Wolfeboro Chamber urges Select Board to restore downtown parking removed for crosswalks; board seeks engineer and clearer process

Representatives of the Wolfeboro Area Chamber of Commerce urged the Select Board April 15 to consider restoring parking spaces that were removed from downtown streets to improve pedestrian visibility. Mary DeVries and Lynn Palmer, speaking for the Chamber, said business owners reported revenue loss and that two petition warrant articles at Town Meeting signaled strong public interest in restoring some spaces.

"The overwhelming voice of the people was not considered," the Chamber’s position stated in a letter read to the board. Chamber members recommended a data‑driven approach—using industry best practices (NACTO), targeted visibility improvements, and phased changes—rather than an immediate wholesale reversal. The chamber noted 17 spaces were removed overall, including one former law‑enforcement space that they do not want restored.

Select Board members said they want to be careful: several members recalled two recent pedestrian incidents and cited prior engineering and legal advice (Stantec and town counsel) that informed the original action. Board member Paul D'Shay (phonetic) and others said the process used when the spots were removed lacked sufficient public notice and outreach.

The board directed staff to collect additional engineering input and legal guidance—Stantec and counsel had already provided preliminary advice—and to return with a clear, data‑backed recommendation that balances pedestrian safety and downtown parking needs. The Select Board also approved a DOT‑standard crosswalk rendering (red fill with white stripes) and asked Public Works to fit stripe patterns to road widths as appropriate.

Why it matters: downtown parking availability affects seasonal businesses and local commerce; the board signaled its intention to seek more evidence and community input before taking further action.