Downtown plan workshop April 9 to address traffic, including truck noise concerns

Jenny, the project lead for the downtown development plan, urged committee members to publicize a first public workshop on April 9 at the Great Hall and said interactive workstations and food will be available. She said an online 'scavenger hunt' engagement tool has had about 40 participants so far and remains open through the week.

A committee member raised concerns about substantial truck traffic and engine-brake noise in the downtown area, calling it a barrier to outdoor dining and upper-floor housing. "There's a huge amount of truck traffic," the member said, and suggested the committee consider an engine-brake restriction.

Jenny said the plan's consultant, RKG Associates, has a traffic subconsultant who is analyzing vehicle volumes and truck patterns and will include those findings in the April 9 presentation. "They'll just go over the existing conditions and what they found in terms of the number of vehicles and then the impact they have," she said. Committee members asked whether restrictions would be permitted on state roads; Jenny said she would look into legal constraints and noted some measures may require state DOT approval.

Christy, speaking for town staff, said the town will separately pursue discussions with the state about a previously proposed ramp/accommodation that DOT declined in the past and that new arguments aligned with current state goals may make reconsideration possible.

The committee encouraged members and civic groups to share the scavenger-hunt link and to attend the April 9 workshop so public comments on truck routing and pedestrian safety can be incorporated into the draft plan.