Littleton Board of Selectmen Hold First in Person Meeting since Pandemic
The Littleton Board of Selectmen’s meetings are in full swing. Since the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Board of Selectmen have met virtually, but on July 13, 2020, the Board began meeting in person once again. The meetings are now being held in the Grand Hall of the Littleton Opera House.
The meeting began with Chairwoman, Carrie Gendreau opening up three consecutive public hearings on topics such as community development block grants and development projects. Katelyn Robinson, the Director of Economic Development at North Country Investment Corporation, or NCIC, shared that Littleton was eligible for up to $500,000 for economic development and up to an additional $500,000 for emergency funds. The town of Littleton wishes to use these funds in conjunction with other monies to complete the long-awaited Main Street Phase II project.
John Hennessey, Chairman of the River District Redevelopment Commission, approached the Board to present updates on the Riverfront Commons. The Commission to revitalize the River District has been working hard since 2012 and continues to make progress as Hennessey pointed out. The commission has seen four million dollars worth of completed projects, including the Porter Street Demonstration Project, the Bridge Street pedestrian bridge, the Saranac and Ammonoosuc Street reconstruction, and the, soon to break ground, Cottage Street sidewalk project. Hennessey and the Commission are looking towards the Murro Property, located next to the Riverglen House, as the next major expansion of the project. Additional parking and a pavilion area are planned to be constructed on the site if the Town of Littleton can secure the parcel. Along with the proposed riverfront area would be an extended rail-trail system, linking the ATV trail together.
Dorsett then introduced the interim Fire Chief, David Houghton. A resident of Moultonborough, New Hampshire, Houghton has thirty-eight years of experience within various fire departments in the states of New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Houghton will be working part-time as the Fire Chief as Littleton looks for candidates for the position.
A community member voiced her concerns about the condition of Far Hill Road. She stated that several residents have had a multitude of issues with their vehicles due to the poor conditions. Dorsett and the Board stated that repairs to the road will be conducted in the near future.
The meeting closed out with public debate between the Board and a citizen in regard to conflicting property lines. While the Board addressed the issue the members felt there was no action they could take at that time.
Video footage coming soon.