KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) During an interview with Monadnock Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Cody Morrison on Good Morning with Dan Mitchell on WKBK this morning, Morrison outlined how the organization is working to strengthen the economy across Cheshire County and western Hillsborough County through financing, real estate development and advisory services for municipalities, nonprofits and businesses.

Among the topics discussed was MEDC’s role in redeveloping brownfield properties, including the former drive-in theater site in Keene and the former WW Cross property in Jaffrey. Morrison said the Jaffrey project is envisioned as a mixed-use development featuring housing, community space and commercial uses. Environmental cleanup is expected to begin next year, with the overall project anticipated to take three to five years to complete.

Morrison also discussed MEDC’s recent receipt of $500,000 in supplemental funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to support brownfield cleanup efforts, allowing additional contaminated properties throughout the region to move closer to redevelopment.

Housing remained a central focus of the interview. Morrison said MEDC has approved financing for 123 housing units in Keene and continues to work with public and private partners on projects designed to expand both affordable and market-rate housing throughout the Monadnock Region.

The discussion also explored the challenges communities face in developing infrastructure needed to support growth, including water and sewer systems, and how MEDC helps municipalities secure grants and develop financing strategies for major projects.

Business attraction, commercial and industrial development, and New Hampshire’s competitive business climate were also topics of conversation. Morrison explained that while the region offers advantages through its regulatory environment and quality of life, a lack of shovel-ready industrial sites remains one of the biggest obstacles to attracting new employers.

Another key issue was childcare. Morrison described MEDC’s efforts to expand licensed childcare capacity by providing technical assistance to providers and supporting expansion projects in Wilton and Cheshire County. Those efforts have already helped create approximately 75 childcare slots, addressing a workforce challenge frequently cited by employers.

Morrison also highlighted MEDC’s growing role in grant administration and technical assistance, helping communities navigate complex state and federal funding opportunities for infrastructure and economic development projects.

Listen to the full interview: