Jeanie Forrester: Meredith Selectboard focused on making Main Street friendlier to pedestrians

The June 23 Meredith Selectboard meeting topics included an engineering presentation on the Main Street Project, a discussion about the use of Hesky Park, and a request by the police chief to purchase portable radios.

Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc., a multidisciplinary American civil engineering consulting and design company, was contracted by the town to propose a safety and revitalization project for Main Street. The purpose of the project is to upgrade infrastructure along the Main Street corridor to enhance economic vitality by improving safety and accessibility for all users of our Main Street.

VHB’s assessment used previous work of the 2005 Plan NH Charrette, the 2021 Road Safety Audit and the 2024 Image Meredith Listening Session. Their recommendations focus heavily on pedestrian safety and accessibility with suggested utility alterations for improved function and appearance.

Main Street as it currently exists poses significant pedestrian safety issues. The Road Safety Audit noted high vehicular speeds, sightline inadequacies, lack of centerline pavement markings, and non-compliant sidewalks, crosswalks, and wheelchair ramps, all contributing to an environment that is less than pedestrian-friendly. There is a critical need to make our downtown safer for residents and visitors alike. 

VHB’s initial scope of work included a survey of existing conditions, developing concepts that address recommendations from the Road Safety Audit, investigating the feasibility of putting aerial utilities underground, assessing water and sewer infrastructure and appropriate improvements.

Inclusive of that work was consideration of converting Main Street to one-way traffic. A review of the pros and cons of one-way and two-way traffic patterns concluded two-way traffic was the better alternative. Next steps will be to complete the water and sewer assessment, complete the feasibility study for underground utilities, and create a timeline for a preliminary design.

There was a discussion about the use of Hesky Park and whether deed restrictions prevented for-profit businesses from using the park. General practice has only allowed nonprofits to use the park, although the deed does not restrict for-profit use.

The discussion was initiated by a request to use the park to bring back the very popular Chowderfest that took place annually for 22 years in early October. While restaurants that participated were for-profit businesses, the funds raised were donated to benefit the Lakes Region Conservation Trust, a nonprofit organization that works to conserve the natural heritage of New Hampshire's Lakes Region.

After some discussion, the selectboard agreed the practice of only allowing nonprofits to use Hesky Park would continue but that events that included for-profits, for the purpose of benefitting nonprofits, would also continue to be allowed.

The police chief asked the selectboard to approve the purchase of Motorola portable two-way radios explaining they are a necessary tool for effective communication. Most of the radios are over 10 years old, are considered obsolete and therefore no longer serviceable. The new radios cost just over $4,000 each, will come with a five-year service contract and are expected to remain serviceable for at least seven years. The board approved the purchase of up to 17 radios using funds from the Police Detail Revolving Fund. The balance in the fund after purchase will be $32,400, and there will be no fiscal impact to the 2025 general fund budget.

The next meeting of the select board is on Monday, July 14.

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Jeanie Forrester serves on the Meredith Selectboard.