The Town of Northwood, New Hampshire - Planning Board Minutes 04/29/09

Highway Advisory Committee (HAC) Members: Steve Bailey, Bob Bailey,
Joe Holmes, John Lane, Marion Knox, Road Agent Jim Wilson, Selectmen Representative Alden Dill, and Jean Lane recording for the HAC.

Strafford Regional Planning Commission Representative Cynthia Copeland and Myranda McGowan.

Ms. Parmele states that she is the representative for the Northwood Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). She explains that Northwood has not been represented regionally as far as what the town’s transportation needs are. She adds that this is a great opportunity to get onto the NHDOT’s list with Northwood’s priorities. Ms. Parmele provides copies of sections from the town’s Master Plan relative to transportation.

Cynthia Copeland, SRPC representative, explains the process of how the legislature addresses transportation planning every two years. She states that towns should now be soliciting for projects for the next ten year plan. She notes that over the last three cycles there have not been funds available. Ms. Copeland states that funds were only available for emergency and safety problems during the first few cycles and for the last cycle there was money available for projects that had been planned for on the ten year plan.

Myranda McGowan, transportation planner, states that the goal is to assist the town in establishing local priorities for DOT and regional priorities, as well as to determine what projects should be done if funds were available. Ms. McGowan provides a list of categories of projects. The information is reviewed and discussions are held regarding categorizing the town’s priorities. Selectmen Alden Dill comments that he feels the only projects that Northwood would be interested in would be those specific to Rte. 4. Other problem areas are discussed and noted to be the Narrows, and the bridge at Old Canterbury Road and others. Mr. Dill comments that different areas of town have different focuses.

Additional discussion is held regarding alternative transportations for Northwood. Ms. Copeland states that Northwood currently does not have any projects in the current ten year plan. She states that the items noted on the list are projects that may occur within a 15-30 year time frame. Mr. Dill states that there are more pressing issues than what is listed and Ms. Parmele replies that this process is to develop priorities so that Northwood can get projects on the list. She adds that we need to begin discussions to determine what these priorities are.
Ms. McGowan explains that transportation enhancement grants will be available this summer. She explains that this type of grant would be available for bike shoulders and bike lanes. Sidewalks could also be included in this grant. She adds that these types of projects have funding available and are outside of the 10 year plan.

Ms. Parmele states that the town should begin considering corridor planning for Rte. 4. She adds that there are some possibilities for funding. Mr. Jones asks if a corridor study plan could be used to determine a town center for Northwood. Ms. Parmele replies yes and adds that there is wording noted in the Master Plan and how transportation would fit with that. Ms. Parmele refers to a planning board case in which a subdivision was approved with a requirement of a sidewalk and NHDOT has now determined that sidewalks should not be placed in this location. Ms. Parmele states that the planning board has requested a DOT representative to attend the next meeting. Mr. Strobel further explains that a new engineer has requested that the sidewalks will need to be removed due to maintenance issues.

John Lane asks if DOT has any plans for Rte. 4 to address the traffic issues. Ms. Copeland states that DOT has ranked the highways in the state by tier levels and Rte.4 is in one of the top tiers of importance since it is a major connector route. She adds that SRPC applied for a corridor study from Rte. 101 to Rte. 16. DOT paid 100% because this is a primary regional corridor. This was done in two phases and is important for the creation of the Barrington town center. She states that Northwood could incorporate the town center concept and address the traffic and safety problems. Mr. Jones states that a town center could have many other projects associated with it. He asks if the HAC has any information regarding plans for Rte. 4.

Additional discussion is held and Bob Bailey explains that Coe Brown is currently working on purchasing a parcel on Bow Lake Road. He explains that the plan is to build a road through this parcel to Coe Brown to alleviate some of the traffic congestion.

Mr. Bailey continues to explain the possibility of installing a signal light at the intersection of Bow Lake Road and Rte. 4, which will also help with the traffic issues. Ms. Smith notes that Coe Brown will need to submit an application for a site plan as well as the traffic plan.

Further discussion ensues regarding a corridor and Ms. Copeland states that there are limited funds for new highways or expansion of highway except for the components of the interstate system; I-93 and I-89. Selectman Dill points out that each of the towns on Route 4 have different approaches to access management, and they all impact each other. He states that Rte. 4 has a lot of short sight distances with many egresses and accesses. He would like to see the state make Rte. 4 a priority. Ms. Copeland notes that the state’s priority is the preservation and maintenance of the existing system. She adds that the other priority is expansions that must be done; I-93 is court driven. She states that these all help with the next cycle and ten year plan.

A discussion is held regarding alternative forms of transportation. Ms. Parmele states that she would like to see a bus service from the seacoast to Concord. She states that the elderly population is growing and she feels that there is a very important safety aspect that needs to be addressed. Mr. Dill states that senior housing should be located in walking distance to local services. Ms. Parmele states that there is a growing network of bus service throughout the state. Mr. Strobel notes that UNH has tried out a shuttle service and the service is being expanded. He adds that it is his understanding that a long term plan is to add a park and ride at the Lee Traffic Circle, which would anchor a shuttle service between Concord and the Seacoast. Ms. Parmele adds that Durham is considering adding a bus stop along Rte. 4. Ms. Copeland states that the park and ride between Rte. 125 and Rte. 4 is a mitigation action project and has to do with reducing the number of cars during construction projects. She states that this is in the beginning process at this time and DOT is looking for a site with the best area being east of the traffic circle.

Mr. Strobel states that there are two goals of this meeting. He states that one goal is to create a list of the top 10 projects for town roads.

Ms. Copeland explains to the committees represented that it is very important that the planning board’s standards be in place for what is necessary. She states that the regulations need to be in place for the road agent and highway committee so they can have what they need for state and town roads. Ms. Copeland states that there are multiple sources of funding and it all is addressed through the highway and planning board.

Lengthy discussion ensues regarding the list of priorities for Northwood. Mr. Dill states that he feels that the top three could be funding, fixing roads, and expanding roads. Further discussion is held relative to mass transit and density with Route 4 noted to be used by truckers and transporters. Mr. Bailey mentions connector roads off of Route 4. Ms. Parmele agrees and states that side roads are a great option for local residents so they can by-pass Rte. 4.

Mr. Dill states that one major concern is the Gulf Road area. Steve Bailey suggests a road be built off of Winding Hill Rd. and that road would be upgraded and lead to Deerfield. He explains that this will help residents of both towns to by-pass Route 4. Mr. Dill states that the town cannot continue to allow building in this land locked area of Gulf Road with only one access. He adds that they have put this project into the latest stimulus project. Another project suggested is the Narrows and the flooding that has occurred as well as High and West streets and Bow Lake Road with traffic issues.

Mr. Strobel states he has worked with DOT in the past and there were discussions held regarding a local by pass or alternative emergency egress for Rte. 4 in case of accidents as there are many areas along Rte. 4 that do not have other options to detour traffic. He asks if there are any town highway projects that could be done. Steve Bailey explains that if the road agent or the local police detour traffic on town roads, the town is liable for any injuries that occur. He adds that should the state police set up the detour, then the state is liable. Mr. Bailey adds that the state police close the roads or detour only onto other state highways.

Ms. Parmele reads the tally of items prioritized by members present as follows:
Buses = #3
Sidewalks = #8: Sidewalks again are discussed. Mr. Wilson states that with sidewalks there are plowing issues and mailboxes are placed in the sidewalks. Ms. Parmele states that during discussion at the last planning board meeting she recalls that DOT has noted that there is a plowing issue with the sidewalks proposed in the location. She adds that the residents feel that sidewalks are an important as there is a safety factor. Mr. Dill states that there should be sidewalks along Rte. 4 from Coe Brown to Harvey Lake Road, which could be classified under school funding.

Safety and Security Improvement Projects

Access Management and Intersection Improvements Projects
Bicycle Infrastructure: Steve Bailey states that there could be connecting trails added to this item. He refers to I-89 and Mr. Strobel states that this is a transportation enhancement program with separate funding. Mr. Dill states that Doug Reckard is working to compile a map of alternative ways to get through Northwood without accessing Route 4. Ms. Parmele will contact Mr. Reckard.
Ms. Parmele left the meeting at 8:30 p.m. and the planning board meeting is closed. Board Administrator Linda Smith states that there is no longer a quorum of the planning board and recommended that the planning board members, now as citizens, can speak only when acknowledged by the highway advisory committee.

Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Fellows-Weaver
Board Secretary

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