Signs, signs . . . everywhere a sign: Meredith residents say 10 new ones on a mile-long, dead-end street is way too many
MEREDITH — From Meredith Center Road, Windsong Place snakes left and right, uphill and down eastward through woods and past marshes for about a mile just north of Pickerel Pond before ending in a cul-de-sac not far from the Laconia city line. The road serves some 30 residences, including those strung along Serenity Lane and Sleepy Hollow Road, many of them standing cheek by jowl with a wildlife management area.
Near the junction with Meredith Center a sign warns of children at play and posts a speed limit of 25 mph. Along with four chevron-shaped arrows warning of one especially sharp curve, it is the only traffic sign on the road.
But, much to the consternation of residents, plans are afoot to add another 10 signs to the mix.
"It's significant overkill," Jim Lerner told the selectmen at their meeting yesterday, describing the prospect as "visual pollution" more likely to distract motorists than forestall accidents. He said that residents as well as visitors regularly walk the road while various wild creatures frequently cross it.
Windsong Place is one of any number of roads in town where signs are slated to be replaced, removed, retained and, most controversially, added following the decision of the Board of Selectmen in 2011 to participate in the Rural Signing and Delineation program, funded by the federal government and administered by the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (DOT).
When officials of the DOT first presented the plan, which runs to nearly 30 pages and includes many roads in town, to the Selectboard in July 2011 selectman Herb Vadney, a resident of Sleepy Hollow Road, expressed misgivings about the excessive signage proposed for Windsong Place. Soon afterwards Lerner asked town manager Phil Warren "why do we need to decorate the road with a bazillion signs in less than then one mile" and suggested "how about just one of those squiggly line signs at the start of the road?"
Lerner said that more than a year passed without incident until earlier this month he noticed markings along the edge of the roadway indicating where the signs would be placed and rallied his neighbors to attend the Selectboard meeting.
The plan calls for two striped signs on either side of Windsong Place near the junction with Meredith Center Road. The existing sign, warning of children and setting the 25 mph. limit, along with chevrons at the curve would remain. In addition, four pairs of signs marking bends in the road and slowing speed to 20 mph. would be placed along the length of the road.
Dan Heyduk told the selectmen that he has walked or run on the road everyday for the past seven years — "rain or shine" — and never witnessed anything approaching a motor vehicle accident. Lerner said that Police Chief Kevin Morrow informed him tree have been no reported accidents on the road during the past three years.
"I was looking to live in a rural area in a rural town," Said Bob Gage, who added he had invested significantly in landscaping his property and one of the signs would be put in his garden. He recalled one car that left the road on black ice and two minor mishaps, doubting any would have been prevented by more signage.
After reading a letter from Marty and Alvina Heine who called the proposal "an unnecessary and stupid waste of money,' Vadney, who said he has lived off Windsong Road for 20 years, pointed out that DOT plans to place signs close to where a snowmobile trail crosses the road and suggested trimming trees would have a greater impact on visibility and safety.
Warren explained that although "in its purest form" the program was "all or nothing," meaning funding hinged on following the plan to the letter, he believed adjustments could be made, including removing signs once they were installed. He said the signs would be retro-reflective, in compliance with federal and state standards, and placed primarily according to the "geometry of the street" as well as speed limits and accident histories.
"If it's all or nothing," said Don MacFarland, "I'm speaking in favor of nothing."
Selectman Lou Kahn, who lives on Arbutus Hill Road, said there is only one "pavement ends" sign one the road, because the engineer did not travel far enough to see that the pavement begins and ends once again. "I also have a tractor and a chain," he remarked.
Near the junction with Meredith Center a sign warns of children at play and posts a speed limit of 25 mph. Along with four chevron-shaped arrows warning of one especially sharp curve, it is the only traffic sign on the road.
But, much to the consternation of residents, plans are afoot to add another 10 signs to the mix.
"It's significant overkill," Jim Lerner told the selectmen at their meeting yesterday, describing the prospect as "visual pollution" more likely to distract motorists than forestall accidents. He said that residents as well as visitors regularly walk the road while various wild creatures frequently cross it.
Windsong Place is one of any number of roads in town where signs are slated to be replaced, removed, retained and, most controversially, added following the decision of the Board of Selectmen in 2011 to participate in the Rural Signing and Delineation program, funded by the federal government and administered by the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (DOT).
When officials of the DOT first presented the plan, which runs to nearly 30 pages and includes many roads in town, to the Selectboard in July 2011 selectman Herb Vadney, a resident of Sleepy Hollow Road, expressed misgivings about the excessive signage proposed for Windsong Place. Soon afterwards Lerner asked town manager Phil Warren "why do we need to decorate the road with a bazillion signs in less than then one mile" and suggested "how about just one of those squiggly line signs at the start of the road?"
Lerner said that more than a year passed without incident until earlier this month he noticed markings along the edge of the roadway indicating where the signs would be placed and rallied his neighbors to attend the Selectboard meeting.
The plan calls for two striped signs on either side of Windsong Place near the junction with Meredith Center Road. The existing sign, warning of children and setting the 25 mph. limit, along with chevrons at the curve would remain. In addition, four pairs of signs marking bends in the road and slowing speed to 20 mph. would be placed along the length of the road.
Dan Heyduk told the selectmen that he has walked or run on the road everyday for the past seven years — "rain or shine" — and never witnessed anything approaching a motor vehicle accident. Lerner said that Police Chief Kevin Morrow informed him tree have been no reported accidents on the road during the past three years.
"I was looking to live in a rural area in a rural town," Said Bob Gage, who added he had invested significantly in landscaping his property and one of the signs would be put in his garden. He recalled one car that left the road on black ice and two minor mishaps, doubting any would have been prevented by more signage.
After reading a letter from Marty and Alvina Heine who called the proposal "an unnecessary and stupid waste of money,' Vadney, who said he has lived off Windsong Road for 20 years, pointed out that DOT plans to place signs close to where a snowmobile trail crosses the road and suggested trimming trees would have a greater impact on visibility and safety.
Warren explained that although "in its purest form" the program was "all or nothing," meaning funding hinged on following the plan to the letter, he believed adjustments could be made, including removing signs once they were installed. He said the signs would be retro-reflective, in compliance with federal and state standards, and placed primarily according to the "geometry of the street" as well as speed limits and accident histories.
"If it's all or nothing," said Don MacFarland, "I'm speaking in favor of nothing."
Selectman Lou Kahn, who lives on Arbutus Hill Road, said there is only one "pavement ends" sign one the road, because the engineer did not travel far enough to see that the pavement begins and ends once again. "I also have a tractor and a chain," he remarked.
Last Updated on Tuesday, 21 May 2013 02:39
Hits: 224
Community Services sells all $956,250 in tax credits to help pay for $2.4 million renovation of Laconia's old Federal Bldg.
LACONIA — Chris Santaniello, executive director of Lakes Region Community Services, announced yesterday that the agency completed the sale of $956,250 worth of tax credits, which is among the largest grants of tax credits in the history of the Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA) and the largest share of the financing to renovate the agency's new home in the Federal Building.
LRCS provides services to individuals living with developmental disabilities and acquired brain disorders as well as to their families throughout Belknap County and southern Grafton County.
The tax credits represent contributions to the agency from more than three dozen corporate donors in return for credits against their liability for state business taxes. Santaniello said that some firms took the opportunity to leverage a charitable contribution, but "what was amazing was that once some of these businesses learned more about LRCS they purchased more tax credits."
In 2009 LRCS was notified that it would have to leave the building on the former campus of the Laconia State School where it had operated since the 1980s. But, but before the year was out the agency was awarded the Federal Building on North Main Street, earlier vacated by the headquarters staff of the White Mountain National Forest.
In addition to the tax credits, LRCS secured a $25,745 grant from the CDFA to fund an energy audit as well as a $500,000 loan at two-percent and $225,000 Energy Enterprise grant, also through the CDFA, to install efficient heating and cooling systems. A Community Development Block Grant of $500,000 through the city of Laconia and a $145,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture/Rural Development topped off the $2,351,995 package to finance the renovation.
"We set some very extremely ambitious goals with this project," said Gary Lemay, president of the board of directors, "We got there." He stressed the importance of locating downtown where the agency could "support other businesses that support us."
Joanne Piper-Lang, director of development, said that the project led to the restoration of a historic building, provided a home for an important agency and introduced a new asset to downtown Laconia.
Santaniello said that "beyond the financial benefits, this opportunity has opened doors and built relationships for LRCS," explaining that the agency has entered partnerships with businesses it did not have before that she deemed "just as significant as the financial support we received."
LRCS provides services to individuals living with developmental disabilities and acquired brain disorders as well as to their families throughout Belknap County and southern Grafton County.
The tax credits represent contributions to the agency from more than three dozen corporate donors in return for credits against their liability for state business taxes. Santaniello said that some firms took the opportunity to leverage a charitable contribution, but "what was amazing was that once some of these businesses learned more about LRCS they purchased more tax credits."
In 2009 LRCS was notified that it would have to leave the building on the former campus of the Laconia State School where it had operated since the 1980s. But, but before the year was out the agency was awarded the Federal Building on North Main Street, earlier vacated by the headquarters staff of the White Mountain National Forest.
In addition to the tax credits, LRCS secured a $25,745 grant from the CDFA to fund an energy audit as well as a $500,000 loan at two-percent and $225,000 Energy Enterprise grant, also through the CDFA, to install efficient heating and cooling systems. A Community Development Block Grant of $500,000 through the city of Laconia and a $145,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture/Rural Development topped off the $2,351,995 package to finance the renovation.
"We set some very extremely ambitious goals with this project," said Gary Lemay, president of the board of directors, "We got there." He stressed the importance of locating downtown where the agency could "support other businesses that support us."
Joanne Piper-Lang, director of development, said that the project led to the restoration of a historic building, provided a home for an important agency and introduced a new asset to downtown Laconia.
Santaniello said that "beyond the financial benefits, this opportunity has opened doors and built relationships for LRCS," explaining that the agency has entered partnerships with businesses it did not have before that she deemed "just as significant as the financial support we received."
Last Updated on Saturday, 18 May 2013 03:07
Hits: 68
Celebrity Chefs kick off Restaurant Week in N.H.
LOUDON — The New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association's second annual Restaurant Week in New Hampshire held its official kickoff to the statewide culinary event on Friday at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The Celebrity Chefs and dignitaries revved up for a great kickoff as the green flag was dropped by NHMS General Manager, Jerry Gappens, and NHLRA Chairman Joel Bourassa.
More than 150 restaurants and lodging properties across the state are taking part in the statewide Restaurant Week from May 17-24. The eight-day event features restaurants presenting three-course lunch and/or dinner menus at three price points. A mobile-friendly restaurant finder atRestaurantWeekNH.com makes it easy for diners to find the eateries that best complement their appetites.
Restaurant Week NH is presented by The NH Liquor and Wine Outlets and Great New Hampshire Restaurants (T-BONES, Cactus Jack's and Copper Door). Supporting sponsors are Coca-Cola, Bombay Sapphire East Gin, Woodford Reserve, and Estancia Wines. Contributing sponsors are American Express, Sysco, PSNH, Smuttynose Brewing Company, and the Woodstock Station Inn & Brewery. The kick-off event sponsor is New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
For more information about the event, visit RestaurantWeekNH.com or call the NHLRA at (603) 228-9585. The NHLRA is at 341 Loudon Road, Unit 3, Concord, NH 03302. For updates on Restaurant Week via social media, follow on Twitter at twitter.com/RestaurantsNH or like the Facebook page at facebook.com/RestaurantWeekNH.
For more information about the New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant Association, visit NHLRA.com.
More than 150 restaurants and lodging properties across the state are taking part in the statewide Restaurant Week from May 17-24. The eight-day event features restaurants presenting three-course lunch and/or dinner menus at three price points. A mobile-friendly restaurant finder atRestaurantWeekNH.com makes it easy for diners to find the eateries that best complement their appetites.
Restaurant Week NH is presented by The NH Liquor and Wine Outlets and Great New Hampshire Restaurants (T-BONES, Cactus Jack's and Copper Door). Supporting sponsors are Coca-Cola, Bombay Sapphire East Gin, Woodford Reserve, and Estancia Wines. Contributing sponsors are American Express, Sysco, PSNH, Smuttynose Brewing Company, and the Woodstock Station Inn & Brewery. The kick-off event sponsor is New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
For more information about the event, visit RestaurantWeekNH.com or call the NHLRA at (603) 228-9585. The NHLRA is at 341 Loudon Road, Unit 3, Concord, NH 03302. For updates on Restaurant Week via social media, follow on Twitter at twitter.com/RestaurantsNH or like the Facebook page at facebook.com/RestaurantWeekNH.
For more information about the New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant Association, visit NHLRA.com.
Last Updated on Saturday, 18 May 2013 02:53
Hits: 32
City will hold May 28 public hearing on sewer rate fees
LACONIA — The City Council this week scheduled a public hearing for Monday, May 28 at 7 p.m. to address a recommendation by the Finance Committee to increase the sewer rates in each of the next three fiscal years, as recommended by the Finance Committee.
Finance Director Donna Woodaman explained that at the current rates the Sanitary Sewer Fund, which finances the operating expenses and capital outlays of the system, is running an annual deficit as expenses of $3,882,845 exceed revenues of of $3,275,157 by $607,688.
The sewer rate consists of a fixed quarterly fee and a consumption charge, which are currently $30 and $3.30 per hundred cubic feet (HCF), or 748 gallons, respectively.
The Finance Committee recommends raising the quarterly fee to $32.50 in 2014, to $33.25 in 2015 and to $34 in 2016 and the consumption charge to $3.69, $4.19 and $4.75 over the same period. The increases would apply to all 9,894 metered customers in each of the three years while the higher rates would apply to those with only sewer service and seasonal properties beginning in 2015.
For metered properties, the average residential sewer bill, based on annual consumption of 120 HCF, is projected to rise from $516 to $572.80 in 2014, $635.80 in 2015 and $706 in 2016, or by 11 percent each year.
Woodaman projects the proposed rate schedule would shrink the deficit in the Sanitary Sewer Fund to $287,711 in 2014 and to $69,442 in 2015 before returning a positive balance of $180,994 in 2016.
The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES) recently projected that the city will need to repair, replace and construct sewers in the foreseeable future at an estimated cost approaching $12 million.
At the same time, the capital improvement program of the Winnipesaukee River Basin Program (WRBP), which represents 63 percent of the annual operating budget of the sanitary sewer fund, projects capital improvements costing $54.6 million to be undertaken in the next 10 years. These include major improvements at the wastewater treatment plant in Franklin as well as to pump stations and sewer mains. As the largest of the 10 member municipalities of the WRBP, the city bears 40 percent of the program's capital budget.
In addition to the treatment plant, the WRBP includes 14 pump stations and 60 miles of sewer lines. built between 1973 and 1993 at a cost of $75 million. Federal grants accounted for three-quarters of the cost and state grants for another fifth while the 10 municipalities contributed 5 percent. Woodaman said that although the federal government offers low-cost financing, the cost of maintaining the system falls entirely to the member municipalities.
Finance Director Donna Woodaman explained that at the current rates the Sanitary Sewer Fund, which finances the operating expenses and capital outlays of the system, is running an annual deficit as expenses of $3,882,845 exceed revenues of of $3,275,157 by $607,688.
The sewer rate consists of a fixed quarterly fee and a consumption charge, which are currently $30 and $3.30 per hundred cubic feet (HCF), or 748 gallons, respectively.
The Finance Committee recommends raising the quarterly fee to $32.50 in 2014, to $33.25 in 2015 and to $34 in 2016 and the consumption charge to $3.69, $4.19 and $4.75 over the same period. The increases would apply to all 9,894 metered customers in each of the three years while the higher rates would apply to those with only sewer service and seasonal properties beginning in 2015.
For metered properties, the average residential sewer bill, based on annual consumption of 120 HCF, is projected to rise from $516 to $572.80 in 2014, $635.80 in 2015 and $706 in 2016, or by 11 percent each year.
Woodaman projects the proposed rate schedule would shrink the deficit in the Sanitary Sewer Fund to $287,711 in 2014 and to $69,442 in 2015 before returning a positive balance of $180,994 in 2016.
The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES) recently projected that the city will need to repair, replace and construct sewers in the foreseeable future at an estimated cost approaching $12 million.
At the same time, the capital improvement program of the Winnipesaukee River Basin Program (WRBP), which represents 63 percent of the annual operating budget of the sanitary sewer fund, projects capital improvements costing $54.6 million to be undertaken in the next 10 years. These include major improvements at the wastewater treatment plant in Franklin as well as to pump stations and sewer mains. As the largest of the 10 member municipalities of the WRBP, the city bears 40 percent of the program's capital budget.
In addition to the treatment plant, the WRBP includes 14 pump stations and 60 miles of sewer lines. built between 1973 and 1993 at a cost of $75 million. Federal grants accounted for three-quarters of the cost and state grants for another fifth while the 10 municipalities contributed 5 percent. Woodaman said that although the federal government offers low-cost financing, the cost of maintaining the system falls entirely to the member municipalities.
Last Updated on Saturday, 18 May 2013 02:42
Hits: 33
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