In a recent meeting held on January 8, 2025, the Rockingham County Board of Commissioners addressed significant developments regarding community housing initiatives, particularly those aimed at supporting individuals with disabilities. The discussion centered around OneSky Community Services, the area agency dedicated to providing essential services for those with physical or mental disabilities in Rockingham County since 1983.

Matt Cordero, the CEO of OneSky, reported on the unfortunate closure of the Epping Meadows project, a proposed 60-unit affordable housing development. The project was halted due to water supply issues in the town of Epping, which has imposed a moratorium on new water and sewer connections. This setback means that not only will Epping Meadows not proceed, but other housing projects are also required to return Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to the state.

Despite this setback, Cordero shared a hopeful prospect involving a new project at Carriage Farm, a nonprofit facing financial difficulties. OneSky aims to purchase land from Carriage Farm to convert an existing building into a four-bedroom house for individuals with disabilities. This project has received preliminary support from the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA), which oversees CDBG funding.

However, the path forward is not without challenges. The town of Kensington has already declined to support the application for funding, citing scheduling issues for public hearings, which are a necessary part of the CDBG application process. The Board of Commissioners discussed the importance of holding a public hearing to gather community input and ensure transparency in the funding application.

To meet the upcoming application deadline of January 27, the board considered scheduling the public hearing for January 23, aiming for a time that would allow greater public participation. While some members expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of afternoon meetings in attracting attendees, others emphasized the need to adapt to recommendations from CDFA to enhance community engagement.

As the board deliberated, they recognized the urgency of moving forward with the application process and the importance of supporting OneSky's efforts to provide housing solutions for vulnerable populations in Rockingham County. The outcome of this meeting could significantly impact the future of housing for individuals with disabilities in the region, highlighting the ongoing challenges and opportunities within community development efforts.