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Chamber urges restoration of downtown parking; Wolfeboro adopts DOT-standard crosswalk design
Summary
The Wolfeboro Area Chamber of Commerce urged the Select Board to restore parking spaces removed for crosswalk changes and to follow data-driven, multi-step pedestrian-safety practices; following deliberation the board voted to adopt DOT-standard red crosswalks with white stripes (stripe spacing to follow DOT guidance where feasible).
Representatives from the Wolfeboro Area Chamber of Commerce told the Select Board that removing on‑street parking to accommodate crosswalk changes hurt downtown businesses and urged a data-driven compromise that balances safety with access.
Mary DeVries (speaker 21) and Lynn Palmer (speaker 17) read a position letter citing industry best practices and petition results from the March vote (petition articles reported as receiving 1,520 and 1,271 yes votes in the material supplied to the board). They urged the board to consider a multi-step approach—painting, colored materials, signage and a targeted one-space-open model—rather than removing parking broadly.
Board members noted the petitions and public reaction, but also cited recent incidents and traffic-engineering guidance. Public Works Director Steve Randall (speaker 25) presented a crosswalk rendering that would reset crosswalks to red fields with white transverse stripes. After discussion about the number of stripes and spacing the board amended a motion to adopt DOT-standard striping (stripe width and spacing per DOT where the roadway accommodates it) and unanimously approved the amended motion.
Board members and chamber representatives emphasized the need for additional public outreach and an engineering-backed approach; the Chamber asked the board to be mindful of the summer business season and to return a clear plan. The board requested revised renderings and sign plans to show the final design and the placement of parking and bike/pedestrian safety features.
