How might First St. travel and parking transition?

What is the process, procedure, requirements and schedule to make South First Street one way? First, it will not happen in a hurry. Town Administrator Scott Thomas, Planning Director Michael Davolio and Mayor Marna Hanneman’s responses to emailed questions indicate that the issue is complex and it will be some time before there is a decision and any new signage gets posted.

Thomas wrote that “First, staff will define the problems that we hope to address” and noted it was not obvious to him, that while both parking and public safety were discussed at the Feb. 20 forum, other issues and additional problems exist.

He brought up costs, the impacts of change and predicting consequences of each potential change. As an example: “We will want to know what impacts any changes will mean for the senior center that operates out of Maple Hall.”

As the town’s administrator and attorney, Thomas distinguishes staff “administrative function” of traffic control from asking the town council for direction, which he recommends be done.

As for a timeline, more research is required and potential options have to be considered. It is too early to estimate.

And for other factors, Thomas’ list of some 10 variables could probably be longer than it is.

Davolio responded that he and Assistant Planner Ajah Eills have work in front of them, including “laying out options and timetables for the next Planning Commission meeting.” His thoughts are evolving based on discussions with residents and more responses might be gathered “through a survey sent out with utility bills, and/or on the town’s web site.” Like Thomas, he is considering the “opportunities to make positive changes that will be supported by the community.”

Mayor Marna Hanneman agrees with the staff’s assessment that time is needed for work to get done. A summary from planning staff needs to go to the planning commission. Staff will work with the planning commission and bring those “observations and recommendations to the Council.” Hanneman also wants more outreach to the public to gather additional responses. She notes that residents are conversing with her. The process of hearing from residents and merchants and evaluating to find out the “win/win for the town. … is a marathon and not a sprint!” Hanneman exclaimed.