Downtown, Riverfront Foci of Busy Select Board Session
Local Booster Stops by to Praise Boom, Public Works
Littleton—The Select Board unanimously approved a request by Chamber of Commerce Director Nate Karol to use Main Street’s sidewalks for this year’s Art Festival, planned for September 22nd, 9 am to 4 pm.
“We appreciate it. Thanks very much for your support,” Karol said, right afterwards [04:15]
“Thanks for your work,” replied Town Manager Andrew Dorsett.
The Board agreed to sign a nondisclosure agreement with Great River Hydro, LLC, a firm pursuing re-licensing on three major hydroelectricity projects on the Connecticut River, in Hanover, Walpole, and Hinsdale.
Excavation Project
Green Street is scheduled to be excavated on September 16th, and paved on the 21st, with new lines painted between now and October. The board discussed some of the spot’s history, as well as their goals for the reconstruction, including maximizing new parking. [5:03]
“The areas has been kind of neglected for a while.” said Town Manager Dorsett.
The Select Board also discussed a choice parcel on the far side of the river, currently under consideration for public purchase. The parcel adjoins the planned Rail Trail and municipal park. Town Hall plans to submit a new request to the state authorities, and discussed the lot’s storied past. [24:14]
Citizen Gratitude
Local economic promoter Brian Ward came to give the Public Works Department a big “thank you” for their good work around town, and keeping the weeds down:
“Kudos to the Public Works Department,” Ward said, “In late August and early September, we tend to get a bumper crop of weeds, that grow out of out sidewalks, and they look less than desirable for the busy, dynamic community we have.” [48:30]
Ward also encouraged the Board to pursue the riverfront property, and added to its historical narrative, including its past use by the town of Littleton.
“If we could re-aqauire that, it’s an excellent piece of property for potential parking, in addition to the rails trails.”
Parking is a key constraint on Littleton’s tourist-driven, downtown economy, which Ward said was “absolutely booming.” He celebrated the sharp rise in property values, and hoped it would soon be reflected in the town’s tax base evaluation, which is being re-assessed, and which fell from almost $800 million to $718 million from 2009 to 2017. [52:10]
Ward also praised various investments in Littleton. From tens of millions to the schools and Littleton Regional hospital, to the thirty or more roofing projects underway this summer, all of which indicate a bullish attitude for Littleton’s future, and property owner confidence.
The full video of the 9-10-18 Select Board’s meeting is available below.
Justin Roshak writes for the Littleton Courier, and is a founding, volunteer member of the Granite North TV/Channel 2 Board.