Committee approves directional signs for Granite State Escape; DPW flags feasibility concerns

The Public Safety, Health and Traffic Committee of the Manchester Board of Mayor & Aldermen voted to approve a request from Granite State Escape to install directional road signs, contingent on New Hampshire Department of Transportation approval to add the business to the I-293 attraction sign at exit 5.

Committee members and Department of Public Works staff said the request raised operational questions. Alderman Long recounted a 2020 wayfinding effort and warned that adding businesses to state-directional signs can lead to proliferation of local wayfinding posts the city must maintain: “we moved a lot of signs and there was a way finding plan,” Long said, noting concern about continued clutter if the city must provide additional posts for every business that obtains a state sign listing.

Kiel Dobbin of the Department of Public Works said the application lacked specifics about where and how new signs would attach and that existing Palace Theatre wayfinding posts likely cannot support additional signage. “There have to be a certain height above the sidewalk so people aren't hitting them as they're walking by…and the proposal really gave no specifics,” Dobbin said. DPW staff also noted visibility and pedestrian clearance requirements and said the city will need to assess where new posts could be installed if the state allows a listing.

Committee members asked procedural questions about the state program: one member noted the state sign already had three of four spots filled; another asked who would pay to remove a business from the sign if it closed. Committee members recorded uncertainty about cost and removal responsibilities; Dobbin said he believed the state charges for the highway signs but was not certain who would pay for new posts installed within the city.

The motion to approve the communication was moved by Alderman Berry (recorded as “Barry” in part of the transcript) and seconded by Alderman Morgan. Members present — Chairman Vincent, Alderman Morgan, Alderman Kantor, Alderman Berry and Alderman Goon — answered “Aye,” and the motion was recorded as approved. The approval was explicitly contingent on New Hampshire DOT adding the business to the I-293 attraction sign at exit 5 and on any required city permits or technical approvals; DPW staff advised that the committee should require more detailed plans before physical signs are installed.

Committee members did not specify a timeline for follow-up; the item will proceed to the next steps of state approval and city-level technical review.