On June 6, 2009, for the third year in a row, NeighborFest was held in the West Granite neighborhood. The day began with a cleanup of the neighborhood and the beautification of nearby Sweeney Park, where volunteers gave the park a facelift by spreading mulch, planting flowers and repainting several park benches. Helping out during the morning service projects were 29 volunteers, 22 of whom live or own property in the West Granite neighborhood!

Despite a noticeable increase in foreclosures and resulting forced evictions, which have led to less people living in the neighborhood, turnout to the block party portion of NeighborFest was impressive —approximately 175 meals were served during this time. Activities included a free barbecue meal, inflatable bounce house and slide for the kids, the planting of potted herbs and caricatures by local artist Peter Noonan.

In his welcoming remarks, NeighborWorks Greater Manchester Executive Director Robert Tourigny announced the organization’s acquisition of two neighborhood multi-family homes and the awarding of $2.53 million in Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds. These funds will be used to acquire and rehab foreclosed and abandoned properties, which will then be resold to owner occupants. Other speakers included State Sen. Lou D’Allesandro, who spoke on behalf of U.S. Sen. Jean Shaheen, while congressional staffer Chuck Gilboy spoke on behalf of Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter.

This year’s NeighborFest sponsors were Sheehan Phinney Bass + Green, NeighborWorks America, St. Mary’s Bank, Grace Haven Baptist Church and Bedford Wal-Mart.

Return to What's New