Master Plan Update - Housing Chapter

The Somersworth Planning Office is working with the Strafford Regional Planning Commission to create a new plan for housing in Somersworth. As part of our City's Master Plan update, this work will span from June 2023 until March 2024. The City is engaging the residents and businesses in Somersworth throughout the project, including a survey in the Summer of 2023, a community event in September 2023, and a Planning Board workshop to finalize goals and actions in October. This work is being funded through a grant from the InvestNH Municipal Planning & Zoning Grant Program. For more information on this project, please contact Michelle Mears at mmears@somersworthnh.gov. 

Draft Housing Chapter 

At the February 21st Planning Board meeting, Strafford Regional Planning Commission presented the draft Housing Chapter. Click the following hyperlink to read the Draft Housing Chapter. 

Housing Chapter Update - February 12, 2024

This week, we will focus on how Somersworth's Housing stock does not meet local needs. In the survey that was conducted last year, over 50% of respondents stated that they paid over 30% of their income on housing-related costs. That means over a third of residents are housing burdened, which affects how households can pay bills, get around town or the region, and support the local economy. Surprisingly, we only found that one occupation in Somersworth is able to afford the median price of a home right now (Health Care Practitioners) without being housing burdened. And that's for an experienced employee! The City is working to address this through their housing planning efforts. 

Somersworth Housing Workshop

On Thursday, September 14th, 2023, the Somersworth Housing Workshop was held at the Blackbox Theater. We had a great turnout from stakeholders through City government, organizations, and business leaders and we couldn't be more thrilled at the discussion that ensued. Click the following hyperlink to access the presentation slides of Strafford Regional Planning Commission. Click here to view the recording of the Housing Workshop.

2023 Somersworth Housing Survey

In July 2023, the community was invited to participate in a housing survey, and we received over 300 responses. Responses to the survey will give us much needed input on the needs of our existing housing stock and how to create the appropriate size, type and location for new housing to meet current and future demands. What kind of housing do we need? What are the opportunities and challenges facing housing in our City? These responses will shape the goals and actions to plan for the future of existing and future housing. 

Stay tuned for more ways to get involved in the Master Plan Update process!