Granite State Future Regional Vision Workshops


CONTACT:
David J. Preece, AICP, Executive Director
Southern New Hampshire Planning Commission
(603) 669-4664
dpreece@snhpc.org

Granite State Future Regional Vision Workshops

What do those of us who live and work here in New Hampshire want for the future of our communities?  How can we keep what we value, meet the challenges of changing demographics, and increase economic vitality and opportunity?  These are the kinds of questions at the heart of A Granite State Future.  This project, coordinated by the State’s nine regional planning commissions (RPCs), is a local and regional dialogue among businesses and non-profit organizations, governmental agencies and voters, newcomers and long-term residents to consider the critical question: how should we plan for the future?

To create a plan which is reflective of all the unique towns, landscapes and people in the region, SNHPC has embarked on an ambitious public outreach process to learn what people see their communities as and what they would like their communities to be like in the future.  This outreach has entailed information booths at public events, such as the Deerfield Fair, visual preference surveys, comment cards, a mobile text messaging questionnaire and an online website to input comments.   

What we have learned so far paints a picture of a region that embraces New Hampshire’s rural and rugged character as well as its traditional town centers for shopping and community.  Preference in housing choice varied from more dense, in-town single-family homes popular with respondents in Manchester; suburban neighborhoods received about equal support between respondents in Manchester and rural residents; rural homes were most popular overall.  Transportation preferences favored both driving and rail.  Having the option to safely walk or bike also received much support.  While bus and rideshare modes of transportation were not as popular overall, respondents from Manchester were much more likely to select the bus as a preference.  For shopping, traditional town and village centers were the preference amongst all respondents.  Big box stores were also well received.  

Preferences related to recreation and public space were similar between the various areas.  Open space and forests were significantly and consistently preferred, relating back to the preference for a rural atmosphere in much of the region.  Overall, most commonly enjoyed in the region are traditional development patterns and rural landscape as well as sense of community.  Needing the most improvement includes transportation infrastructure along with increasing economic development opportunities, according to survey results.  

As Granite State Future continues, the next step is to develop a regional vision and to think about where the best places and ways are to accommodate an increasing population while maintaining the scenic and rural character treasured by so many, as well as the better utilization of existing infrastructure. In order to do so, we are seeking input, ideas, and thoughts on this from the area’s community.  Please join us for a public planning workshop where we will explore this question and get your ideas on what your vision of the future is!  

The dates and locations for the Regional Vision Workshops are as follows:

April 4th – Granite State Future Regional Vision Workshop focusing on the City of Manchester –6:00PM (Manchester Community College, 1066 Front St (Rooms 238-240), Manchester).  Please register at http://tinyurl.com/RegisterListening     

April 13th – Granite State Future Regional Vision Workshop focusing on the towns of New Boston, Weare, Goffstown and Bedford – 8:30AM to 12:00PM Noon (Whipple Free Library, New Boston). RSVP to lmoore@snhpc.org, 669-4664

May 18th – Granite State Future Regional Vision Workshop focusing on the towns of Candia, Deerfield, Raymond, Hooksett, Auburn and Chester – 8:30AM to 12:00PM Noon (Moore School, Candia) RSVP to lmoore@snhpc.org, 669-4664

June 1st – Granite State Future Regional Vision Workshop focusing on the towns of Derry, Londonderry, and Windham – 8:30AM to 12:00PM Noon (Barka Elementary School, 21 Eastgate Rd., Derry) RSVP to lmoore@snhpc.org, 669-4664

For more information, please contact Jillian Harris at 669-4664

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Teens Robbed of I-pod/Cell Phone

 

MANCHESTER, NH- On Monday, February 11, 2013, at about 6:30 PM, Manchester Police responded to a Clay Street address for a report of a robbery.  On arrival, they met with two 16 year old Manchester teens who reported they had been the victims of a robbery a short time earlier on Somerville Street, near Belmont Street.

 

According to the boys, they were walking in the area when they were approached by two men, one of whom demanded their belongings, indicating his companion had a gun, although no gun was observed.

 

One of the boys surrendered his I-pod Nano and Galaxy S3 cell phone and the men left.  They were last seen leaving the area as passengers in an older, dark colored 4-door sedan operated by a third individual who was possibly wearing a red sweatshirt.

 

The first suspect was described as a white male in his forties, about 6’3” tall with a slender build and dark “stubble” on his face.  He was last seen wearing a dark colored vest and a green “beanie” style hat.  The second man, alleged to have possessed a gun, was described as a clean-shaven white male in his forties with an average height and build.  He was last seen wearing a camouflage shirt and khaki pants.

 

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Manchester Police Department at 668-8711.  Anonymous tips for cash rewards can be made through Manchester Crimeline at 624-4040 or online at manchestercrimeline.org.