Select Board to hold public hearing after request to reconsider Main Street parking changes

The Wolfeboro Select Board agreed on July 19 to schedule a public hearing to revisit a June 4 decision that removed parking spaces adjacent to five downtown crosswalks between Endicott and Glendon streets. The board said it will leave the crosswalk markings intact while it gathers public input. Select Board members who moved to reconsider said they received feedback from downtown business owners and residents requesting a compromise that preserves visibility at crosswalks but restores some parking. Supporters of the original change emphasized pedestrian safety and cited federal and state guidance that recommends parking restrictions near crosswalks to increase sight distance. One board member reported a 37‑sample count of downtown parking availability and said the data did not show demonstrable harm to parking supply. The board unanimously approved placing the question on a public hearing agenda; the hearing date will be set by staff. Until that meeting, the board said it will hold the crosswalk layout and not undo the June 4 markings.