Greenland considers downtown village

A flyer hangs on the door of the Dunkin' Donuts in Greenland informing locals about a Community Workshop to discuss the vision of a village district on December 5, 8:00 a.m to 1 p.m. at the Central School. Rich Beauchesne photo
Rich Beauchesne/rbeauchesne@seacoastonline.com
By Joshua Clark

GREENLAND — Town planners are considering whether to create a downtown village district.

A public workshop to gauge community interest and generate ideas is set for 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 at Greenland Central School.

Michele Gagne, of the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension, finalized the agenda for the upcoming workshop and determined what topics will be discussed at a Planning Board meeting on Nov. 19. Gagne and UNH students are collaboratively researching the potential district.

Boundaries of the potential district, running from the intersection of Routes 33 and 151 and ending at the post office, will be discussed, as well as potential permitted uses. Residents will have the chance to participate in small-group sessions.

Five village district roundtables will cover streetscapes, transportation systems and options, generic architectural and site design guidelines, mixed uses, and public spaces and amenities will be set up with a Planning Board member at each table. Groups will visit each of the tables for 20 minutes and can pose questions regarding each aspect of the proposed district and provide suggestions and ideas.

Summaries of the meetings will be given by board members focusing on popular themes, trends, questions and suggestions brought about by the sessions.

"This meeting should give us an opportunity to see whether our vision is in alignment with the people of Greenland," said board member Rich Winsor.

"If they don't want to do it, we're not going to pursue this," said Stu Gerome of the board.

Chairman John McDevitt said there are currently no design plans, money set aside or projects lined up for the proposed district.

Citizens will also have the chance to weigh in and learn more about proposed zoning changes to Route 33.

Source:seacoastonline.com/