Public Meeting Flyer: Â NH1A-Community Meetings (1)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 8, 2014
Contact: Scott Bogle
Rockingham Planning Commission
603-778-0885
Community Input Sought on Route 1A/1B Coastal Scenic Byway
Are you concerned about traffic congestion on Route 1A or Route 1B? Parking? Safe accommodation for bicycling and walking? Public access to the beach? Do you see things that can be done better to support economic development while protecting quality of life?
The Rockingham Planning Commission is updating the Corridor Management Plan for the NH Coastal Scenic Byway, which follows Route 1A and Route 1B from Seabrook through Hampton, North Hampton, Rye and New Castle to Portsmouth.
“The purpose of the study is to gather input from corridor residents and visitors to shape recommendations for protecting the corridor’s scenic, cultural and natural resources and addressing traffic concerns; while supporting recreation and local and regional economic development goalsâ€, said Scott Bogle, Senior Transportation Planner with the Rockingham Planning Commission. The study includes an extensive survey of visitors to the Seacoast happening this summer; a survey of corridor community residents completed this spring; a series of community meetings; inventories of historic, scenic and natural resources, and a traffic and roadway and safety assessment.
Three community meetings for the project are coming up in late May and early June:
- Wednesday, May 28 at 7:00pm at Rye Public Library
- Wednesday June 4 at 7:00pm at Portsmouth Public Library
- Thursday June 12 at 7:00pm at Marston School in Hampton
The study is being overseen by a Project Advisory Committee including representatives from each of the corridor communities, NHDOT, NH State Parks, Hampton Beach Area Commission, chambers of commerce and other local and regional stakeholders.
“The NH Coastal Scenic Byway provides an important connection between the communities of the seacoast region and a means of accessing and appreciating the many cultural, historic, and natural resources within each of the byway communitiesâ€, says Juliet Walker, Transportation Planner with the City of Portsmouth. “The Corridor Management Plan is a regional planning process that brings the byway communities together to collaborate to protect and enhance the intrinsic qualities of the byway, which supports the economic and cultural vitality of the region as a whole. Portsmouth’s participation in this planning process aligns with the City’s Master Plan Vision and more recent policies, by improving walkability and bikeability, preserving history, protecting natural resources, the waterfront, and views.â€
†A lot has changed in Hampton Beach area since the original corridor management plan was done for the Byway in 1996â€, said John Nyhan, President of the Hampton Beach Area Commission. “State and Town Improvements to the roadway infrastructure and facilities at Hampton Beach State Park were among the key recommendations in the 1996 study, which was helpful in getting that work done. This is an opportunity to look at visitors’ and residents’ desires and concerns in a coordinated way up and down the coast; and identify priorities for improvements to the Hampton Beach area, as well as protecting the resources that people come here to enjoyâ€
The community meetings will provide an overview of the Byway and findings from the community resident survey; while focusing mainly on gathering input from community residents and business owners on local concerns about the corridor and priorities for protection and/or improvements.
With questions please contact Scott Bogle at the Rockingham Planning Commission at 778-0885 or [email protected].
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