The petition process is complete and certified by the Town Clerk.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us this far, but there is still more work to do!
Downtown Manchester
Main Street Redevelopment Controversy
Timeline
2023
Town Proposes Main Street Redesign: A plan is introduced to revamp Main Street, including:
A “road diet” reducing four travel lanes to two
Bike lanes, roundabouts, pedestrian upgrades, and parking space elimination in key blocks
Opposition starts to organize under the name “Save Downtown Manchester”, arguing the redesign will harm small businesses, parking access, and the historic character of downtown.
Despite early controversy, no public vote.
Early 2024
Petition Drive Launches: Save Downtown Manchester circulates a petition to put forth a referendum for ordinance that:
Preserves four travel lanes on Main Street
Protects angled parking
Requires a minimum of 110 public parking spaces at the Forest Street lot
May 17, 2024
Petition Certified: Town Clerk confirms the petition has enough valid signatures to be considered under the town charter.
June 4, 2024
Town Attorney Ryan Barry deems the proposed ordinance "legally deficient.”
The Board declines to adopt or send the ordinance to voters, despite charter language instructing council to change language as long as the intent is not altered.
February 20, 2025
Save Downtown Manchester files a lawsuit in Hartford Superior Court seeking:
A declaratory judgment that the ordinance is valid
A court order compelling the town to hold a special election
July 8, 2025 – Present
The lawsuit is still pending in Hartford court.
The town stands by its position that the ordinance is invalid.
Advocates continue to challenge the town’s refusal to follow what they see as clear charter obligations.
