Selectmen hear updated downtown streetscape plans; designers push wider brick band, benches and trees

Design consultants presented preliminary designs and environmental review work for the Milford Downtown Improvement Project at the Board of Selectmen meeting on Jan. 27, detailing next steps on sidewalks, utility investigations and cultural‑resource reviews.

The consultant from VHB described progress on a full set of preliminary plans that will be reviewed by the town and the New Hampshire Department of Transportation. Because the project uses federal funds, it must complete federal environmental documentation. The design team reported that archaeologists completed an initial overview at the library site and found no artifacts requiring a second phase of investigation, and that the New Hampshire Division of Historic Resources is reviewing documentation related to the library building’s history and later additions.

The team said the library property will require geotechnical borings to assess ledge so designers can size subsurface stormwater detention and treatment systems necessary because the project increases impervious surface. Consultants also noted some sidewalk sections encroach on private property; the town plans to obtain temporary or permanent easements from affected abutters to allow reconstructed sidewalks to extend to the face of buildings while keeping merchant sidewalk uses.

On design details, landscape architects proposed reconstructing sidewalks with a wider decorative brick band surrounding a five‑foot concrete walking path, and granite block seating at bump‑outs. Consultants presented options the board discussed, including wider brick bands, stamped concrete alternatives and stamped patterns; they said modern brick installation over a concrete base with an asphalt setting bed can hold up much better than older, loose brick installations. Stamped concrete was described as less durable and prone to fading.

Board members and public commenters pressed maintenance and winter‑performance concerns for brickwork and tree planting. Public Works Director Leo said trees cause sidewalk damage unless installed with root-management systems, and recommended grates or raised planters; he and consultants described modern tree wells and grates and the option of removable planters in bump‑outs to simplify snow removal. Consultants said planters and benches allow seasonal flexibility and recommended using planters rather than in-ground plantings where snow removal and irrigation are concerns.

On lighting, consultants said they will inventory existing poles and identify dark spots; the plan calls for additional fixtures near crosswalks and about a dozen new lights along the project corridor, plus the possibility of upgraded poles or refurbished existing poles painted to match a selected finish. Questions about hanging baskets, bench retention and bike racks came up; board members favored keeping donor‑installed benches and exploring bike rack locations away from the oval.

Budget and phasing drew repeated questions. Consultants said the preliminary design phase will firm up cost estimates and contingencies; town staff and the board stressed prioritizing core infrastructure (curb, sidewalk, drainage and utility work) and using planters, trees and benches as add‑ons if the budget allows. The board asked staff to revisit contingencies once design decisions narrow the scope.

Next steps: consultants will complete preliminary design, submit plans to DOT for review and move into final design. The project team also said it will begin required borings and right‑of‑way surveys soon and will pursue easements where sidewalks currently intrude on private property.

Public comments at the meeting urged using durable surfacing and adding lighting; residents and committee members asked the town to consider irrigation for any new planters and to coordinate bench preservation or donor recognition. The design team and town staff said they will return to the board with updated cost estimates and refined plans before advancing to construction.

Ending: The board did not take an action vote but provided clear direction to prioritize infrastructure, keep streetlighting and crosswalk safety high on the list, and pursue options that minimize long‑term maintenance burdens. Consultants will return with a refined preliminary design and an updated cost estimate.