Michaela Towfighi
Concord Monitor News
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Past articles by Michaela:
State reps favor landlord rights, killing housing bills to give tenants more protections
At a time when New Hampshire renters face soaring costs and low availability, state representatives favored landlords’ rights, killing four bills that would have increased protections for tenants.“I believe that it is our duty to empower the free... → Read More
Modular housing company in Pittsburgh offers model for New Hampshire development
If housing was built like a Disney ride, parts would be manufactured in a factory and assembled later on-site to create a sturdy, reliable structure. Or, on a smaller scale, like Lego pieces snapping together to complete a model.That’s what Module... → Read More
At Franklin City Council, leaders support manager and police chief despite union concerns
Tucked between debate over zoning changes, school district funding and city employee bonuses, Franklin leaders made clear they have full faith in Police Chief David Goldstein and City Manager Judie Milner at a time when some residents are calling for... → Read More
For young adults impacted by homelessness, transitional living program provides support with housing stability
A duplex with beige shingles on Perley Street looks like many of the single-family homes in Concord’s South End. A small patch of grass makes up a front yard, with white paneled doors on either side.This nondescript house hosts a transitional Living... → Read More
As use of short term rentals rise, towns turn to zoning ordinances to regulate
When Geraldine Paquette and her husband bought their home on Chestnut Pond in Epsom, they envisioned it to be a quiet spot for retirement. The dirt road along the pond is home to a dozen other properties. Paquette has a dock on the water and a tomato... → Read More
With staffing shortages at area agencies, assistance for people with disabilities put on hold
When Carol Chumak thinks of her son sons’ graduation, like any proud parent, she remembers what a momentous day it was for both of them.She had two reasons to celebrate that day. At the Concord High School graduation last spring, both of her sons... → Read More
Senate bill to expand benefits to help non-blood related kinship families
Samantha Palmer was busy raising three kids of her own, while working full time, when she received an unexpected call last February. Her biological brother’s ex-wife just had her fourth child and it would be removed from her care.Her brother couldn’t... → Read More
Senate bill proposes $75 million in spending to help state housing crisis
A three-part housing plan before the legislature could present new solutions to alleviate the current state-wide crisis.Senate Bill 231 would appropriate $75 million to tackle three areas pertaining to the housing crisis – support for the homeless,... → Read More
Police chief publicly defends department in Facebook post, business owner says she feels targeted
At the Broken Spoon restaurant on Main Street in Franklin, Miriam Kovacs turned off her stove top and took down her open sign and outdoor flags as she closed up after a Thursday night dinner shift. For a weeknight in February, business was decent, she... → Read More
Two New Hampshires: With few housing options and desire to preserve character, Warner considers its future
Nancy Ladd has two words that sum up a place like Warner – boomerang town. Kids grow up at the base of Mt. Kersarge, counting the days until bags are packed and a drive down I-89 brings them away from the small town of 3,000 residents. Fast forward a... → Read More
Bill proposes support for childcare for both parents and providers
On any given day at the Waypoint Children’s Place and Education Center, Kelly Bozetarnik wears many different hats. Her formal role is the director. But most days at the child care center off of Loudon Road, she is a director, a teacher, an assistant... → Read More
Removed for renovations: when a landlord wants to repair, tenants are displaced in a tight rental market
Leah Fagen and Andrew Mason know when you live in a place for six years, you collect stuff. A lot of stuff. They learned this the hard way, after unexpectedly packing up and moving out of their two-bedroom Concord apartment on short notice because... → Read More
No changes made to Pittsfield town and school budgets ahead of election day
For $1 and a line item in the budget, Dan Schroth wants to start a committee to get students talking about ways to reduce the carbon footprint in Pittsfield. But after an amendment to change the school budget failed, Schroth was out of luck again at... → Read More
In Loudon, retention is top of mind with salary increases for town employees
In the last year, Loudon has seen firefighters, EMTs, a highway employee, the planning and zoning board secretary and members of police department hand in letters of resignation.A pattern is clear among these losses – employees are leaving as other... → Read More
Warner proposes 18.8% budget increase along with road paving and vehicle replacements
Maintenance will be the underlying theme for Warner residents at Town Meeting in March.In addition to a proposed operating budget of almost $4.4 million, which is an increase 18.8 %, voters will consider warrant articles that will expend funds for... → Read More
Concord organizations extend hours to create 24-hours of warmth for homeless during extreme cold
Brandon Dumont spends the odd hours of the day sitting in the warmth of his blue 2004 Toyota RAV4. When Concord’s Homeless Resource Center closes, and before meals have begun at the Friendly Kitchen, Dumont says he’s lucky to have a vehicle to keep... → Read More
Bill to enshrine abortion rights into state law heard in Senate committee
When Rebecca Perkins Kwoka first discussed access to abortion in the New Hampshire Senate last year, she was 24 weeks pregnant. The 24-week mark holds significance in New Hampshire – it’s the timeframe in which abortion is no longer legal in the state... → Read More
InvestNH fund used to leverage 152 housing units in Concord, with 90% considered ‘affordable’
Three housing projects in Concord will add to the city’s affordable housing stock, with funding grants from InvestNH, the $100 million statewide fund to accelerate development.Developers at the three Concord projects – on Sheep Davis... → Read More
For Kevin Kincaid, a chance from a local landlord provides an apartment of his own
From the porch of Kevin Kincaid’s one-bedroom apartment, he can see the gold dome of the State House a few blocks away. In his living room, Christmas lights decorate the blank walls.This time last year, Kincaid lived in a hotel. Before that, he... → Read More
Former president’s visit underscores divide among NH GOP
As the crowd applauded former President Donald Trump, who gave the keynote speech Saturday at the annual GOP meeting in Salem, a former state party chairman was not in attendance.Steve Duprey is among a list of prominent New Hampshire Republicans who... → Read More