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August 01. 2012 12:14AM
Nashua’s downtown to receive facelift
NASHUA — Ten blocks along Main Street are expected to undergo major sidewalk improvements within the next three years, a project that could cost upwards of $2 million.
Mayor Donnalee Lozeau presented her downtown improvement plan to city officials, staff and merchants on Tuesday, laying out a massive map with dozens of changes.
In addition to improving all of the sidewalks, city workers will correct drainage problems and install new street lights, mast arm mounted traffic signals, benches, trash containers and newspaper units, according to Lozeau, adding every tree along Main Street will be removed and then new trees will be planted with root barriers so that they do not destroy the new sidewalks.
“This is not just a sidewalk project,” said Lozeau, explaining every crosswalk will be easily accessible for wheelchair use, new bike racks will be installed, recycling bins will be added and new tree grates will be constructed.
Work has already begun in the downtown area, as members of the city’s Public Works Department have been busy installing new sidewalks along both sides of the Main Street Bridge.
Those improvements are just the beginning, said the mayor, explaining it could take up to three years for all of the recommended changes to be made. The price tag, she estimated, is around $2 million, but that could vary depending on whether officials prefer brick, concrete or a combination of sidewalk surfaces.
“What is important is that we want to give people comfort and the safety of being downtown,” said Lozeau, explaining more efficient lighting will be used and multipurpose light posts will be installed that provide street and sidewalk lighting from a single pole.
Newspaper condos will be installed that will house six different newspapers in one unit, which will remove some of the downtown clutter from numerous honor boxes, she said.
“I am sure we haven’t thought of everything,” said Lozeau, welcoming input from those who gathered at City Hall to hear her presentation.
Several downtown business owners were on hand to express their gratitude for the project, but to also voice concerns about how the construction could potentially hinder their business, even if it is just temporary.
Harry Dumont, who owns property from 170-186 Main St., said he is mostly worried about the business holiday season and whether work will be under way around Christmas.
Lozeau said the weather will determine the schedule, but she anticipates that construction crews will end for the season in November, adding workers will be sympathetic to the needs of downtown merchants while they are in the area.
“This will set the appearance of downtown for decades to come,” said Alderman-at-Large James Donchess, questioning whether professional landscape architects or expert designers are being included in the plans for the project.
While Donchess said he does not necessarily agree with the public perception that the city’s Public Works Department is inefficient, he was curious about the cost differential if the city did not do the work internally, but instead went out to bid for the project.
Lozeau said she expects a costs savings by having city staff complete the work, adding they are already on the clock. In addition, the mayor said she is talking with experts in concrete and masonry to receive feedback about the design work.
“I like the plan, it sounds good,” Alderman-at-Large Lori Wilshire said during last night’s presentation.
Proposed funding for downtown sidewalk improvements recently created a storm of questions from some aldermen who wanted to see a detailed and comprehensive plan before any additional money was allocated.
Earlier this summer during budget deliberations, the aldermanic Budget Review Committee originally eliminated $250,000 from the budget that was reserved for economic development and downtown sidewalk improvements.
However, after pleas from several downtown business owners to reconsider the funding, the committee essentially reversed its decision and restored the funding, which was also approved by aldermen.
khoughton@newstote.com
Mayor Donnalee Lozeau presented her downtown improvement plan to city officials, staff and merchants on Tuesday, laying out a massive map with dozens of changes.
In addition to improving all of the sidewalks, city workers will correct drainage problems and install new street lights, mast arm mounted traffic signals, benches, trash containers and newspaper units, according to Lozeau, adding every tree along Main Street will be removed and then new trees will be planted with root barriers so that they do not destroy the new sidewalks.
“This is not just a sidewalk project,” said Lozeau, explaining every crosswalk will be easily accessible for wheelchair use, new bike racks will be installed, recycling bins will be added and new tree grates will be constructed.
Work has already begun in the downtown area, as members of the city’s Public Works Department have been busy installing new sidewalks along both sides of the Main Street Bridge.
Those improvements are just the beginning, said the mayor, explaining it could take up to three years for all of the recommended changes to be made. The price tag, she estimated, is around $2 million, but that could vary depending on whether officials prefer brick, concrete or a combination of sidewalk surfaces.
“What is important is that we want to give people comfort and the safety of being downtown,” said Lozeau, explaining more efficient lighting will be used and multipurpose light posts will be installed that provide street and sidewalk lighting from a single pole.
Newspaper condos will be installed that will house six different newspapers in one unit, which will remove some of the downtown clutter from numerous honor boxes, she said.
“I am sure we haven’t thought of everything,” said Lozeau, welcoming input from those who gathered at City Hall to hear her presentation.
Several downtown business owners were on hand to express their gratitude for the project, but to also voice concerns about how the construction could potentially hinder their business, even if it is just temporary.
Harry Dumont, who owns property from 170-186 Main St., said he is mostly worried about the business holiday season and whether work will be under way around Christmas.
Lozeau said the weather will determine the schedule, but she anticipates that construction crews will end for the season in November, adding workers will be sympathetic to the needs of downtown merchants while they are in the area.
“This will set the appearance of downtown for decades to come,” said Alderman-at-Large James Donchess, questioning whether professional landscape architects or expert designers are being included in the plans for the project.
While Donchess said he does not necessarily agree with the public perception that the city’s Public Works Department is inefficient, he was curious about the cost differential if the city did not do the work internally, but instead went out to bid for the project.
Lozeau said she expects a costs savings by having city staff complete the work, adding they are already on the clock. In addition, the mayor said she is talking with experts in concrete and masonry to receive feedback about the design work.
“I like the plan, it sounds good,” Alderman-at-Large Lori Wilshire said during last night’s presentation.
Proposed funding for downtown sidewalk improvements recently created a storm of questions from some aldermen who wanted to see a detailed and comprehensive plan before any additional money was allocated.
Earlier this summer during budget deliberations, the aldermanic Budget Review Committee originally eliminated $250,000 from the budget that was reserved for economic development and downtown sidewalk improvements.
However, after pleas from several downtown business owners to reconsider the funding, the committee essentially reversed its decision and restored the funding, which was also approved by aldermen.
khoughton@newstote.com