Fate of Prescott, Paugus aves up for vote Sept. 14

LACONIA — A public hearing to declare Prescott and Paugus avenues as emergency lanes with no expiration date is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 14.

The city council voted unanimously, on Aug. 24, to gather public feedback prior to the declaration of the lanes. The decision is between making the two roads emergency lanes, or winter-only emergency lanes.

“I know that I speak for a good number of my neighbors when I say that a winter-only declaration would just not be sufficient,” said Claire Bennett, resident of Prescott.

Bennett described the visit from public works staff and Fire Chief Tim Joubert, who agreed action was needed for safe emergency vehicle access after touring the roads. Bennett said heavy rains recently have washed out many potholes even further. The public works staff has now filled many of them.

“I think my main point is that it is not just a winter issue. It is an all round issue maintaining safety on that road,” Bennett said. “Heavy rains can happen anytime. That's just as much of a problem as snow and ice.”

“I'd like to thank you tonight, for tonight's resolution to establish Prescott and Paugus avenues as an emergency lane. I appreciate the council taking this interim measure as it begins the process of exploring a permanent betterment solution toward street acceptance,” said Mark Hamill, longtime resident of Paugus.

Bennett brought up waste pickup concerns.

“We've talked about it, with Councilor [Mike] Conant, about a separate ruling, and I don't know if that's the right terminology, but some instructions to enable continuation of trash pickup services. So, it's not just the emergency lane, maintenance trash services on our road.

“I'd just like to know what the time frame is, and what indeed are the next steps beyond this question of the emergency lane?”

Further discussions will be had during the public hearing at the council meeting on Monday, Sept. 14, at City Hall.