| (February 5, 2005. Manchester, NH.) - Susan A. Manchester, who chairs the Real Estate and Commercial Lending Group at Sheehan Phinney Bass + Green PA, assisted by Graham J. Chynoweth, successfully defeated the request of Community Solutions, Inc., for a variance to put a federal halfway house at 335 Somerville Street. Representing Manchester Neighborhood Housing Services (MNHS), a developer of affordable housing projects in the City, Ms. Manchester had previously defeated a similar proposal by Community Resources for Justice, Inc. to locate a federal halfway house on Elm Street. Sal Steven-Hubbard, MNHS's Deputy Director for Neighborhood Development noted that her organization had retained Attorney Manchester to represent them because "we don't just develop housing — we work to develop safe neighborhoods and individual potential. These correctional facilities are inconsistent with our work, and with residents' vision for their neighborhoods."
Both proposals had many vocal proponents and opponents. While much of the debate centered around the merits of a program which transitions federal prisoners into society, the issue before the Zoning Board was whether the legal tests for a variance were satisfied. While this proposal was a closer call than the Elm Street one, in the end, the ZBA was persuaded by Ms. Manchester's arguments that the tests had not been satisfied. "Sue Manchester has been marvelous to work with through this process," said Steven-Hubbard. "She has been extremely attentive to the issues and timeline, and has communicated her thoughts and strategies through every stage of the process. The residents and Alderman Shea were delighted with the result."
Attorney Manchester conducts an active commercial real estate and lending practice. She represents developers before land use bodies and analyzes complex title issues from a technical, as well as practical, viewpoint. She has specialized knowledge in condominium law. In addition, she represents regional and national commercial lenders. She also has been recognized as one of "America's Leading Business Lawyers" in Chambers USA 2003-2004.
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