Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Master Plan topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Plaistow Planning Board narrows Master Plan focus on traffic calming, sidewalks and NHDOT timeline
Summary
At its March 4 meeting the Planning Board asked the RPC to lead a transportation-focused Master Plan session, discussed traffic-calming options and sidewalks, and heard that NHDOT work on local traffic projects is unlikely to begin before 2028.
The Town of Plaistow Planning Board on March 4 reviewed the Transportation chapter of its Master Plan with an emphasis on traffic calming and pedestrian infrastructure.
Chair Richard Anthony said the board will ask the regional planning commission (RPC) to emcee a meeting with interested parties focused on transportation and traffic calming. Planning Technician Shea Ramaker told the board Plaistow participates in Salem Caregivers for senior transportation, a point raised while comparing services with neighboring Atkinson.
Why it matters: transportation policies in the Master Plan guide where and how the town can prioritize pedestrian safety, roadway design and coordination with state projects that affect maintenance costs and local budgets.
Board members discussed potential traffic-calming tools. Selectman’s Representative Bill Coye warned that taking a road back from the State would transfer maintenance costs to the town and “Town taxes would go up” if that were done. He also said NHDOT work on the projects discussed is on the DOT calendar but he doubted work would begin before 2028.
Members reviewed specific Master Plan items labeled T‑4 and T‑5. The board noted the sidewalk plow is disabled and awaiting parts, which affects winter maintenance of pedestrian facilities. Alternate member Nolan Pelletier compared Plaistow’s options to a Haverhill project on North Avenue, which appears to extend sidewalks to the state line and add a rotary; Pelletier asked whether Plaistow should pursue a rotary or require builders to add sidewalks and who would be responsible for maintenance.
The board agreed to invite the Southern New Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and PACE back for another presentation to discuss local development and transportation concerns related to the Master Plan. Chair Anthony also reviewed a letter from Greg Colby to Curtis Morrill about the Traffic Calming and Safety Improvement Project (Plaistow 40641).
The discussion raised a mix of planning, operational and funding questions the board said it will address in future meetings, including coordination with RPC and follow-up with state authorities.
