Business View Civil and Municipal | Volume 2, Issue 6

155 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 2, ISSUE 6 LONDONDERRY , NEW HAMPSHI RE among the very best throughout New England. Londonderry is also known as a bedroom community for Massachusetts since many residents commute into the Boston area for work. Smith adds, “We’ve also built quite an industrial and commercial base on the outskirts of town. The Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) is there too, so we have a lot of industrial businesses in that area. We’re also home to Woodmont Commons – New Hampshire’s largest planned mixed-use development. The project is still in its infancy stages but the 600- acre commercial residential project has been fully approved. We’ve got a great mix of large companies and good shopping, but we’ve kept our rural farming roots as well.” Surrounded by woods filled with nut trees, the town was originally referred to as Nutfield and was officially founded on June 21, 1719. Its name was changed to Londonderry in 1722, honoring the city in Northern Ireland, also known as Derry, from where many of its early residents immigrated. Today, the area’s history is continually being recognized through the Town Common, its historic center. Often the site of community gatherings like Old Home Day, a 100-year-old state tradition, the Common also houses the Soldiers Memorial commemorating veterans from the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, as well as the First and Second World Wars. The local elementary, middle, and high schools are also there along with the Londonderry Town Hall, and the Fire and Police Departments. Many residents consider this municipal hub to be the historic heart of their modern community. Londonderry doesn’t have a traditional downtown core but the town is home to a plethora of businesses. As Smith reports, “We have a commercial corridor, but it’s not what I would call a downtown. Woodmont Commons is going to be that commercial center in a way.” Once completed, the development will be the first of its kind in the region offering residents a destination to live, work, and play. “We found