add RURAL DEVELOPMENT value to their products. Lastly, they provide The USDA Rural Development provides technical assistance in rural communities a wide variety of programs to improve to promote community empowerment the economy and quality of life in rural activities and planning. In Vermont and New communities. These programs finance Hampshire, the State Offices are combined in public facilities and services, such as water Montpelier, Vermont. However, there is an and sewer systems, housing, health clinics, Area Office in Concord, New Hampshire. emergency service facilities, and electric Contact: and telecommunications services. They Vermont / New Hampshire Office also provide loans and loan guarantees to City Center, 3rd Floor 89 Main Street businesses through banks, credit unions, Montpelier, VT 05602 and community-managed lending pools. Voice: (802) 828-6080 In agricultural zones, they offer technical Fax: (802) 828-6076

TOWN OF WINCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE 31 BANKS Through the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), banks must serve the banking and credit needs of their entire service area, including low and moderate-income households and small businesses. In many communities, CRA agreements are negotiated between banks and community organizations, advocacy groups, or local government. In the past, CRA agreements have been used for economic development purposes to purchase and rehab property, ensure access to small business loans, and create small business incubators. These kinds of community investments help banks improve their CRA ratings. Community banks may also be a good source of funding as sponsors for community activities like fairs and festivals.

BANKS IN CHESHIRE COUNTY Citizen’s Bank TD Bank 4 Main Street 30-08 Warwick Road Hinsdale, NH 03451 Winchester, NH 03470 (603) 336-5922 603-239-1500

Savings Bank of Walpole People’s United Bank 84 Marlboro Street 122 West Street Keene, NH 03431 Keene, NH 03431 (603) 352-1882 (603) 352-1600

Bank of America Connecticut River Bank 20 Central Square 255 West Street, #1 Keene, NH 03431 Keene, NH 03431 (603) 352-1963 (603) 357-1619

Hampshire First Bank 391 West Street, Keene, NH 03431 (603) 352-0674

32 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RESOURCE INVENTORY TOWN OF WINCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE FOUNDATIONS Local foundations form the bedrock of local private giving and illustrate the philanthropic interests of community residents. Highlighted in this report are the largest private foundations in Cheshire County, listed by size of net assets. Information on foundations was gathered from The Foundation Center, the nationally-recognized portal for foundation data. In order to be listed in this report, foundations needed to be open to new applications. Following the list of local and national foundations, information on several regional foundations is provided. These foundations fund recreational activities as a part of their mission, an important area for Southeast New Hampshire’s economy.

FOUNDATION NET ASSETS FIELDS OF INTEREST TYPES OF SUPPORT Rural LISC Capacity building for resident-led rural Provide resources to help rural communities community development corporations become healthy and sustainable The Cheshire $39,969,509 Health care, Health care, clinics/centers Health Foundation

Putnam Foundation $29,310,681 Arts, Children/youth, services, Capital Campaigns, Endowments, Education, Environment, Government/ General/Operating support, mission- public administration, Historic related investments/loans, program- preservation/historical societies related investment/loans

The Orton Family $9,427,808 Community & Economic Foundation Development, Land Use Planning

The $3,299,883 Arts and culture, education, the Annual and capital campaigns, Kingsbury Fund environment, animal welfare, health, employee-related scholarships, human services, and community employee matching gifts, equipment, economic development matching/challenge support, program development, seed money, sponsorships

Monadnock $2,340,689 Community/economic United Way, Inc. development, human services

National Grange $1,927,416 Cancer, education, health care, Mutual Charitable human services, museums, Foundation, Inc. performing arts, salvation army, United Ways, YM(W)CAs

Hubbard Farms $950,535 Education, health, recreation, youth General/operating support, Charitable development, human services, minorities program development, scholarships Foundation and economically disadvantaged funds, scholarships

The Edward W. $14,601,477 General/operating support Kane & Martha Athletics/sports, water sports, Christian J. Wallace Family agencies & churches, education, Foundation museums (marine/maritime), recreation

Mascoma Savings $4,149,433 Hospitals, recreation centers, arts and campaigns, building/renovation, continuing Bank Foundation culture, secondary education, abuse support, equipment, general/operating services, legal aid, human services, support, program development, publication and community development

TOWN OF WINCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE 33 APPENDIX A: BUSINESS SURVEY QUESTIONS

1. What specialized skills are important to you when you hire new employees? 2. What soft/transferrable skills are important to you when you hire new employees? 3. Are soft or technical skills more important to your hiring process? 4. Do you require any professional or technical certifications/ licenses for your employees? What are these? 5. How often do you hire from outside the local area? (people relocate for the job) 6. In your opinion, what would improve the quality of your workforce the most?

34 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RESOURCE INVENTORY