Claremont buys parking spaces as part of redevelopment effort

CLAREMONT — The City Council unanimously voted to purchase 20 parking spaces across from the brick building that until last year housed offices of two state agencies.

The $45,000 purchase of the privately-owned spaces on Water and Crescent streets approved on Wednesday night is part of the council’s long-range plan to see the former state office building redeveloped, possibly for housing or hospitality.

The city will buy the spaces with money from the Construction, Reconstruction, Acquisition of City Property Capital Reserve.

The State of New Hampshire had leased the spaces when it occupied 17 Water St., where the Department of Motor Vehicles and Department of Health and Human Services were located.

In October, the council voted to move forward with possible purchase of the vacant, four-story brick building from the state for $700,000, which is about half of its assessed value. The council will make a final decision on the purchase after an environmental review is completed. The sale will not be finalized until the governor’s Executive Council approves it, perhaps in early 2025.

Before Wednesday’s vote, City Manager Yoshi Manale said that having city ownership of the parking spaces will make it more enticing for potential investors of 17 Water St.